Summer is almost here. We went from a low in the 30s a week ago, still wearing wool and turning the heat back on, to having the temperature in the 80s in less than a week. The iris are standing tall, rainbows appear at least once or twice a week, and the season is about to flourish. Schools get out next Thursday on the Vineyard, signifying the start of a busy summer.

Many new books at the Aquinnah Public Library. On Saturday, June 17 at 10:30 a.m. it is story time and from 11 to 3 is kids craft: painted paper flowers inspired by Eric Carle’s illustrations. On Tuesday, June 20 the after school program will meet. This month’s book group will be held on June 17 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss Little Bee by Chris Cleave.

Martha’s Vineyard Museum will host the summer opening party on June 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Edgartown campus on School street. The event is free and all are welcome. Enjoy the Local Immigrants Project over the next month, especially the interesting collection of family archives of Virginia Coutinho, a descendant of Azorean fishermen and the Dias family, the first Portuguese settlers.

The All-Island Band including Laina Benoit on clarinet, Nahani Hyde on percussion, Aileen Mahoney on flute, Noah Manning on baritone horn, and Fynn Monahan on trombone recently performed at the high school Performing Arts Center with fellow members from across the Vineyard. A week ago, the B band travelled to Rochester Memorial School in Rochester to perform and students from Rochester also visited the Vineyard to perform.

It is the 12th season for the Vanderhoop Homestead on Aquinnah Circle. The Aquinnah Cultural Center is located in a 19th century Wampanoag farm house near the Gay Head Cliffs. Exhibits and programs cover many centuries of Wampanoag history and culture. They have expanded their whaling exhibit and have a new exhibit, The Maine Ingredient, on root club and birch bark art of the Penobscot and Passaquoddy people. Please check for information on all programs, exhibits and special events at aquinnahcc@gmail.com or 508-645-7900. The center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular admission is $5 adults, $3 seniors and children 12 and under.

Welcome home to U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Kevin M. Devine, son of Herbert Devine of Falmouth and Wendy Devine of Oak Bluffs, who arrived at his home in Lexington, Ky. one week ago from Afghanistan. Kevin, a member of the U.S. Army for the past 25 years, has had six deployments to the Middle East. Kevin, his wife, Tabitha, and their daughter Kylie plan to arrive on the Vineyard soon to visit sons Anthony and Derrick, his mother, and numerous family members.

Welcome to U.S. Coast Guard SA David Galan, who arrived from boot camp at Cape May, N.J. following a brief trip home to the California desert. David is now at Station Menemsha and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.

Congratulations to U.S. Coast Guardsman Colin Katillus, who has been attending Coast Guard “A” School in Virginia Beach, Va. Colin recently graduated from A School with a high score, qualifying him to have a choice of five different stations to be a part of. For now, he is undecided. We will look forward to his next visit in the neighborhood with his father George, stepmother Chris, and his brother George.

The Manning family is excited. United States Navy AME2 (AW) Christopher P. Manning, son of Paul and Theresa Manning, will arrive home on June 29 following a six month deployment aboard the USS Carl Vinson in the Pacific Ocean. He was attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 137. Chris traveled from his home base in Lemoore, Calif. to Hawaii, Guam, South Korea, Singapore, back to Hawaii, and a quick stop at his home base in Lemoore before heading to Aquinnah. After watching CNN reports on television each day, we were grateful for Facebook to message Chris every few days with words of encouragement. Due to circumstances in Washington D.C. his ship was diverted from going to Australia back up to the Sea of Japan. This will be his first visit home in almost two years. So proud of my grandson Chris and his accomplishments. His brother Noah and sister Kayla will await his arrival as well.

Upon Ryan Rossi’s honorable discharge from the Coast Guard in May, he was presented with Certificate of Appreciation from Coast Guard Auxiliary 11-9. The award was presented by Auxiliary Commander Timothy Carroll and Wayne Iacono. On Ryan’s last evening at Station Menemsha the crew enjoyed a lobster dinner provided by Mr. Iacono as well as steak. The bar has been set rather high. In addition to many accolades, Ryan was awarded a three-pound lobster as well.

Dr. Joseph Harrington and his wife, Lynn, returned to their home in Andover on Monday after a brief visit with her son Jason, his wife, Tiffany, and their children Maysel, Brian, Novella and Carl.

Heath Widdiss visited for the second time over the past two weeks, enjoying a visit with his daughter Josie Lucia Iadicicco who has arrived home following her sophomore year at New York University.

Condolences to the family and friends of Anne Heywood, who shared many luncheons with us at Marion Harding Duckworth Harding’s home. Annie will certainly be missed on Chappy and beyond.

Condolences to the family and friends of Judy Jahries, who passed away at her home in Tisbury. Judy shared her knowledge with many visitors during her tours to Aquinnah. She was a tireless volunteer, organizing the runners during the Possible Dream Auctions each year. She was known for her delicious raspberry jam and her boundless energy at the Toy Box.

Condolences to the family and friends of Shirley Vincent Kaeka, who passed away recently following her return home to the Vineyard. We were co-workers at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital for several years.

Happy eighth anniversary wishes to Douglas Plummer and Cathleen Sheehan on June 20.

Happy 11th birthday wishes to my youngest grandson, Noah James Manning, as he celebrates Friday.

Tabitha Lynn Rose will celebrate the big 5-0 on June 17 and shares the day with Irina Gerhard, Nancy Leport, and Greg Borchow. Scott Mullin will party on June 19. Dr. Thomas Green will celebrate on June 20, as will Faith Smalley. Fawn Vanderhoop Fantasia will celebrate on June 22 and shares the day with Matthew Stackpole.

Send Aquinnah news to junemanning152@gmail.com.