JUNE D. MANNING

508-645-2574

(lthslnks@gis.net)

Welcome home to Capt. Ron Mac-Laren of the U.S. Naval Reserves who has served in Kuwait since September. Ron is director of health for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) and it is anticipated that he will return to his duties within the week. We are proud of his service to our country as we are proud of each and every one who serves at present or has served in the past. Please be mindful of all as we observe Memorial Day.

Get-well wishes to Sen. Edward M. Kennedy who has been a dear friend and supporter of the tribe over the years. In February 2001, he gave the opening speech at our United South and Eastern Tribes annual Impact Week in Arlington, Va. I had the distinct pleasure and honor of accompanying Senator Kennedy and his dog Splash across the lobby and to the grand ballroom for his speech. Following his opening remarks, he spent time with the students who were present for their annual American Indian Youth Summit at Close-Up week. May we all keep Senator Kennedy and his family in our thoughts and prayers as he faces further medical care.

Congratulations to all of the incumbents who were returned to their official status at the annual Aquinnah election on May 14. We now need a quorum to conduct the business of the remainder of the annual town meeting which has been postponed due to lack of a quorum twice over the past week. The meeting is now scheduled for next month.

Capt. Hugh Taylor and his wife Jeanne have opened their Outermost Inn for the season. They have always been good neighbors. On Sunday, they shared some of their bounty with the community which was appreciated by all who were the fortunate recipients of their goodwill.

Reminder: This evening from 5 to 7 p.m. Lisa Bibko-Vanderhoop and Robin Robinson will have an opening reception at the Bank of Martha’s Vineyard at Beetlebung Corner. Stop in to see their latest artistic creations.

Erin Corbo will arrive soon to spend the next six weeks with her parents Joe and Faith. Erin is a schoolteacher in Florida and is looking forward to her summer stay in Aquinnah.

Garth W. Edwards and his wife Ollie of Essex, Conn., have arrived on the Vineyard for their 41st summer sojourn. They are both looking well and are anxious to begin their busy summer season.

Peter Gulbrandsen and his wife Sandra were at their new home off Lobsterville Road over the weekend, returning to their New Jersey home on Monday afternoon. They are busy putting the finishing touches on their home to get it ready for their summer stay. It is always a delight to see Peter and Sandy and to spend some time with them.

Larry and Barbara Hohlt of Manhattan are at their East Pasture home for the holiday weekend. It was nice to catch up with Larry on Monday in Menemsha.

Noah James Manning returned home on Wednesday after spending most of the week with his maternal grandparents Bill and Joan Kistner at their home in New York. Noah traveled with his parents Paul and Theresa for a special surprise birthday celebration for his grandmother Joan as she partied with family and friends on Saturday. As this was a major milestone, it certainly called for lobster salad and homemade quahog chowder from the Net Result. A grand time was had by all. In honor of Grandma Joan’s birthday, Noah now has his own personal John Deere tractor (with pedals of course for a 23-month-old) to ride around their property next to his Grandpa Bill.

James Shepherd, Faith Vanderhoop, and their daughter Billie Diamond returned home on Sunday after spending the weekend with family on our neighboring isle of Nantucket.

John O. Vanderhoop and his wife Gabi entertained his nephew Durwood Vanderhoop and Chief F. Ryan Malonson while they were in Las Vegas recently. Woody and Ryan were dinner guests of Occie and Gabi while there to attend a self-governance conference.

Congratulations to Sudaara White, daughter of William and Stephanie (Rogers) White, who graduated from St. John’s College. Sudaara, granddaughter of Phyllis Rogers of Oak Bluffs, is an alumnus of Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School Class of 2004.

Have a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend as we reflect on the meaning of the observance and be mindful of those who have served our country in the past and those who are presently serving our country around the world to protect our freedom.

Happy 22nd anniversary wishes to Michael and Bettina Washington on May 17.

Happy eighth anniversary wishes to Troy and Marcia Vanderhoop on May 20.

Happy 24th anniversary wishes to Paul and Sylvie Vandal on May 26.

Happy 26th anniversary wishes to Michael and Eleanor Hebert as they celebrate on May 29th.

Belated happy birthday wishes to those who celebrated their special day over the past week, including Lydia Fischer on May 16. She shared the day with Leigh Moreis, Ben Cameron and Ed Stall.

Herb Moody celebrated a major milestone on May 16. A grand thank-you to Herb who recently retired after serving as a Tri-Town emergency medical technician for the past 22 years.

Kyle Killebrew celebrated his 18th birthday on May 17, sharing the day with Tom Seeman, Erin Corbo and Aquinnah Witham.

On May 18, Grace Reeves, Genie O’Donnell, Faith Corbo, Malcolm Smith, Mark Wheaton, and Mrs. Anne Haughton observed their special day. Joan Kistner partied on May 19 with family and friends.

Capt. Bob Kinnecom partied on May 20 between teaching classes in chair caning at the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging.

Elsie Fantasia partied on May 21 and shared her day with Jean Entine. Mrs. Bridget Tobin partied on May 22, and shared her day with Matt Hayden and Jailynn Hill. Mia Rae Jeffers celebrated her fifth birthday on Thursday.

Happy Birthday wishes for this week to down-Island cousin Kay Manning as she celebrates on Saturday and shares the day with Jon Mayhew and Nicholas Wallen. Janis Vogel will party on Sunday as will Stephanie Rogers White. Mrs. Marsha Shufrin celebrates on May 26. John Kozboski will party on May 27. Joanne Vanderhoop Robey celebrates on May 28 as will Russell Peters Jr., Nonie Madison and Christy Moreis. Nancy Carlton Benoit parties on May 29 and shares the day with Michael (Bow) Francis. Michael Gilman will celebrate on May 30. Roxane Ackerman will observe a major milestone on May 31 and shares the day with Jasmine Devine.