Monarch butterflies have returned, fluttering in the backyard amongst the butterfly weed, Queen Anne’s lace, and honeysuckle. Still many days of great beach weather to look forward to.

August 4 is United States Coast Guard Day, ordinarily a day of celebration at USCG Station Menemsha. Bob and Brenda Beal are always so generous in remembering the day and the crew presently serving. Covid has once again prevented the USCG Station Menemsha Spouses Association from their fundraising efforts on that day but T-shirt sales are still in demand. We will look forward to celebrating next year.

August 4 is also a day of celebration for former President Barack Obama, who has chosen to celebrate on the Vineyard this year. According to the rumor mill, between 250 and 500 guests are scheduled to descend on the Island -- family and friends, many celebrities, some from the world of major sports teams. May President Obama’s 60th birthday celebration be a joyous occasion.

The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) will quietly observe Native American Day on August 12, as proclaimed by the governors of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The 20th annual Chicken Alley Art and Collectibles sale will be held on Sunday August 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., behind 76 Main street in Tisbury, to benefit the programs of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. Find that rare piece of artwork, an exquisite piece of jewelry you must have, or one of those rare collectibles. See you there.

Max and Cheryl Batzer have returned from two and a half weeks in Europe. They toured Corsica, then were off to Paris, and cruised the canals. Needless to say, they had a great time and do they ever travel well together!

Congratulations and all the best to Nadaizja Bolling upon her graduation this week from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and also its McIntire School of Commerce with a Masters degree in business analytics. Nadaizja is the daughter of Nadia Aiguier and Tyson Bolling, granddaughter of Nancy Aiguier and Matthew Vanderhoop, and great-granddaughter of Anne Vanderhoop Madison.

My friend from Nantucket, Nathaniel Philbrick, has written and published his latest book, entitled Travels with George. It goes in search of Washington and his legacy.

Sightings at the cliffs this week: Adam and Lisa Gross with their friends Steve and Jackie, who were visiting from Los Angeles.

Other sightings at the cliffs included Judd Fuller and his lovely wife Dana Radford of Nashville, Tenn.

And last but not least, Patrick Souza and Christine Colarusso. Patrick graduated from the Municipal Police Training Committee, Plymouth Police Academy on July 25. Many of you will remember Patrick from his duties at Aquinnah circle while working for the Aquinnah police department. For now, he is serving the Town of Tisbury as a police officer.

Happy 44th anniversary wishes to Tom and Joanne Ashe as they celebrate on August 7 and patiently await the arrival of their new grandchild.

Happy 52nd anniversary to Arnold and Norma Zack on August 10.

Happy 43rd anniversary to Barry and Judith Manning Milavsky on August 11.

Happy 38th anniversary to Edward and Fawn Vanderhoop Fantasia on August 13.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Carolyn Feltz on August 7, who shares the day with David Elliot Vanderhoop II. Beatrice Patadal will celebrate on August 8th. Layne Bazzy parties on August 9 and Peter Jeffers parties on August 10, as will Andrew McCloskey and Maureen Williams. Helen Mays and Vanessa Matthews share the day on August 11. Laina Benoit, enjoying her first job at Cliffhangers for the summer, will be 15 on August 12. Cassandra Hyland observes her special day on August 13, sharing it with Rick Duarte.