Another glorious, sun-filled week. Ideal weather for all the outdoor activities including fundraisers, picnics, and vacations. Despite the significant lack of rain, there is beauty in so many blooming plants and shrubs especially the Rose of Sharon, hydrangeas, and the roses that are still in bloom.

Have you noticed? The first Martha’s Vineyard license plates have appeared on the Island this week. If you ordered one through Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, you will be notified when your plate is available at the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Story time is from 10:30 p.m. at the Aquinnah Public Library on Satuday and kids’ craft: Where the Wild Things Are takes place from 11 to 3 p.m. On Tuesday, August 9 from 3 to 4 will be kids’ summer club, from 5 to 6 is music on the deck, and 6 to 7 p.m., henna tattoos.

The opening Reception for Our Story: 400 Years of Wampanoag History will take place at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 5 the Aquinnah Cultural Center. This is the inaugural exhibit of Plymouth 400, and is returning to the ACC for the second year. All are welcome to come to the opening, and enjoy refreshments while viewing the exhibit about 17th century Wampanoag history and interactions with European settlers and explorers. On Saturday, August 6 help welcome Mashpee Wampanoag artist Gail Hill, who will demonstrate the traditional style of Wampanoag pottery, and try your hand at working with clay (not from the Cliffs). For more information call 508-645-7900, or email aquinnahcc@gmail.com.

Native American Day will be observed in the commonwealth of Massachusetts on August 12.

Cori DiPietro and her family have enjoyed a recent visit from Chantal Ames, who arrived from the West Coast for her second Vineyard visit.

Colin Katilus, son of George and Chris, recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in Cape May, N.J. She spent a brief visit at their Aquinnah home, and has been assigned to duty and was flown to Panama to meet his ship.

Amira Madison recently returned from a very enjoyable visit with Tiffany Smalley in Pleasanton, Calif. A move to California may be in Amira’s future plans.

On a recent visit to the Aquinnah Police Department, Aquinnah police Chief Randhi Belain was proud to inform me that Sgt. Paul Manning had completed training with the FBI and received a Trilogy Award for his participation in classes in supervisor leadership, command leadership, and executive leadership institutes, for a combined total of 120 hours of classroom work.

Sincerest condolences to the family and many friends of Alison Beth Reynolds, who passed away unexpectedly at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on July 27. An extended family member, Alison was a bright spot in anyone’s day. She was the daughter of Cheryl Kinnecom Cullinan and her husband James Cullinan, and Gary Reynolds and his wife Ellen Sutter Reynolds. She is survived by her grandparents Captain Robert and Ernestine Rose Kinnecom, her aunts JoAnn Kinnecom Murphy and her husband Brian and their family, Roberta Kinnecom Evans and family, Barbara Kinnecom, and by her uncle Robert Kinnecom 2nd and his wife Rosemary. Alison is also survived by her children Christopher, Bianca, and Payton, as well as by numerous extended family members. Graveside services were held on Monday at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Oak Bluffs.

Ron and Joanne Spears have returned to Rhode Island after a brief stay with their daughter Jamie Sue Spears Vanderhoop, her husband Durwood and especially their grandsons Sowanahsh, Kuhpay and Matahquhs.

Jennifer Staples returned to her home in Los Angeles after a brief visit with her mother Kristina Kestenbaum Williams Hook Leslie and her grandson Darrius. While Jennifer was in Aquinnah, her sons Maxum and Charlton visited with their grandfather Sandy Williams at his home in Virginia.

Jason Widdiss at Wayward Wampum, at the cliffs, has a new selection of wampum, plus wampum print T-shirts, hats and jewelry for your shopping pleasure. New this year: a Vineyard outline as well as a carved turtle by Donald Widdiss.

Happy 54th anniversary wishes to Brook and Kristin Zern as they celebrate on August 6.

Happy 38th anniversary wishes to Barry and Judith Manning Milavsky on August 11.

Belated happy birthday wishes to Billy Merry who celebrated a milestone while in Aquinnah on July 29.

Happy birthday wishes to Dr. Peter J. Laursen as he celebrates a milestone on August 6. Terry Iadicicco will celebrate on August 6. Aquinnah town clerk Carolyn Feltz will party on the 7th, as will David Elliot Vanderhoop 2nd. Beatrice Patadal observes a milestone on August 8 and shares the day with Evan Hall. Layne Bazzy parties on August 9. Peter Jeffers and Jim Boales share the day on August 10. Dr. Helen Mays will observe her special day on August 11.

Send Aquinnah news to junemanning152@gmail.com.