Summertime weather has been enjoyed by many. The beaches are being enjoyed as they always have been. Temperatures have been mostly in the 70s with occasional showers. Many of our seasonal residents have arrived to enjoy their summer in Aquinnah.  

Have you been at home decorating your float for the 19th annual Aquinnah Fourth of July parade? The socially-distanced vehicle parade in honor of our essential workers will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4 and wind through town.  

You may watch from your driveway while wearing your mask. The line-up starts at 9:30 a.m. on Moshup Trail at Old South Road and then will head towards the cliffs. Tune into WMVY radio, 88.7, for a special parade soundtrack. There will be a prize for the best float.  

Aquinnah Public Library offers another crafting workshop on Saturday, July 4 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To register, please contact Julia by email at jmatejcek@clamsnet.org.  

Aquinnah town meeting was significant in the outdoor setting at the Aquinnah Fire Station during this Covid-19 crisis. The annual election was held in the town hall on Wednesday with everyone being socially distanced from each other. There were really no contested offices.  Gabriella Camilleri retained her seat as the town clerk, receiving 71 votes as the top vote-getter and achieving 100 per cent of the votes cast. 

Our friendly staff at the Up-Island Council at the Howes House has been working during the Covid-19 crisis. There has been a 30 per cent increase in services needed by our up-Island elders. 

The staff has been working on a rotating basis to maintain social distancing. Our director, Joyce Albertine, even meets with clients on the terrace when the weather permits. Bethany Hammond and Diana Braillard are in on alternating days, while Tanya Larsen is on medical leave. Throughout this time of uncertainty, the staff has been there to provide assistance as needed, even delivering necessities to those in West Tisbury, Chilmark and Aquinnah.

Only two programs are available at the present time–Katryn Gilbert with strength training and Martha Abbot with yoga, both available on Zoom. A new dropbox has been installed for dropping items off, durable medical equipment is still available for loan, a notary public is on site for notarizing. Please feel free to telephone and leave a message at 508-693-2896 for assistance or to have your most pertinent questions answered.

The 9th annual CONNECT to End Violence Sea Wall event will be held on the Vineyard Haven sea wall on Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. under the guidance of Jennifer Neary, director of CONNECT, as part of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services.  

The Martha’s Vineyard Museum has re-opened this week for outdoor adventures. There will be a scavenger hunt for those wanting something different to do. Doherty hall will be open for an exhibit, or join the yoga group on the Lewis lawn.    

Max and Cheryl Batzer have arrived for their summer sojourn, enjoying the sights and sounds from their Lobsterville home.  

Gary and Lisa Foster are at their home in East Pasture, having arrived from their winter home in California. They are self-quarantining for the required time.    

Congratulations and all the best to Ava Castro and Scott Goldin who were married at home in Katama on June 13. The ceremony was performed by Ava’s mother, Gabriella Camilleri, who just happens to be a Justice of Peace. Ava is the daughter of Gabriella Camileri of Aquinnah and Scott Castro of Edgartown. Ava is also the niece of Matt Castro of Tisbury.   

Congratulations to Noah Manning for his high academic achievement for the third trimester of the 2019 to 2020 school year at Falmouth Academy. Noah has received a certificate earning his place on the head of school’s list from Matthew Green, head of school.   

Congratulations to Emmett Cole Taylor who graduated from fifth grade at Chilmark School and is heading to school in West Tisbury in September.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Jane Keenan on July 1, sharing the day with Ken Cottrill;  July 2 is a day of celebration for Jessica Bradlee, Rob Verdone and Frank Rapoza; Lew Kurtzman will party on July 3; Alice Mae Baird and Michael Norkus share the day on July 4;  Adam R. Smith, Marcia Vanderhoop and Adrian Higgins will all party on July 5; Wiet Bacheller and Jeremy Berke party on July 6; Marianne Spiller and Steve Yaffee share the day on July 7;  Lt. Jeffrey Scott Manter will celebrate his special day on July 9.