Thankfully, tropical storm Isaias merely made a brief visit to Aquinnah on Tuesday afternoon. We had about two minutes of rain and a single wind gust of 45 mph. After rearranging the rooftop garden, the wind absolutely returned to a light breeze and the sun came out. Now, back to the intense heat and humidity.

The primary election is upon us. One-fifth of those on the Aquinnah voting list have already requested a vote-by-mail ballot. Please be sure you are on the voting list where you are residing. You still have time to change your party affiliation as well by August 22. For social distancing, the voting will be held once again in the 90-year-old town hall in Aquinnah, a building that we take great pride in that has served our community for nearly a century. It was built during the Great Depression with hand tools. Remember, we were the last town in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to be electrified and that was in February 1951.

Look for your official 2020 vote by mail application which has been sent to every registered voter in Massachusetts. By filling out this form, you have the choice of receiving an early ballot for the state primary on September 1 and for the general election on November 3. If you have not received the vote-by-mail application yet, call the Aquinnah town clerk at 508-645-2304 and request an early voting application. Fill out the application and return it to the town clerk’s office as soon as possible. Remember, for independent voters, you must choose your ballot for the state primary.

Important pre-election dates:

The last day to register to vote for the state primary is August 22.

The last day to request a mail-in ballot for the state primary is August 26.

The last day to register to vote for the general election is October 24.

The last day to request a mail-in ballot for the general election is October 28.

Early voting in person will take place at the Gay Head town hall and will begin on August 22 and go through August 28. The state primary election and the general election will take place at the Gay Head town hall. On Tuesday, September 1, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Tuesday, November 3, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Plans for safe voting with social distancing in place will be available from the Aquinnah board of health for both the state primary, early voting and the general election. Please call Gabriella Camilleri, Aquinnah town clerk for more information, 508-645-2304.

August 4, 2020 was the 230th birthday of the United States Coast Guard. It was business as usual at USCG Station Menemsha except for the fact that Robert and Brenda Beal of Oak Bluffs generously provide a large cake each year with the Coast Guard insignia on it for the crew. Their son, John William Beal, is a Lieutenant in the Coast Guard and this is one way of them honoring him on this day.

Chris Lyons, his wife Kim, and their daughter, Kay, have arrived for their annual stay at the Saltonstall home on Old South Road. This year, they are staying a little longer due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Zachary Macey is in New Hampshire this week, in a tournament league for lacrosse. He is looking forward to returning to his studies at Proctor Academy in a few weeks.

It has been a very sad few days. My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Stephen W. Rose, a cousin by marriage, who passed away at his Edgartown home on Sunday morning. Stevie had worked at the Martha’s Vineyard Shipyard for more than 50 years, always very proud of his craftsmanship. He enjoyed his garden, his beach plum harvesting, his beach glass finds but, most importantly, his family. Stevie is survived by his wife, Kathy, their daughter, Sheila, and their son, Adam, two grandchildren, and his sister, Ernestine Rose Kinnecom, and their brother, Ronald Rose, and nieces and nephews.

My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Suzanne Fischer who passed away on August 3 at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Suzie was a friend of more than half a century, having been Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School classmates in the class of 1964. Oh, those fun school bus rides each day. Always a pleasure to see her on our trips to Menemsha. Suzie is survived by her siblings, Douglas, Marie Scott and Albert, as well as her sons, John Bunker and Rodney Bunker, and her beloved grandchildren.

Happy 51st anniversary wishes to Arnold and Norma Zack on August 10.

Happy 42nd anniversary to Barry and Judith Manning Milavsky on August 11.

Happy 37th anniversary to Edward and Fawn Vanderhoop Fantasia on August 13.

Happy birthday wishes to Carolyn Feltz as she celebrates August 7, sharing the day with David Elliott Vanderhoop, 2nd; Beatrice Patadala and Evan Hall share August 8; Layne Bazzy parties on the 9th; Teri Morse, Peter Jeffers and Jim Boales party on August 10; Dr. Helen Mays will party on the 11th; Laina Benoit and Sasha Gerhard share the day on August 12 as they each turn 14; Alyson Baird will party on the 12th as well; Lacey Rose will be 12 on the 13th; Rick Duarte will party on the 13th; and Joan Gentry Patadal will observe a milestone on August 13.