As the nation’s birthday nears, the congregation at the Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs reflected on what it was like to live in America 50 years ago.

After 25 years the Edgartown tackle shop that has been the go-to place to get equipment, bait and catch up with Capt. Porky and his wife Carol, is changing hands.

When Brazil and Serbia played for a spot in the round of 16 Wednesday, Coop de Ville, the Oak Bluffs dockside bar and seafood joint, was the place to be.

Incoming ferries are all but sold out, hotels and harbors are full, the parade is planned— the Fourth of July is almost here.

Thi Khen Tran, who sold egg rolls at the West Tisbury farmers’ market for decades, died in the fall at age of 80. Her grandson continues the business.

Last Friday the Martha’s Vineyard Museum celebrated the beginning of the summer season at the corner of Cooke and School streets.