On a recent Sunday morning, in a small office space near the Black Dog Bakery Cafe, Elder Aric Mullins and Elder Garret Rushforth sat with other members of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints and listened to a sermon about temptation and making the right choices. Nearly a year ago, Elders Mullins (20) and Rushforth (19) left the stability and security of their homes in Indiana and Utah, respectively, to embark on a two-year mission.

In 2003, Saskia and David Vanderhoop started Sassafras Earth Education in Aquinnah as a one-week summer camp. Since then it has grown into a year-round program with camps every week during the summer and programs throughout the year for both youth and adults. The intention is to teach participants a variety of outdoor skills while encouraging them to reconnect with the natural world.

Early morning rain showers let up just in time for members of the Martha’s Vineyard Peace Council to commemorate the 67th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima. The annual vigil took place at sunrise yesterday at the Gay Head lighthouse.

Nine people stood in a circle, each sharing their thoughts on peace, faith and remembrance with the sound of waves crashing below. “This being one of the most beautiful spots that I can imagine . . . just seeing so much beauty gives me hope,” said Chris Fried.

A small gas leak at Church’s Pier in Oak Bluffs saw a quick response from the Oak Bluffs fire department on the afternoon of July 4.

Oak Bluffs fire chief Peter Forend received a call from the owner of Nancy’s restaurant at 4:14 p.m. reporting the leak. He said the leak originated from the holding tank at the fuel dock. The line was shut down immediately and foam was dispersed to prevent a fire hazard. A boom was placed in the water to contain the leak.

On Saturday, at the bow of the historic schooner Alabama, Capt. Ian Ridgeway addressed a group of Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School fifth and sixth grade students who had just returned from a five-day sail at sea.

“This is a bond that the 20 or so of us will all have together for the rest of our lives,” he said. “You are now ambassadors for this boat.”

Offstage, while having dinner at Smoke ‘n Bones in Oak Bluffs, singer/songwriter Ryan Montbleau is quiet and unassuming, just another approachable friendly guy eating ribs.

But onstage at the Pit Stop, later that same evening, Mr. Montbleau transforms into something much larger, captivating the audience with his spirited singing and playing.