The heat and humidity have returned to Aquinnah. There was not a breath of fresh air on Tuesday and a temperature in the mid-80s. Labor Day is Monday and many of our friends have already returned to their off-Island homes, leaving us to await their arrival next spring. Tuesday is the first day of school, so please keep everyone safe in their travels.

The primary election is on Tuesday, Sept. 4. Reminder – democracy is not a spectator sport. It is your right to get out and vote for those you know will represent your values, your views and your opinions. Most of our local candidates will be on the democratic ballot this year. See you at the polls!

USCG Station Menemsha friends, Senior Chief Justin Longval and Chief Robert Parent are each in need of housing for their families within the next few weeks. Chief Longval and his wife have two young children. Chief Parent and his wife have four young children and each family has a dog. All are very well-behaved! They are each looking for four bedroom housing, either a winter rental or a year-round rental. Please e-mail me if you know of any housing available on the Vineyard, preferably in Vineyard Haven, or telephone the station at 508-645-2661. Thank you!

All the best to Bonnie Chalifoux upon her retirement as human services director at the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) where she has assisted many families in need over her 18 years in that position. The annual pow wow was started while Bonnie and Theresa Kistner Manning were both overseers of the Tribal youth group. Bonnie assured the Elders gathered at least once a month to socialize, have a luncheon and, on occasion, travel as a group. Her expertise at grant writing funded many programs over her tenure. She will be greatly missed, especially by the Elders.

Another dear friend retired recently as well: Philip Parent, human resources director for the Steamship Authority. Our friendship goes back to when he worked in ticket sales in 1970 with his counter companion Wayne Lamson. My best to Wayne who retired earlier this past year and to Phil. They both had rewarding careers with the SSA after nearly half a century. For now, Phil will graciously remain on board as a consultant.

Maura FitzGerald and Allen Carney hosted a group of 60 guests to celebrate the Island Grown Initiative on Sunday, August 19. The group gathered in the garden to hear IGI chief Rebecca Haag talk about the group’s mission and 2018 accomplishments. The party was a dual celebration since Maura and Allen were celebrating their 12th anniversary. Joining in the festivities were Aquinnah neighbors Beverly Wright, Jill Medvedow and Richard Kazis, Cormac and Mary Pat McEnery, Fritz and Ingrid Reuter and Nathalie Guilfoyle and John Steele as well as good friends from down-Island.

Bill and Bo Stueck and their apricot poodle Charley have been enjoying their summer at their Pancake Hollow home. Always nice to see them out and about.

Jesse Wiener and his wife Maggie Anderson visited briefly with his parents Jerry Wiener and Carolyn Feltz, after a visit with Maggie’s family on Cape Cod. Jesse is presently the music copyist for Beetlejuice, the musical. If it is a musical or if it is on Broadway, you will find Jesse front and center!

On Sunday, Sept. 2, the Federated Church will have its last two early services for this year, one at 8 a.m. and one at 9:30 a.m. Beginning Sunday morning, Sept. 9, the Federated Church will hold one regular service from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m. For information, call 508-627-4421 or e-mail officefederatedchurchmv@gmail.com

Happy 38th anniversary to Peter and Clare Ives on August 23 as they were surrounded by their children and grandchildren.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Emme Caroline Buresch Carroll who will be eight years old on Saturday. Alan Dershowitz will observe a milestone on Sept. 1 amidst family and friends and Ed BenDavid will celebrate on Sunday. Clyde Smith will party on September 2, Garth Nance Edwards will observe his special day on September 3, Rev. Roger Spinney will celebrate on September 3 and Bob Pacheco will observe his special day on September 3. Paula Belain parties on September 4 and Kuhpay Hayes Spears Vanderhoop will be five years old on September 3. Bradley Carroll will observe her special day on September 5, Mike Ciancio will celebrate on September 6 and Paul Manning will celebrate on September 7.

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