Kim Stokes Beal, her two sons, and friend Chris were given a meaningful sendoff by brother Wes Stokes: barbecue and fireworks. Then the happy family went home to Connecticut. Kim’s visits are never long enough.

Kim and I were bemoaning that she will miss First Friday this week. But you don’t need to miss it! Our Main street will be closed to traffic from late afternoon through the evening. There will be food, fun and music. Get to see your friends and meet your shopkeepers. Stop at Louisa Gould’s Gallery and see her new artists.

Heads up for the 4 p.m. Mass at St. Augustine’s. The Mass will be followed by a retirement party for Father Michael Nagle. I cannot imagine life here without him. On Sunday, August 15, Father will have a 4 p.m. Mass in Oak Bluffs at the Tabernacle. More partying to follow! Don’t miss these!

My dear friend and neighbor, Shane True, has returned from a month’s visit in upstate N.Y. Shane was visiting his Mom, June, sister Samantha, and soon-to-be sister Tessa, in Hudson Falls. The clan hiked up Crane Mountain, and went camping, fishing and mini-biking. Shane begins a job at Murdick’s this weekend.

Roger McGary and Nancy Cohen’s grandson Ryan Ramsey, who is in college in Maryland, has been playing with the Sharks. Ryan pitched one inning at the All-Star game. We are so proud of him!

My dear friend Marcos Aruda stopped by last week. I haven’t seen him in ages. His wife Samia and two children are doing just fine.

Last Saturday, I attended the most stunning art show I have ever seen. It was at Cleopatra’s Lounge. Our town’s artist-in-residence, Jacqueline Baer, had many of her intricate new works on display. Jamie Alley spun the tunes. Noreen Baker, Gerry Averill, and Joan Merry and her friend Rayanne were among the esteemed guests. If you missed the show, you may call for an appointment to see JackIe’s new work. Jackie’s daughter Gretchen is home for two more weeks. She is visiting from BrIsbee, Ariz., where she runs an art school for children in Sonora, Mexico. Such a talented family.

Tickets are on sale now for the mvbookfestival.com. The “Olympics of Book Authors” began August 5.

The Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center will hold a beach service on Friday, August 6. No Zoom! In case of rain, another date will be announced. Music will be performed by a soloist and a guitar player. I’ll see you there.