Aquinnah has been significantly cooler over the past few days with temperatures dropping 20 degrees from the 80s to the 60s – a very welcome relief from the heat and humidity. There never was a need for air conditioners in days gone by as we simply opened a few windows and had screen doors that captured the cool breezes. For now, the much-needed rain has cooled the air for a bit.

Congratulations to USCG Station Menemsha’s Sailor of the Quarter – MK2 Jason Breau. Jason was congratulated and honored with a plaque from his commanding officers BMCS Justin Longval, OIC and BMC Robert Parent XPO. MK2 Breau was selected by his shipmates for his exceptional leadership and willingness to mentor new members of the unit. Congratulations MK2 Breau!

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mark London who passed away this week at Massachusetts General Hospital following a rare illness. Mark was the retired executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Commission and worked with community members on his vision of the Island Plan.

Corinna Majno and her husband Ken Kaufman have arrived at the Majno family home. Corinna has her seaweed art for sale at her studio. Look for the signs along Lighthouse Road.

Friends gathered last Wednesday for a farewell party for Hannah Malkin who will permanently reside in Florida after spending her summers in Aquinnah for the past half a century. The social worker, social activist, Congressional testifier, generous sharer of her swimming pool for the community and dear aunt has decided to sell her home. She has entertained generations of family over the years and has embraced her nearby neighbors and their families as well. Hannah and her late husband Moses very generously allowed the children of Aquinnah to have swimming lessons in their pool, thus allowing hundreds of children to learn how to swim and be safe while doing it.

Thank you to Arnold and Norma Zack as well as Judy Lane and her husband Mark Mattson for inviting those closest to Hannah for an afternoon of fellowship. Hannah has been greatly admired and will be greatly missed by many.

Charlotte Meyer has been enjoying visits from her sons Mark, James and Fred as they each take a brief respite during the summer to visit their childhood summer home in Aquinnah.

Congratulations and all the best to Molly Purves who recently graduated from Lesley University in Cambridge with a masters degree in clinical mental health counseling with a specialty in drama therapy. She will be starting work with Martha’s Vineyard Community Services and the Island Counseling Center in a month.

Molly accomplished all of this while caring for her young son Rodeo, assisting her husband Curtis Langer along the way, caring for her parents who both passed away within months this past year, writing a weekly news column, interning at Community Services and her summer work at Chilmark Tavern. She will take a brief rest over the next week or two before beginning her new position.

Happy first birthday to Veda Lynn Parent who celebrated her special day on August 22 while trying to keep up with her brothers Robert, Eli and Isaac. Their parents Robert and Valerie try to keep up with all of them!

Happy 32nd anniversary to Bob and Judy Lana Peterson on August 23.

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

Happy birthday wishes this week to Seth Woods and Leonard Charles Vanderhoop who shared the day on August 23. Judy Belain will party on the 25th. Daphne Lewis will celebrate on August 26. John Wightman will party this week. Dawn Widdiss will observe her special day on the 29th and shares the day with Spider Andresen and Oliver Noble. Wish our summer UPS driver Tim Moniz a very happy birthday on the 29th! My granddaughter Christina Marie Millman will celebrate on the 30th, as will Troy Vanderhoop. Cynthia Vanderhoop Akins and Todd Vanderhoop share the day on August 31.

Aquinnah news can be sent to junemanning152@gmail.com.