So, is today the halfway mark of summer? The temperatures have been in the 80s and it has been great beach weather this week.

Have you noticed the new Aquinnah Police cruiser yet? The 2021 Ford Interceptor has arrived. It will be known as Alpha-3 and will remain unmarked!

Sightings at the cliffs this week: Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. with three generations of his family, having a lovely evening.

Welcome to our new neighbors, Max Decker, his wife Laura Jordan, and their five-year old son Robin. Max is the son of Chris and Nelia Decker, and he is a very accomplished artist. They have purchased what was once the Francis and Grace Manning homestead that is about a century old and only owned by three families during all this time. Robin has a great yard in which to fly his colorful kite but he has had more fun adopting our orange tiger cat Skratch. So, we have an ideal deal! Robin has created a bed for Skratch and we provide the food for her each week. How can anyone go wrong?

Rich and Karen Derby returned to their home in Maynard after a two-week stay in their wetu. They plan to return in a few weeks for tribal meetings and visits with family and friends.

Welcome home to Keyshawn Devine, who has spent the past two weeks at Boston Children’s Hospital following an accident near his home. A grand rally was planned for Wednesday afternoon at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School for all to see him and to shower him with welcome wishes and get well wishes.

Welcome to Chris and Kim Lyons, who arrived a week ago for their annual stay at the Saltonstall home on Old South Road. Chris and I worked together for Kenneth Rose at Gay Head Sightseeing in the 70s. Their daughter Kay arrived on Friday, escorted here by Piper and Michael.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Pickman on being nominated and elected to the board of directors at Martha’s Vineyard Museum.

Nice to see cousin Paul Vandal and his wife Sylvie, who were in town for the past week after not being here for the past 20 years. Hope to see more of them in the future.

Have you read the August 2021 issue of Martha’s Vineyard Magazine with Captain Buddy Vanderhooop on the cover, accompanied on a fishing charter with Erin Ryerson? Captain Buddy’s charters have been very successful, with large sea bass and black bass being reeled in daily.

Carrie Anne Vanderhoop and her daughter Rosalie Bellis of British Columbia have been visiting with family and friends while being guests of Heidi Vanderhoop.

Happy Birthday wishes this week to Dale Ferry on July 31. Barbara Magnuson Phillips, Kathryn Brill and Donald Smith all share the day on August 1. USCG Master Chief Robert Riemer, Aileen Mahoney and Susan Britt LeClair share August 2. Fellow Vineyard Gazette columnist Nancy Gardella shares August 3 with Tom Colligan. Tricia Bergeron parties on the 4th. Pam Morgan Dolby and Susan Klein share the day on the 5th. A very special day for Dr. Peter Laursen on August 6, sharing the day with Shirley Dewing and Terry Iadicicco.