If the Olympics has taught us anything, it’s that behind every strong athlete stands a possibly less strong, but certainly more patient coach coaxing athletes to success. On Tuesday, August 7, stop by the regional high school to meet this year’s crop of coaches who aim to have a similar impact on our Island kids. Coaches of various fall teams will share information about the upcoming season, as well as new procedures and eligibility requirements. The meet-and-greet session takes place at 6 p.m. in the gym

I learned early that life is full of disappointments (thanks, little league and school dances). And my tenure on Chappy has done little to dissuade those lessons of youth. Chappy has a way of reminding one of one’s limitations, and of punishing too-generous helpings of pride.

Funhunters Scavenger Hunt has teamed up with the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks to make America’s favorite pastime pass by even more enjoyably.

John W. Larsen and Venuta M. Carulli announce the birth of their son, Kai Mangan Larsen, on July 2 at the Family Health and Birth Center in Northeast Washington, D.C. Kai weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces and was 21 inches long at birth.

We have rain. I know some don’t want it, but the ground is so dry it is a welcome to farmers and the animals who depend on ponds and greens for survival. So for now let’s be happy we have some rain.

The Vineyard Gazette is being distributed free across the Island this week as part of an annual effort to encourage new subscribers. The full issue is also available for free online. For a limited time offer, you can subscribe — or renew your subscription — for two years, and get your choice of two new books about the Vineyard, To the Harbor Light: Lighthouses of Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Cape Cod or Bountiful: A History of the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society and Livestock Show and Fair.

In 2007, David and Jackie Siegel were living in a rather large home in Florida — 26,000 square feet of large home, that is. But they felt hemmed in and needed more room to roam. Consider them the human equivalents of antelopes seeking the wide open range, albeit with appliances, a roof and walls, eventually.

Some people can do everything. Case in point, artist Elizabeth Langer not only creates magnificent artwork, she was also a successful lawyer working for the U.S. Depatment of Justice in Washington, DC and later in private practice.

But all that legal eagle stuff is behind her now, the creative lure so much more sharp and potent than the scales of law. Good for her. After all, the world is full of lawyers, some are even nice people, but an artist’s work is always a solo show.

Some people simply do amazing things and Dr. Darrell Pone is one of them.

On Monday, August 13, at 5 p.m. Dr. Pone is coming to the Vineyard to share the story of how he became a physician despite being born with cerebral palsy. He has practiced in the field of physical therapy and rehabilitation for 20 years, and has written a book about his journey called We’ve Come This Far by Faith.

Dr. Pone’s talk takes place at the West Tisbury Library. The program is free and refreshments will be served.

Tex: A Book For Little Dreamers, is, in a way, about all of us. It’s about wanting what you don’t have, and dreaming about far-off places and a different life. It’s about a little boy who lives near the ocean and his dreams of having tall mountains to climb, wide open fields to

run through, dusty boots to stomp and a pony for a best friend.