Sweltering temperatures this week in the 80s, nearing 90s. The only safe places are at the beach or in an air-conditioned office somewhere. Barely a breeze in the air. All roads lead to the Agricultural Fair which begins on August 16.

Welcome to President Obama and his family as they have chosen to once again vacation on the Vineyard.

The annual Wampanoag Fundraiser starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 11 with wine and hors d’oeuvres, then servings of Wampanoag foods, and finishes with a cultural presentation. This year there will be a very special presentation based on actual historical experience. Darius Coombs, Mashpee Wampanoag, and Christopher Hall of Plimoth Plantation will reenact a scenario common to the mid-17th century as Wampanoag people were converted to Christianity, and so had to confess their sins to English ministers. This reenactment provides great insight into the reception of Christianity by Native people, and also the attitudes of the English towards them. Cost to attend is $100 for adults and $40 for children 12 and under. All proceeds go to support the museum’s exhibits, programs and events.

The Martha’s Vineyard Author Series continues on Thursday, August 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Chilmark Community Center when award-winning novelist Tayari Jones joins us to discuss her New York Times bestseller, An American Marriage. An Oprah Book Club Selection in 2018, the story focuses on an African American couple whose lives are shaken up after the husband returns from serving a 12-year sentence for a crime he did not commit. Journalist Michelle Norris will interview Ms. Jones. Go to mvbookfestival.com for details.

Cynthia Vanderhoop Akins has arrived for her August sojourn. Her daughter Thea will follow along shortly.

Jeffrey Elghanayan and his family of Laguna Beach have been at their Aquinnah home for the past month.

The Rusty and Heide Ratliff family returned to the Brett-Smith house again as they have annually for nearly 35 years at 4 Jeffers Way. Instead of one family, they are now four for a few days in the house. Daniel came with wife Hattie and their two children, as did Tom with his three children. Karla joined with her husband Mike and son Henry. They celebrated Tom’s daughter Jillian’s third birthday and Oma Heide’s 73rd birthday. They returned to their respective homes on August 4.

Happy 56th anniversary wishes to Sir Brook Zern and his bride Kirstin on August 6. Happy 49th anniversary wishes to Arnold and Norma Zack on August 10. Happy 40th anniversary wishes to Barry Milavsky and Judith Manning Milavsky on August 11.

Happy belated birthday wishes this week to Pam Morgan Dolby and Susan Klein on August 5. Dr. Peter J. Laursen on August 6 who shared the day with Terry Iacicicco and Shirley Dewing. Rita Brown will celebrate on the seventh. Jessica Shafer Lumb and Evan Hall party on the eighth. Layne Bazzy will party on August 9. Dr. Helen Mays will celebrate on August 11.

Happy 35th anniversary wishes to Edward and Fawn Fantasia as they celebrate on August 13.

Happy birthday wishes on August 12 to Sasha Gerhard who will be 12 years old and shares the day with Laina Benoit who will be 12 years old as well. Joan Gentry Patadal will observe her special day on August 13. Rick Duarte parties on the 13th. A very special happy birthday to Vernon Jordan as he celebrates on August 15. Kate Taylor parties on August 15. Isabelle Lumb parties on the 16th. Carl Crocker will party on August 17.

Aquinnah news can be sent to junemanning152@gmail.com.