Father’s Day was wonderful, just perfect for outdoor barbecues, beaches, and all kinds of surprises. My family treated me well; son Sam and my wife Anna prepared a wonderful barbecue dinner that we enjoyed on the back deck. School closes Friday for the summer. It is getting busier each day as people continue to arrive for their vacations. The first day of summer was last Monday and it sure did feel like it.

Can you believe it, but starting next Thursday the crunch should be building as some folks will get a head start on the holiday weekend as Independence Day is just week from Monday. The up-Island bus traffic has increased in substantial numbers in just a week. The VTA summer bus schedule began last Saturday morning. Next weekend, reportedly, is the start of the busiest time of the summer season.

Well, the Old Parsonage, which was jacked up high in the air so a full cellar could be dug out and a concrete foundation and basement added, has been let down on its new base. Work is beginning to restore the building. It will take a lot of work but there is a possibility it could be ready by Thanksgiving to enjoy dinner with Josiah Standish, the original owner.

Phyllis Meras, of Music Street, has returned from Newfoundland were she enjoyed a brief business holiday. She looked at the remnants of Viking villages said to be the first settlement of Europeans in North America.

Bob Luskin and his wife Charlotte Fallon of Edgartown Road have returned to their home to spend the summer season. Charlotte says Bob will be using his old family china many times this summer.

Malcolm and Judy Hall, of Oklahoma City and Pond Road, returned to the Island last week. Their son Houston came with them for the summer. His parents are busy preparing the house for family and friends that will be visiting them on the Fourth of July.

Ellen Weiss, of Old County Road, recently returned to her house for the summer. She is professor emeritus at the Tulane University School of Architecture.

Pete Karman and his wife Jill Carlton of New Haven, Conn.. have arrived at her State Road home for the season.

Tanya Larsen, over at the Howes House, reports that the Annual Art Show will be held at the Up-Island Senior Center Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nancy Cabot, group facilitator, promises a varied and exciting show including still life and landscapes.

Peggy Stone of the parks and recreation committee reports that beach stickers for Lambert’s Cove will be required Saturday as lifeguards will be on duty. Stickers can be purchased at the shed at the West Tisbury School daily from 9 a.m. to noon as well as 4 to 7 p.m. on weekends. Call 508-696-0147 with any questions.

Lee Revere reports that the West Tisbury library is starting to work on the 59th annual library book sale. Books in good condition can be donated by dropping them off after school is dismissed for the summer; you may deliver them to the school gym, where preparations will begin for the sale. Any questions, please ask the library staff.

Susan Dickler, of Music Street, reports that her husband Sig Van Rann will be reading a full length play, The Babylonian Talmud, at the Vineyard Playhouse on July 11 so set that date aside on your social calendar.

On June 25, 1941 Children’s Day was observed at the noon service of the Congregational Church. Thirteen members of the Sunday school remained for the church service. Rev. James O. Eskridge preached a special sermon for the children and at the conclusion presented an illustrated book on the Lord’s Prayer and the Beatitudes to Robert and Jane Austin for their perfect attendance at Sunday school this year. Bibles were presented to George and Marjorie Manter for not missing a single session in over a year. Teachers Elizabeth Manter and Helena MacNeill presented potted plants to Elizabeth King, Jane Austin, Sara and Priscilla Raymond, Daniel Bryant, Robert Austin, James Alley, Mary Kidder, Marjorie and George Manter, Doreena King, John Raymond and David Leland. Rev. Eskridge announced that daily Bible school would be held in Edgartown in July and transportation would be supplied.

Happy birthday to: Peter O. Bettencourt, Ben Moore, Brian Kennedy, Marti Marnier and Kayla Mastromonaco today; David Franklin, James Huckins, Debra Phillips, Eric Johnson, Lori Rezendes and Bess Child tomorrow; Lynn Bouck, Alicia Tonti, Sarah Murphy, Dennis Kaeka, Cybele Sprague, Kathy Retmier, and Martijn Stuurman on Sunday; David Steere, Woody Bowman, Jonathan Belain, Samantha Schwager, Josie Black and Heidi Spruce on Monday; Alvida Jones, Samantha Look, Michelin Ciccone, Colleen O’Donnell and Sam Decker on Tuesday; Harriet Bernstein, Jack Gray, Ruby Hoy, Antone Silva and Myles Thurlow on Wednesday; and Clifton Athearn, Jean Levesque, Rebecca Conroy, Margaret Gallagher, Ken Mastromonaco and Scott Yapp on Thursday.

Belated anniversary wishes to David Lewis and his wife Danica Kombol and Tony Silva and Dianne McDonough. Belated birthday wishes to Sandy Hicks, Kelley DeBettencourt and Helen Martin.

Well that is all of the social news for this week’s column. If you have any news, please call or e-mail me. Jaws was released 41 years ago last Monday. My how time flies! Have a great week.

Send West Tisbury news to alleys@vineyard.net.