Just when you thought the season had quieted down in Aquinnah, on election day we were rather amazed to see a tour bus in the parking lot. I was so excited as I was sure it was a busload of voters. The lot was suddenly full of tourists who were waiting in the shade while four Aquinnah police officers examined the tour bus that had just been involved in a minor accident. Of course, the tourists all decided to tour the town hall while they were waiting.

Naturally most headed to the restrooms, a few stopped to fill their water bottles, and then there were those who helped themselves to the luncheon that was on the dining room table, prepared by town clerk Gabriella Camilleri for the Board of Registrars and the election team. One lady filled a cup with homemade pickles till it was overflowing. In any event, a good time was had by all.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Trina Ellen Kingsbury whom I had known since childhood. I am glad I saw Trina about a month ago in Chilmark. Trina was amazingly talented. She was quite the artist, knitter, absolute lover of all furry creatures great and small, a wordsmith, proud of her family history and especially her Finnish roots, the Aquinnah columnist for the MVT and pinch hit for me a couple of times writing my Vineyard Gazette column (and had called Dick Reston to recommend me for the Aquinnah column) frying pan tossing woman, woodswoman carver, and had collected and proudly framed innumerable ribbons from the MV Agricultural Fair. 

Trina virtually did it all — beautiful handcrafts, baking, creating all the time from the comfort of her humble surroundings. May she rest in peace.

Lisa Bibko-Vanderhoop has her latest Vineyard Seadogs calendar on the stands this week. They may be purchased at Alley’s, Aquinnah Shop, Bunch of Grapes, Cronig’s, Rainy Day, and at other sites.

Paul Henry Jeffers-Mayhew has returned to his senior year studies at U-Mass Boston where he is majoring in criminal justice. He is excited to spend the next few months as an intern in the juvenile court in Dorchester.

Condolences to the family and friends of Louis Lefeber who passed away recently in Toronto. He and his family were longtime seasonal residents of East Pasture.

Mrs. Hannah Malkin returned to her home in Lantana, Fla. on Friday after having spent the past half a century of summers at her beautiful home on Lighthouse Road. She enjoyed being such an active part of the community on a year-round basis. Hannah and her infinite wisdom will be missed.

Welcome to Amy and Nicole Vanderhoop, daughters of Captain Buddy Vanderhoop and his wife Lisa Bibko, who will arrive today from Hawaii and California respectively.

Congratulations to Heath Widdiss and his bride Sheri Rullie who were married on August 14. Always nice to catch up with Heath while he is here visiting his dad Donald and his brother Jason, as well as his nephew Carl.

News from across the channel at USCG Station Menemsha: congratulations and all the best to Gabriel Villano who will be discharged this month after serving the past four years. Gabe arrived at Menemsha in February 2015 from Edison, N.J. He will remain on the Vineyard and become a member of the Eversource team and it will be nice to see him around.

Happy 49th anniversary to Christopher and Barbara Murphy who celebrated their special day on Sept. 6. Happy seventh anniversary to Chelsea Ives and Sean Kelley on Sept. 10. Happy ninth anniversary to Jesse Wiener and Maggie Anderson on Sept. 12. Happy 44th anniversary wishes to Thomas and Christine Murphy on Sept. 14.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Noah Thomas Kausch as he celebrated his sixth birthday on Sept. 5, the son of Tim and Kate Murphy Kausch and grandson of Thomas and Christine Murphy.

If you see Aquinnah Police Sergeant Paul G. Manning in your travels today, please wish him a very happy birthday.

Happy birthday wishes to Francoise Theise on Sept. 8; Matthew “Cully” Vanderhoop celebrates on Sept. 9 and shares the day with Tyler Vanderhoop; Matthew Seeman will party on Sept. 10; John McKinstry will party on Sept. 12; Seamus Ritter Mahoney will be eight years old on Sept. 13; Christine Katilus will celebrate her special day on Sept. 14 and shares the day with Geraldine Brooks.

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