The Duxbury Rural and Historical Society is pleased to announce that the annual Clark’s Island Picnic, open to the public, will take place Sunday, July 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Cedarfield on the east side of the island.

A Duxbury resident has been named chief of staff in Governor Deval Patrick’s office. Arthur Bernard of Keene Street, who had previously been a senior advisor to the governor, will replace Doug Rubin, who will now head Patrick’s re-election effort, according to a statement released by the governor’s office.

Thirty-one Duxbury residents will be competing in the 30th Pan-Massachusetts Challenge this August to raise money to fund cancer treatment and research.

I knew Barbara first.  She died years ago, but Barbara Arsenian touched my life and many others with her spirit and sparkle, touched us enough to save lives.  I cherish the moments later on when I could return the favor in a small way, enough to reassure her a little bit when she could use it.

Robert Burgess, of Duxbury, died on July 11, after a long battle with cancer.  He was 77 years old. This past year Mr. Burgess taught Art at Lasell College and was an Art Teacher for more than 30 years in the Quincy Public Schools.

Paul Kenneth Arsenian, age 83, of Duxbury, died suddenly on July 6. Mr. Arsenian was born in Providence, RI on March 24, 1926 to the late John Paul Arsenian of Armenia and the late Elizabeth (Chatalian) Arsenian of Yugoslavia.

Duxbury residents, eager for the first glimpse of good weather in what seemed like weeks, packed onto the beach for the annual 4th of July Beach Party Friday night. Despite a rising tide and a few scattered showers, the event was well attended and the music and bonfire went off without a hitch. Click for more photos.

The first day of the Duxbury Farmers Market, located in front of the former Tarkiln Schoolhouse on Route 53, was a rousing success, according to the event's organizers. The fair included fresh produce from local organic farmers, ready-to-eat meals and lobsters as well as arts and crafts from area artists. Click for more photos.

Big crowds and perfect weather –– that was the story of Duxbury’s 4th of July parade.

“It couldn’t have gone any better,” said Parade Co-chairwoman Maggie Kearney.

Independent film is coming to the Duxbury Performing Arts Center. The PAC has formed a working relationship with the Coolidge Corner Theater of Brookline and will be showing films on Saturdays, starting on July 11 and continuing through August.

A certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting has been awarded to the town of Duxbury by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its comprehensive annual financial report. The certificate of achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

Bambino Buddy Ball wrapped up last weekend with a full schedule of games, awards, and the Brockton Rox.

July is a pretty quiet month for backyard birds. Most are busy raising a new batch of offspring. All that passionate singing and strutting around in new feathers is pretty much over. Only the American Goldfinches are still in perfect plumage. They are the last of our common songbirds to nest.

The Duxbury Rural and Historical Society announces the annual opening of its two museums—the King Caesar House (1809) and the Captain Gershom Bradford House (1808).  Trained docents will guide visitors through these remarkable 19th century houses that accurately reflect the days of Duxbury ship builders and sea captains.