A little rain on Monday, enough to water the gardens at least. The Rose of Sharon is looking very healthy this summer. Perhaps they require less water than other shrubs as the blossoms are vibrant. Another week of temperatures in the 80s with excessive heat and humidity. Hope the warm weather will last another eight weeks for those of us who would like a little beach time after the crowds have left and our summer schedules are a little less hectic. The fish are biting off of Aquinnah – almost time for the derby.

Aquinnah Public Library Summer Speaker Series will present Jack Fruchtman, who will talk about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. He is a professor of political science and the director of the program in Law and American civilization at Towson University. His presentation will be on August 23 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Aquinnah town hall. No admission charge.

Condolences to James Benoit, his wife Nancy, their daughter Laina, family and friends of his mother, Theresa Benoit, who passed away at her home in Uxbridge on August 9. Her services were held on Tuesday at the National Cemetery in Bourne.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Rena Fischer who passed away on August 5 at her home on Beetlebung Corner. At 103 years of age, she was surrounded by the caring and love of her children Douglas, Marie, Suzanne, Albert and their families. Services were held on Tuesday at Saint Augustine’s Church in Tisbury.

Judy Belain and her friend Anthony Triconi of Wayland are at her Belain homestead for a visit. Their guests have been his daughter Beverly with her husband Michael McNeill and their children Tyler, Olivia and Ella Mae, all of Sandwich.

Welcome to USCG SK2 Timothy Bihansky who arrived at USCG Station Menemsha recently with his wife Jenny and their two-year-old son Lucas. They were transferred from Key West but are originally from New York and are presently residing in Oak Bluffs.

John and Amy Macey were delighted to have their daughter Ally home for an all-too-brief visit. She returned to her new home in Colorado on Wednesday. Their son Joshua and his bride Sophia were recent guests at the Macey home. Their youngest child, Zach, has been enjoying the summer while working in Chilmark. Kathryn Myrtle has completed her summer duties at Cliffhangers while staying with her aunt Jamie Sue Spears Vanderhoop and her husband Durwood Vanderhoop and their three sons: Sowanahsh, Kuhpay and Matahquhs. Kathryn will head home to Rhode Island over the weekend, spend a week in Arizona with her parents and then back to her studies at Rhode Island College.

Welcome to Eli Thomas Ricker, son of Dallas and Chelsi, who was born at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on August 9 and welcomed home by his two-year-old brother Parker.

Donna Sparkman of Westbury, N.Y. is enjoying a brief stay at her family home on Meetinghouse Way.

Carrie Anne Vanderhoop and her daughter Rosalie Bellis have arrived from their home in Masset, British Columbia for a visit with family and friends.

A very special happy birthday wish to President William J. Clinton as he celebrates his special day on August 19.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Parker Ricker who celebrated his second birthday on August 11. Alison Levy celebrated on August 15. Ellen Biskis will party on August 16 while performing at Cliffhangers in the evening with her fellow musicians. Kathryn Myrtle will party on the 19th. Barbara Bassett and Wendy Swolinzky share the day on August 20. Cheryl Batzer will observe her special day on August 21. Gregory Clark and Teresa Temple share the day on August 22. Betty Hindley Hatzikon and Noli Taylor share the day on the 23rd.

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