The heat and humidity returned to Aquinnah this week. Not a good combination, especially for those who are elderly or disabled. Years ago we never even thought of having air conditioners in town and simply opened a few windows for a slight breeze, but times have changed.

The Aquinnah artisans fair is at the town hall on Saturday, August 24 from noon to 4 p.m. Local artisans will have an array of their locally made treasures.

Herb Ward would like to invite everyone to the 14th annual blueberry pancake breakfast, an annual fundraiser for the Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group. The breakfast will take place on Sunday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the parish house of the Federated Church. The event is a mission project of the church. All are welcome. For information call 508-627-4421, email officefederatedchurchmv@gmail.com.

Congratulations to Betsy and Kristine Larsen and their families on their golden anniversary of Larsen’s Fish Market in Menemsha, which opened at a time when swordfish was less than a dollar a pound and yellowtail was less than 25 cents a pound.

Lenny and Mallory Butler have enjoyed a visit from their children all at the same time: Jeffie, and her husband, Kevin Sheehan; Maxwell, and Nina, as well as their grandchildren, Maeve and Orrin Sheehan.

Kevin Devine and his family have been visiting with family and friends. He attained the rank of sergeant major after nearly 28 years. He previously served in the Middle East during six deployments. At present he is an instructor at Norwich University in Vermont.

Congratulations to Michael and Lauren Didiuk on the birth of their son, Charles Michael Didiuk, on July 25, weighing 9 pounds, 3 ounces. Welcome to Charles. And congratulations to the Didiuk family, who have been residents of Aquinnah for the past 52 weeks and are residents of Old Greenwich, Conn. as well. Roberta Gross of Lighthouse Road will have an opening reception for the 12th annual Abstract Art Exhibition, Abstract Spaces and Places, at the Louisa Gould Gallery in Vineyard Haven on August 24 from 5 to 7 p.m., showcasing the work of seven artists, including Heather Sommers of Chilmark with her ceramics.

Great to see Samuel Vanderhoop Lee the other day. Sam is now with a new musical band while working as a graphic designer with an architectural firm in Manhattan. His brother, Joseph Vanderhoop Lee, is beginning a new career as a freshman-year English teacher in Montclair, N.J.

It was a pleasure to spend some time with Ann Leonard, who is at her Aquinnah home with her frien Mary. We discussed the changes in our neighborhood and the numerous changes over the years as well as missing all those who are no longer here. Hope we will be able to catch up again sometime soon.

Congratulations to Mark Alan Lovewell as he celebrates his 40th anniversary with the Vineyard Gazette. Mark will be honored this evening by past and present Gazette employees.

Douglas Vanderhoop and his wife Linda and their grandchildren have been at their family home for a few weeks and will soon be returning to their winter home in Utah.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Maureen Fisher Anderson who died on August 10. Our families fished together for many years. For the past few years we would see each other at the many school activities that our grandchildren participated in.

Happy 33rd anniversary wishes to Bob and Judy Lana Peterson on August 23.

Happy eighth anniversary wishes to Drew and Jessica Seeman Dubno on August 27.

Happy second birthday wishes to Veda Lynn Parent as she celebrated on August 22.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Seth Woods and Leonard Charles Vanderhoop who share the day on August 23. Judy Belain will party on the 25th. Daphne Lewis will celebrate on August 26. John Wightman will party this week. Dawn Widdiss will observe her special day on the 29th and shares the day with Spider Andresen and Oliver Noble. Tim Moniz will party on the 29th! My granddaughter, Christina Marie Millman, will celebrate on the 30th, as will Troy Vanderhoop. Cynthia Vanderhoop Akins and Todd Vanderhoop share the day on August 31.

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