Summer has arrived and the hydrangeas are beautiful and in abundance across the Vineyard. The roses are gorgeous as well. Amazing how these all survived the mounds of snow over the winter but the spring thaw must have watered their roots well. Happy Fourth of July—enjoy the parades and parties and have a safe weekend.

The YMCA of MV will host the Stars + Stripes Festival Friday evening at Flatbread at the airport from 7 p.m. to late. Featured music will be performed by Walk the Moon, ASTR, Alex Winston, and Santah. Tickets are $35 in advance at brownpapertickets.com or $40 at the door.

The 12th annual Old South Road Neighborhood Association will again host the children’s Fourth of July parade down Old South Road followed by the treasure hunt on the beach. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. with the parade at 11 a.m.

The Aquinnah Public Library will feature music on the deck this summer with musicians who usually perform at Alex’s Place Teen Center at the YMCA on Friday nights. The first evening of music will be held on the library deck on Tuesday, July 7 from 5 to 6 p.m. Stop by and enjoy. On Thursday, July 9 Susan Wilson will discuss her new book The Dog Who Saved Me.

Charlotte Cook and her husband Craig Rakela are at their Aquinnah home with their little dog Chloe as they await guests throughout the summer. Charlotte recently attended her 55th reunion at Wellesley College.

Bruce and Shelly Eckman and their family arrived on Sunday for the summer.

Judy Lane and her husband Mark Mattson are at their summer home, awaiting the arrival of Mark’s side of the family for a large reunion over the weekend. Welcome to all.

Bob and Judy Lana Peterson have arrived for their summer sojourn. It is always great to see them.

Welcome home to Kathleen Smith who has been teaching overseas this past year. Her husband Jim Wallen toured several of the countries in southeast Asia during Kathleen’s winter school break. Their sons Nicholas and Zachary will be sailing into Edgartown Harbor this weekend from Newport.

Happy 21st anniversary wishes to Michael and Brenda Johnson on July 9.

Happy ninth birthday to Robbie Manning as he celebrates Friday. Jane Anderson will celebrate her special day on July 4 and shares the day with Marianne Thomas, Mae Alice Baird, and Michael Norkus. My dear friend, Wiet Bacheller will observe her special day on July 6—a true crusader for many great causes across the Vineyard and a pleasure to work with. Marianne Spiller parties on July 7 and shares the day with Steve Yaffe. Gloria Fontes and Dominic Baird share the day on July 9.

Send Aquinnah news to junemanning152@gmail.com.