It’s hot, hazy and humid in Aquinnah and everywhere. The once-green lawn has turned to a hayfield. We are really in a state of drought. During this Covid crisis, more and more families are at least enjoying the beach together with all of this time off from their normal work pattern. We still recognize one another even if we have to be wearing masks everywhere we go.

History is being made with the selection of Kamala Harris as the choice for Vice President of the United States. There is a ray of hope for us as we head into the next few months of campaigning.

The Aquinnah Police Department received reports over the weekend of town residents receiving packages at the mailboxes which had been tampered with and the contents removed. If this has happened to you, please call the police station at 508-645-2313.

Speaking of packages, one would never believe the bins full of packages at the Chilmark Post Office. Postmaster Leigh Vanderhoop and his co-worker, John Cabral, have gone above and beyond this summer in trying to assure everyone is receiving their mail in an orderly fashion. They offered to assist with our office mail which in and of itself was a major task but together we accomplished what we set out to do. Thank you, gentlemen!

On Monday, August 17 at 6 p.m., Aquinnah resident Jack Fructman, Towson University professor emeritus of constitutional law and politics, and Martha’s Vineyard Museum archivist, research librarian and historian, Bow Van Riper, will engage in a conversation about monuments, statues and plaques, especially those commemorating Confederate generals, but also others like the American founders, Columbus and whatnot. Should they be removed? Replaced? Explained?

It will be an open discussion outside on the museum lawn, with social distancing, masks and the usual. The event will be held at the Bodman Courtyard and will be postponed if there is inclement weather. Masks are required as is social distancing. Admission fee for members is $10 and $15 for non-members.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Zeb Devine, fondly known as Thadius, who passed away on August 6 in Louisiana following a motorcycle accident. Zeb was born and raised on the Vineyard, the son of Patricia Crane Ray of Tucson, Ariz. and the late Ralph Devine, Jr. formerly of Aspen, Colo. He leaves many friends and family members on the Vineyard, as well as his extensive Aquinnah tribal family.

Happy 43rd anniversary wishes to Tom and Joanne Ashe as they celebrated on August 7.

Happy 14th anniversary wishes to Allen Carney and Maura Fitzgerald on the 19th.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. who celebrates on August 15, sharing the day with Kate Taylor and Nick Huff; Isabelle Lumb will party on the 16th; Carl Crocker will party on August 17.

A very happy birthday wish to President William J. Clinton on August 19; Barbara Bassett and Wendy Swolinzky share the day on August 20; Cheryl Batzer celebrates her special day on August 21.