JUNE D. MANNING

508-645-2574

(junemanning152@gmail.com)

As the first family’s vacation nears its end over the weekend, I truly hope the Obama family has enjoyed their time on the Vineyard. The road closure was not that much of an inconvenience. On my way home on Monday evening, I joined a few friends in front of Howes House to wave to the motorcade as they drove through West Tisbury. I was behind them Tuesday night as they left the Beach Plum Inn at 9:15 p.m. It has already been confirmed that the Secret Service agents who I delivered meals to in 1998 have most likely retired!

The Aquinnah Public Library will celebrate with a pizza party on August 24 at 1:30 p.m. to thank and congratulate all the kids who participated in the summer reading program. On August 22 at 5 p.m., Tom Dunlop will speak on the phenomenon of climate change and increasing erosion damage. On August 29 at 5 p.m., Rose Styron will speak about curating the works of her late husband William Styron and her new book Selected Letters of William Styron.

At the Aquinnah Cultural Center this week, Kitty Hendricks-Miller of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe will demonstrate traditional Wampanoag cooking on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. On August 21, Kerri Helme, also from Mashpee, will demonstrate porcupine quill embroidery from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Last Monday evening, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum held its annual meeting as well as the Martha’s Vineyard Medal Ceremony to honor community members for their contributions. Vernon Jordan introduced Sheldon Hackney, chair emeritus of the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, former president of University of Pennsylvania and chairman of the National Endowment for Humanities during the Clinton administration. Dr. Gerry Yukevich introduced Olga Hirshhorn, an ardent supporter of the arts on the Vineyard, especially in her creation and curating of the Chicken Alley Art Show. Nancy Cole introduced the Murphy family, recognizing the family for the contributions of their late parents Stan and Polly Murphy. The award also honored Chris Murphy, former fisherman and captain of the Vanity, and Barbara Thomas Murphy, a museum volunteer for nine years. Chris and Barbara were MVRHS classmates of mine.

Congratulations to the Aquinnah residents who participated in the Chilmark Road Race on Saturday: Paul Manning and my grandson Noah James Manning, Mimi Trimmer, Megan Woods, Pearl Vercruysse, Bruce and Shelly Eckman. There may have been a few other Aquinnah residents I may have missed among the 1,500 runners.

Welcome William Allen Anderson Bologna who was born at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on August 3. William is the son of Susan and Nicholas Bologna and was welcomed home by his sister Charlotte Anne.

Congratulations and all the best to Gary Coates, son of James and Eloise Moreis Boales who graduated on August 13 from the New Haven Police Academy. Gary will complete his training and will be cross-trained for federal, state and tribal police work. He previously served as a special Aquinnah police officer, an Aquinnah Tribal Ranger and is still one of our Tri-Town EMTs.

Condolences to the family and friends of Jeffrey Kurth who passed away at his Chilmark home on Saturday following a long illness. Jeff was a Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School schoolmate and a wise historian of the waters and wells up-Island.

Condolences to the family and friends of Bob Lee, son of the late Wallace and Pauline Lee, who passed away on Monday afternoon. Bob was a longtime Aquinnah resident.

Kristina Kestenbaum Leslie recently returned from a 10-day stay in California. She spent five days in San Clemente with her daughter Samantha and her husband Cliff. Then it was off to Los Angeles for five days with daughter Jennifer and her husband Doug.

Condolences to the family and friends of Richard Maciel who passed away on Saturday in Brockton. His services were held at the National Cemetery in Bourne this week. I was glad to have had the chance to catch up with Richard and Joan on one of their recent visits to Aquinnah.

Mrs. Charlotte Meyer is enjoying her summer with children and grandchildren. Her grandson Benjamin is here. He is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Frederick Meyer of Minnesota. On Saturday, grandchildren Robbie and Jenna arrived. Her daughter in law Dr. Olga Meyer is also visiting.

Arnold and Norma Zack have been at their Aquinnah home since the middle of June. Their daughter Rachel Zack Ishikawa received her doctorate in psychology from Clark University in May and was here for the month of June with her husband Charlie and their children Akeakamai and Kealakai. Jonathan Zack was here for a week, departing Tuesday.

Happy 44th anniversary to Arnold and Norma Zack who celebrated on August 10.

Happy 1st birthday wishes to Sowanahsh William Spears Vanderhoop, son of Woody and Jamie Sue Vanderhoop.

I have misplaced my birthday book but with the residual of my short term memory, I do know that former president William J. Clinton and Vernon Jordan will be celebrating their birthdays this week. Also, Leslie J. Stark celebrates three-quarters of a century on Sunday!

All roads lead to the fair —well perhaps not South Road this year!