How wonderful to have Kim Stokes Beal and her children visit the family home on Lenny’s Loop. Kim arrived last week with her three kids, Christian, Lillian, and Quinn. Their arrival coincided with the stay of her parents, Bill and Jan, who have returned to Connecticut for a brief visit. They will return to Vineyard Haven soon for Jan’s birthday. Kim has been taking the kids to their usual favorite places. Lillian, who lives and works in Boston, left on Sunday. She is attending one of my alma maters, Lesley University. Uncle Wes Stokes greeted the clan. But Wes spent Saturday night dancing at Beach Road Weekend. Wes, who does exquisite carpentry and building work, said his whole body ached in a joyous way the day after dancing to the Tedeschi Trucks band. This is a family that knows how to party!

I have had a Facebook friend I have never met. Finally, today, Patsy Weaver Murphy and her granddaughter, Jordan, are arriving from Virginia! Patsy is Piper Murphy’s Mom and Jordan is Piper’s niece. Patsy and I have been exchanging notes and jokes for years. I can’t wait! Welcome to the Vineyard!

The Island celebrates the arts. The Martha's Vineyard Playhouse has an art show by Lane Gregory. The theme is Fashion, Flowers, Fruit and Fantasy; a most intriguing title. Don't forget to attend Shakespeare for the Masses in our amphitheater. Tickets may be purchased online from the Playhouse.

The annual West Tisbury Library sale is going on all week. This is one of the greatest traditions and bargains on the Island. Our own town library is exhibiting Art in the Stacks by Marston Clough. See his fine work Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the library is open until 6 p.m.

The Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival is happening weekend, starting August 5.

Another summer tradition to prepare for is the annual Chicken Alley art, jewelry and collectibles show on August 15 at Church street and Main in town. Our crew works so hard on this annual fundraiser for Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. I’ll see you there.

If you ever need a week to pass quickly, just send my friend Bill Carter on vacation. Bill spent a fabulous but all-too-brief week in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with family. Gatlinburg was a fine town for me to visit when I was camping through the south. We all need a repeat trip there. Welcome home, Bill!

With great sadness but many thanks, we acknowledge Simone Biles’s need to withdraw from team competition at the Olympics. Simone has an injury. We wish her the best.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Wendy Oliver and Joan LeLacheur on July 26. July 27 honored Liz Masi and Meg Honey Baptiste. August 1 belongs to Gisele Nascimento. On August 3, this reporter celebrates with two of her favorites: Tom Colligan and Tom Brady. And on August 4, Elaine Cohen Klein and Barack Obama take the cake. Many happy returns.

— Nancy Gardella, Vineyard Haven