Welcome to summer and all the people it brings along with it. Traffic is heavy everywhere, even over at the landfill. The weather cooperated over the long holiday weekend. The parade in Edgartown was-well attended and the highlight of the Fourth. Many backyard cookouts were also held that day.

About 70 people attended a night before the Fourth of July party at the home of Wollcott and Leah Smith in Tiah’s Cove Monday evening. Their many friends and neighbors enjoyed the evening and a wonderful dinner.

Nicole Alley and her sons Robbie and Henry came down for the Fourth of July. We all enjoyed the Smith party, especially the grandchildren who met new friends and got to play on the swings. They enjoyed being a part of the parade and tossing candy and beads.

David McCullough and his wife Rosalee were at their Music Street home for the long holiday. He celebrates his birthday today with family and friends.

Warren and Marilyn Hollinshead enjoyed a recent visit from daughter Dana, her husband, Todd Gill, their children Lauren and Evan, and other Gill family members from West Dennis, Middletown, Conn., and San Diego, Calif. Last week daughter Anne visited with husband Ted DeCourcey, teenagers Emma, Matthew, and their friend Abby from Houston, Tex.

Mary Pat Hough-Greene is in residence at the Book House on Indian Hill. Phyllis Meras held a memorial party for her mom, Mary Lu, who passed away this winter. Her son Neil, his wife Amy, and her grandchildren Harper and Georgia (named for her father George Anthony Hough) have been visiting from Albuquerque, N.M. this week.

Vicky Bijur and her husband, Ed Levine, are staying at her mom’s place in Tiah’s Cove. They are busy relaxing and enjoying themselves.

Charlie Kernick reports that a group of neighbors banded together to fund a plaque to be installed on the eastern shore of the Mill Pond, a lasting reminder to all of how important the pond has been in the town’s history. It’s a beautiful bronze monument that will be dedicated during a public ceremony on Sunday morning, July 9 at 11:30 a.m.

Sig Van Raan of Music street recently returned from a week at the Kenyon College playwright conference in Ohio. He spent the week sharing creative ideas and working on writing projects with other skilled playwrights and directors. Upon return home on Father’s Day weekend he was surprised by son Jackson’s visit. Jackson just finished a year-long teaching internship through AmeriCorps in Burlington, Vt. He will spend the summer working in Burlington and plans to visit Israel for an extended stay in the fall.

Sig’s daughter, Sofia, and her boyfriend, Zach visited for the July 4 week. She was recently in New Orleans, La. representing the UNICEF organization at a major concert hosted by Global Citizens, an organization she has worked with in the past. Part of her job is to coordinate fundraising and establish resource ties within the international poverty and health world.

Sig and Susan hosted an intimate dinner party celebration last weekend for Toni and Richard Cohen to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. The evening celebration was capped with a fireworks display. It was a lovely evening with folks sharing stories and memories of the couple.

Kim Bartlett of Burlington, Vt. was at her South Road cottage for Fourth of July festivities. She enjoyed herself and plans to return for the fair.

Olivia Larsen reports that the library is brimming with activities. Here are just a few. Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m., join them for an art reception featuring the work of Nancy Purnell, whose landscape paintings will be on display through the month of July. On Monday at 10:30 a.m., Mathea Morais will lead a writing workshop for ages nine to 14. The workshop will be held Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Snacks, books, pencils, and paper provided. Space is limited to 10 participants, so please preregister at the library.

Marian Irving reports that the First Congregational Church annual blueberry festival will be on Saturday, July 22 from noon to 4 p.m. Enjoy blueberry treats at tables and chairs on the front lawn.

On July 8, 1946 Mrs. Arthur Doane and her daughter Muriel, of Melrose, joined her son Bob for the season at the old family home, the former Luce place on Edgartown Road. Bob worked that summer at the community market in Chilmark that was owned and operated by Rex Weeks.

Happy birthday to: David McCullough, Sarah Pallatorni, Deanna Cote, Philip daRosa and Adam Bresnick Friday; John Karalekas, Jack Mayhew, Sarah Cottle, and Andrew Gardner Saturday; Devin Church, Jason Neago, Laura Turney and Skipper Manter on Sunday; David Merry, Joy Robinson Lynch, Rez Williams, Paul Wilkins and Sandy Fisher on Monday; Mike Colaneri, Nancy Salon, Andrew Woodruff, Dennis White, and Julie Moon on Tuesday; Anna Alley, Denise Mount, and Lauraye White on Wednesday, and Paul Karasik, David Perzanowski and Daria Whitman on Thursday. Anniversary wishes to Jane and Ed Konicki tomorrow. Belated birthday wishes to the honorable Dudley Eppel, Mal Jones and Bruce Stone.

Well that is all of the social news for this edition. Please call or e-mail me with your news. Have a great week.

Send West Tisbury news to alleys@vineyard.net.