“For me, it was one of the most challenging — grueling at parts — but challenging things I’ve ever done. And yet, it was one of the most exhilarating and euphoric when it was over,” Bennett Schmidt of East Hampton said of his participation in the 434-mile Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, or RAGBRAI.

John Wanag, who ran MTK Custom Rods and Repair, died of cardiac arrest at home in Springs last Thursday. He was 64.

Denise O’Brian-Lutkins, a gardener and self-taught painter, died of cardiopulmonary arrest at home in Montauk on Aug. 16. She was 60.

John Graham, the executive director of Hampton Racquet in East Hampton until this year, died of esophageal cancer on Aug. 16 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. He was 63.

Andrew Blauschild, a photographer, surf-business entrepreneur, and Montauk surfer, died on Aug. 19 at the age of 53.

The 78th Shinnecock Indian Nation powwow is planned for this weekend. The annual celebration of Indigenous cultural traditions brings together Native groups from many regions and offers educational opportunities for the community at large.

When Ken Lustbader and Jay Kidd first saw Casey, a female husky mix with special needs, at the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons adoption center 10 years ago, they were struck by her “sweet energy and intrinsic kindness.” Mr. Lustbader remembers Mr. Kidd saying, “that’s the dog we need.”

Back to the Bays is spearheading a project to build an oyster reef in Sag Harbor, which is bringing together local government and private citizens, as well as children.

Andy Sabin, president of the South Fork Natural History Museum’s board of directors, will help kids of all ages learn about snapping turtles and even try to find some on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the museum. Plus: kids' movies, arts and crafts, card games, and more family-friendly fun around town.