The weekend was warm. Lawn mowers could be heard buzzing most everywhere in town and the weather perfect for outside chores. Many people had an opportunity to go to the beach for the first time and Lambert’s Cove was pleasantly crowded. The first weekend of the unofficial summer season brought thousands of visitors and if you went downtown you certainly experienced our first traffic jams of the season. Andrea Rogers reports that the Artisans Show at the Grange was a huge success.

Linda Alley, the homemade jelly queen, is busy preparing her specialty jellies for the farmer’s market that will open soon.

Alex Karman, of Albany, N.Y., arrived last Friday to spend the long holiday weekend at his mother’s house on State Road. He was the host to several guests who all had a swell time.

Marie-Louise Rouff, of Field View Road, would like you to know that she is now represented by the Louisa Gould Gallery in Vineyard Haven. The first show of the season is on display now.

Ava and Naomi Plakins of Philadelphia, Pa. arrived last week to open their Middle Road estate for the summer season. As usual they are busy making improvements to the house.

Sig Van Raan and Susan Dickler have returned to their Music street home for the summer.

Paul Karasik reports that the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School will graduate a record number of students on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at the school. The graduating class of 14 students is the largest in the school’s 21 years.

Debbie Magnuson reports that the town is 125 years old and a big, old-fashioned family picnic will be held on June 10 from noon until 4 p.m. If it is a very rainy day it will be held the next day. It will be held on the Agricultural Society grounds. There will be games, hayrides, surprises, and some picnic tables if you’d like to use them. Commemorative picnic blankets are available for pre-sale for $15. Soft on top and water resistant on the bottom. They are for sale at Conroy Apothecary and the Howes House. You may also purchase them from Debbie directly by calling 508-693-0081.

Please bring your own picnic food. They will be providing small bottles of water and lemonade, served in reusable commemorative cups. If you are able, and wish to, please bring a dessert to share. Please leave four-footed friends home.

Olivia Larsen, over at the library, reports that activities at the library will be busy. Here at just two of the events: tomorrow from 4 to 5 p.m., the library will host an art reception featuring the work of mother and daughter Anne and Liza Martin. This show will be on display throughout the month of June. On Monday from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Julia Kidd, psychotherapist, will offer a free workshop and discussion in an effort to help the community cope with fear, sadness and anxiety caused by the political climate. Julia will be joined by panelists Kimberly Cartwright and Laura Love Denman.

In June 1954 the building boom in town continued to mushroom. First, the Sam Thompson barn was moved across Old County Road and renovated into living quarters, then Mrs. Marian Kelsey, of Hamburg, Conn., purchased the barn and adjoining lot from Mabel Johnson of Edgartown Road. Construction began on another summer home on Old County Road, a Cape Cod style cottage for Mrs. Margaret Young of Morrisville, N.Y. Lumber from the former Santos house on Music street, recently town down by the town, was used in the construction of Mrs. Young’s home. Her neighbor, Mrs. Carman, also had a large addition put onto her house. Daniel Manter was the contractor for all the building jobs. Phyllis Smith had the kitchen wing of the former Canary Cottage moved to her property and used it as a summer camp.

Happy birthday to: Linda Alley, Joyce Siberling, Maria Watson and Laurence Binney Friday; Patrick Perzanowski, Jenifer Alameda, Sian Williams, Bill Blakesley, and Casey Decker Saturday; Stephanie Brothers, Lisa Kimball, Deborah Dennis, George Hartman and Debra Yapp on Sunday; Dale Julier, Mona Rosenthal, Margie Meltzer and Jean Powers on Monday; Jen Wool, Mary French, Ernie Barrett, Dorothy Gregory, Wanda Higgins and Lee Faraca on Tuesday; Andrea Hartman, Cheryl Grimes and Barbara Frankel on Wednesday; and Robin Moriarty, John Powers, Susanna Sturgis and Jesse Sonneborn on Thursday. Belated birthday greetings to Beth McElhiney, Mary Jane Pease, Becky Baxter, Toni Kurasch and Simi Horwitz. Anniversary wishes to Tony Silva and Dianne McDonough on Monday. Roger and Gloria Sylva celebrate their 49th on Thursday.

Well that is all of the social news for this edition. Sunday is the 73rd anniversary of D-Day. If you have any news please call or e-mail me. Have a great week.

Send West Tisbury news to alleys@vineyard.net.