Hot is the word of the week. Lots of heat but we are lucky because we have had some nice breezes. But the sun is hot, hot, hot.

Happy Birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Robert Beltzer, Adeline Riley and Brian Somas who celebrated their day August 10; Achshaph Braz, John Fetters and Shane Hagamen on August 11; and to Grace Manson who celebrates her day today, August 12.

I am dedicating this column to my aunt and godmother Cora Grant. Auntie Cora passed away August 6 at the age of 89. Her health had been declining and for the past three years she has not known many of us.

She was the godmother everyone would want. She and my mother were cousins and best of friends and they raised their daughters the same way. Nancy Cooper is more like my sister because we grew up together and I spent a lot of time in Somerset with them.

When we were little and we heard my parents getting ready to leave their house and go home, we would run up to Nancy’s room and pretend to be asleep. Auntie Cora would tell my parents to let me sleep, and she and Uncle John, my godfather and Cora’s husband, would bring me to church on Sunday. It worked every time. She was the best and may she rest in peace.

This month is flying. Next week is Illumination, the Agricultural Fair, and the Fireworks. I can’t believe it. Some of the college kids have left and started their classes already.

Tim Burton, a graduate of the Edgartown School and the regional high school, has for many years been a member of the band Mighty Mighty Bosstones. The Bosstones are presently on a concert tour of South America beginning in Rio de Janeiro. Their final concert will be in Central America in Mexico city. Tim plays the saxophone.

The League of Women Voters of Martha’s Vineyard is holding a candidate forum on Wednesday, August 17 at 4:30 p.m. at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury. Senator Dan Wolf and Representative Tim Madden have both decided to retire. There are two vacant seats to be filled and a total of 12 candidates. Come and meet them, mingle afterwards and learn about their priorities if elected. This is an opportunity to make sure the Vineyard is well represented in the State House.

As I write this column, I am in Wareham to attend the funeral tomorrow in Somerset. But as we have all learned in years past, when one life leaves this world another enters. Well, Auntie Cora’s sixth great grandson was born the day before she died. Henry William was born to Jennifer and Andrew Grant weighing 10 pounds 14 ounces. We giggled as he was almost as big as Auntie Cora as she was only five foot or so tall.

We will be surrounded by family ranging from a one month old Oliver Lambert, to the new patriarch of the family who is my brother Frank. Henry will not be present as they are just home from the hospital and live in Connecticut, but he will be represented by his dad.

Life goes on and you have to make the best of it. Remember that memories are the best thing you have and in your mind your loved ones live on.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.

Send Edgarotwn news to kathleencase@comcast.net.