For years my daughter Jill lived a private, single, independent life in New Orleans, the city she fell in love with during her college years at Tulane.

Louis W. Sullivan’s morning walks have always been about two things: building connections and health.
Dr. Sullivan’s early morning walks with his wife Ginger started in the early 1970s.

President Obama and his family departed from the Vineyard under rainy skies this evening, concluding a quiet nine-day Vineyard vacation for the first family.

Marine One left Martha’s Vineyard Airport just after 9 p.m., and arrived at Cape Cod Coast Guard Air Station at 9:16 p.m. The president greeted well-wishers there before boarding Air Force One.

As their Vineyard vacation draws to a close, the Obamas finally hit the beach Saturday before heading out to dinner in Edgartown. The president also squeezed in another round of golf.

The president, first lady and daughters Malia and Sasha arrived at a private beach off Pohogonot Road at around 10 a.m. Saturday morning. The rural area, accessed down long dirt roads, offers access to Edgartown Great Pond and the Atlantic Ocean. The Obamas have visited the beach during other Vineyard visits.

Even President Obama turned out Friday night for the annual Oak Bluffs fireworks display. One of the top events of the summer, it draws thousands of people to the seaside Ocean Park.

It was a year of firsts for the Martha's Vineyard Sharks. First stadium seats. First games played at night, under the lights. First time in the playoffs. And now first league title.

The annual fireworks show returns tonight with promise of a spectacular show, but also increased security.

“There are going to be some noticeable changes to events this year,” police chief Erik Blake informed the town selectmen at a recent annual summer taxpayers meeting.

The show attracts thousands to Ocean Park.

The 15th annual Ken Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund charity luncheon tees off Sunday, August 18 at the VFW in Oak Bluffs. The event will feature golf items for raffle, and food prepared by Caribbean chef Deon Thomas.

The Ken Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in 1998 upon the passing of Ken Williams, an anti-Apartheid activist, humanitarian, noted photographer, jazz promoter, and avid golfer. Williams was passionate about giving a voice to those who were either unheard or unspoken.

For two weekends in August Oak Bluffs goes dancing. The beating of drums begins around 7:30 p.m., beckoning people to the corner of Grove and Narragansett avenues. Inside Union Chapel dancers sway and stretch and leap, warming up to the drumbeats.

A mosquito caught on Monday in the town of Tisbury has tested positive for the West Nile virus, confirmed Thomas Pachico, health agent. It is the second Island appearance of the virus this year. The town was notified Thursday evening.