The weather has remained relatively pleasant for outdoor activities and will hopefully remain so as all roads lead to the Agricultural Fair this weekend.

The statistics are in: Aquinnah leads the way in population growth over the past decade with an increase of 41.2%, according to the 2020 Census. That puts Aquinnah at the forefront of the greatest increase and the leader in the Commonwealth.

Rather than the approximately 311 residents, there are now 439 residents. Are those on the voting list or the street listing? Does that cover the approximate 75 youth in town? Are those year-round residents? Just Census records, but interesting stats for sure.

It was a pleasure to meet Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland on Sunday evening at a gathering at the home of Richard Bensinger and Virginia Diamond in Chilmark. It was most meaningful for me to meet the person who gave such an impassioned speech following the incident at the Capitol on January 6.

On Monday evening, Representative Raskin was the guest of honor at the Aquinnah home of Peter and Cora Weiss. On Tuesday night, he spoke at the Old Whaling Church.

It was also a pleasure to meet Matthew Lesser, who is currently a state Senator in Connecticut and is furthering his political career in his home state.

Laina Benoit, daughter of James and Nancy, returned home this past week after a long weekend in New Hampshire with a few of her friends.

Dana, Kayla and Kylee Darcy recently returned from their summer vacation, which included a trip to the New England Aquarium as well as Canobie Lake Park in New Hampshire. Of course, Kylee enjoyed swimming in the hotel pool each day they were away.

Congratulations to BM2 Colin Katilus, who earned the 2021 Coast Guard Spirit of Service Award, presented by the American Legion Department of Washington. He was hand selected by the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Northwest and Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound Command Master Chiefs for his dedication to duty and philanthropic service to the community. Colin serves at a small boat station in Seattle.

Over the past year, BM2 Katilus directly contributed to saving 25 lives, managed $500,000 worth of rescue and survival gear for his unit of 70 personnel, and selflessly volunteered his off-duty time with numerous community service organizations. He was thanked by his shipmates for all that he did for the community and our Country.

BM2 Katilus has accumulated leave and is expected to visit his family on the Vineyard very soon. Colin is the son of George Katilus 3rd and his wife Christine of Aquinnah and Edgartown.

Christine Katilus and her mother Joanne Duetsch were at the cliffs a couple of weeks ago. George Katilus IV is selling his art work at the Chilmark Flea Market while niece Lily Duetsch is busy working at Nancy’s for the summer.

Christopher Manning, Catherine Hall and her son Noah Hall have enjoyed a visit from her mother Leigh-Anne Hall and A.J. Catulo as well as her brother Cameron Catulo, all of Florida.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Walter (Hilly) Thompson and especially to his wife Nancy. It was a pleasure to have enjoyed their company while attending their many family gatherings atop Abel’s Hill over the past decade.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Susan Hobby, who passed away recently. She was a beautiful woman whose art demonstrated her beauty throughout her long illness. It was a pleasure spending time with her a few years ago, having missed the past two summers.

Sincerest condolences to Adam and Sheila Rose on the loss of their mother, Kathleen Rose. We were part of many Rose family gatherings over the decades and worked together at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital where Kathy was the director of nursing. Our great-grandmother, Anna Smalley, was one of her first visiting nurse patients in 1961 when Kathy worked for Visiting Nurse Service of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of James Rogers, who passed away at his Oak Bluffs home this week. Jimmy and our family shared many happy memories over the years, not only in businesses but at community gatherings.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Roger Wey. As a member of the executive committee of the Martha’s Vineyard Lions Club, he and others met at our home every other week for years.

Happy 35th anniversary to Robert and Judith Lana Peterson on August 23.

Happy 55th anniversary wishes to Bob and Karen Gagnon on August 26.

Happy 10th anniversary to Jessica Seeman and Drew Dubno on August 27.

Happy Birthday wishes to Barbara Spitz and Wendy Swolinsky as they share the day on August 20. Cheryl Batzer will celebrate her special day on August 21. Ron Slate celebrates on August 21st as well. Gregory Clark will party on the 22nd. USCG SN Melanie Andrews will observe her special day on August 22 while USCG FN/MK Quindan Griner celebrates on the 23rd. Noli Taylor will party on August 23, as will Leonard C. Vanderhoop and Seth Woods. Ally Macey observes a milestone on the 25th, sharing the day with Margaret Maida and Judy Belain. August 26 is a day of celebration for John Wightman, Ruby Schiller and Daphne Lewis. Casey O’Brien will party on August 27.