Oh, dear gentle readers, I disappointed you again! Just like a fisherman telling about the big one that got away, I must say I wrote a wonderful column last week and was at the picnic table typing it on these newfangled machines, had just gotten to “many happy returns,” when Nonna felt the need to press her medic alert button for the ambulance. I THOUGHT I sent it in properly while we were waiting for the fabulous EMTs, but I guess not I was as shocked as you were to see my column was missing! And then I could not find it again. Doubtless sitting on some cloud. Anyway, Nonna spent five days in hospital and now has been transferred to United Hebrew of New Rochelle rehabilitation facility where we have spent many delightful days before. Hugs and kisses to indefatigable Michael Dobrowsky.

I hear you all suffered some incredible weather, thunder, lightning, summer storms last Monday and Tuesday. We had a few thunder claps and heat lightning but we sent the rain your way. We were supposed to return this Sunday but now it looks like I’ll be watching the fireworks from White Plains High School. Take a dip at Eastville beach for me! Remember, my telephone number is connected to my White Plains number so do not hesitate to call with news..

Through our Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library, the Massachusetts Library Association, and many kind participants, you may register your kids for the summer reading program at www.vhlibrary.org. The summer reading program kickoff even planned for Saturday has been cancelled because of the measles diagnosis on the Island. Guess what? Grown-ups have a summer reading program also, check it out! Some of the terrific businesses donating incentives and prizes to encourage literacy among our young are Tisberry, Island Cove Mini Golf, the Bunch of Grapes, Murdick’s, Bob’s Pizza, the Toy Box, and my beloved Capawock. Thank you all, did I leave anyone out? Speaking of the library, perfectly timed for the season, you have just a few more June days to check out the work of artist Kathy Poehler, Art in the Stacks. Kathy’s medium is seaweed. Who could ask for anything more?

A shout out here in my Old Country to Malik, our kind and caring nursing student friend who is so helpful and efficient at my local CVS. Malik is sweet enough to share Nonna’s May 18 birthday with her. And special thanks to my good friend, Dudley, who keeps my father’s flowers blooming.

Please pray with me for my companion, 11-year-old Silvio Joseph Gardella, one of my two Lhasa apsos, who is suffering from arthritis, a bacterial infection, and other problems his Nonna passed on to her grand dog. Great thing about United Hebrew of New Rochelle—all pets invited all the time!

Belated anniversary bouquets go out to Nicole Stagg and Altin Rizi who celebrated on June 23. June 27 is the wedding day of Len and Georgia Morris and Phil and Gail Derick. Joe and Joan Didato celebrate many years of wedded bliss on July 1.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Carly Simon June 25. Friday, June 26 is shared by Eileen Whiting and Charlie Mead. June 27 shines on Michael Wilson and Lance Pachico June 29 honors John Doyle, Flavia Stanley, and Alexander Douglas Grant 2nd. And on July 1 Cynthia Schilling, her granddaughter Jenev Schilling, Mya Jewett Rendall, and Dick Clark take the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.