There is so much to celebrate this last week of April. A big hurrah for better weather! Then the last week in April is designated Administrative Professionals Week, with Administrative Professionals Day on April 22. Back in the day when I was working at law firms in New York and Chicago it was called National Secretaries Day, which did not bother me one bit. However, since 2000 it is Administrative Professionals Week. We also close out April as Autism Awareness Month and I urge you to hold that thought all year long. Who can say they have not been touched by this?

If you are Mike Seccombe and Lauren Martin, formerly of this newspaper, now ensconced back in Australia, tomorrow is ANZAC Day. Look it up if you are unsure. Then, for all my friends in the Academy of American Poets and the Martha’s Vineyard Poetry Society, Saturday is Poem-in-Your Pocket Day, which I personally observe the whole month of April. I am also thinking of carrying a poem in my pocket every day of the year. And Friday is International Penguin Day. Go watch Happy Feet.

Speaking of celebrating, some favorite Island workers at the hospital were honored at a lovely party on Friday, April 10 in the main lobby of the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Near the beautiful grand piano, replete with appetizers and desserts to die for, four awards were presented by Massachusetts General Partners Health Care. A team award was given to the emergency room squad, wonderful but no surprise there, I have nothing but great things to say about the ER. Dr. Pil received an individual award, nurse Anna Truckey from Windemere received her individual award for outstanding work, and Laurie Marotta, financial counselor at the hospital, was honored for outstanding performance and commitment. CEO Tim Walsh and head of Windemere and human resources, Ken Chisholm, were on hand to present the flowers and recognition for work well done. The awards were signed by the president of Mass. General, Dr. Peter Slavin, and Dr. Gary Gottlieb. The alliance with Mass. General has worked out so well for all of us. I can’t wait to see the pictures. Laurie Marotta’s mother, Wanda Denton, made a special trip up from West Hartford to be at the ceremony. Wanda is back in Connecticut but expects to join us all for our annual Lenny’s Loop group. I’ll see you all soon, and congratulations!

The first Kale Soup Throw Down at the P.A. Club last Sunday was a success. Nonna, Teri, and I could smell the kale soup from our porch in White Plains. The party raised over $3,000 for the Islanders Talk Benevolent Fund. Same time, next year.

Peter Lambos of the Boys & Girls Club is ready to sell you tickets for the Harlem Rockets performance at our high school on Friday night, May 8. Call him at 508-627-3303 or purchase at the door. Funny how I have that telephone number memorized from the many years ago when my son was in the club. It is such a worthy organization.

Can anyone speak to me on the origin of May baskets? As May 1 approaches, I am reminded of this lovely Island custom Phil Drew introduced me to years ago. Was it only an Island thing? Does it still go on? Inquiring minds want to know.

The Vineyard Haven Public Library will be closed on Friday, May 8 for maintenance. Library events continue next Wednesday, April 29, with the sustainable book group sponsored by Felix Neck and all six Island libraries. The club meets at the library at 5:30 p.m. The topic next week is Paul Greenberg’s book, American Catch. There are still some copies available at the front desk if you need.

Performance artist Stokley Towles, son of Holly Towles of West Chop, continues through May 10 with his Flushed: Into the World of Wastewater Treatment in his adopted hometown of Seattle. If you are headed out that way get the schedule and tickets (brownpapertickets.com/event/1381878). I’ve never been to Seattle but would definitely like to go, especially to see a Stokley performance.

The Tisbury Senior Center hosts a free program, Planning for Medicare, on Friday, May 6 at 3:30 p.m. This gives you a head start on turning 65. It applies to all, whether you are going to retire or keep working at that significant age. Sign up by Monday, May 4 by calling 508-696-4205.

The Martha’s Vineyard Breast Cancer Support Group had its last meeting this month. Meetings will resume in October. Those who want to attend during the summer are welcome to join the Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group held weekly at noon on Wednesdays at the Hebrew Center in Vineyard Haven. Call Hannah at 508-696-6412 with questions.

Writers and friends of the arts, put on your thinking caps. The Renaissance House Writers Retreat has been canceled for this season. Abigail McGrath and I could not find another rental or donation property after the location she had for 12 years became unavailable. May this be the only year Renaissance House is not on our summer roster.

Reminder: the service for Brianna Combra will be held at the cemetery in Oak Bluffs at noon on Saturday, May 2.

Get well wishes go out to Ed Panek.

Anniversary bouquets honor Paul and Marge Howes on April 25. Ron and Barsha Tolin celebrate their anniversary on April 26.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Jane Sherman, Dan Koch Sr., and Ann Wells Friday. April 25th is a party for Lorraine Clark, Lindy Ebol, Noah Scheffer, Sarah Codding, Russ Wilson, Betty Roberts and Jennifer Cove. April 26 shines on Ardis Fitzpatrick, Janet Kunzelman, Kristin Lee, Mike Seccombe, and Jamie Hale. April 27 belongs to Nicole Stagg, Jennie Lindland and Katharine Kavanaugh. April 28 smiles on Ron Tolin, Jenna Corey, and Paulo Roberto Oliveira. April 29 is shared by Marci Nichols and Stephen Dunham the Younger. And on April 30 Penny Wong, Brian Ditchfield, Ronilton Oliveira, and Andie Williamson take the cake. Many happy returns.

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