KATHIE CASE

508-627-5349

(kathleencase@comcast.net)

I would sing, “We’re having a heat wave, a tropical heat wave,” but it is too darn hot. Still, I think we all agree we are in the best place here on the Island; even when it is hot, here we usually have a nice ocean breeze.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Kate LaPlume, who celebrated her day July 10; Gabriella Hoxsie, July 11; Madeline Chronister, July 13; Megan Bettencourt and Hugo Burrows, July 14; and to Thomas O’Shaughnessy, who celebrated his day July 15.

Special wishes go out for Dalila and Elsa Vieira’s birthday on July 12!

After getting back from the parade last week we had a nice surprise in our yard. Jim Harrison from Flatbread Pizza Company was talking to one of our guests, explaining about his new pizza place at the old Hot Tin Roof. All of the ingredients are organic, and they make everything right there. So I thought, okay, here we go with the no taste or different crust. I was pleasantly surprised when he brought over to the house a few samples of his work. It was delicious! And my guest loved it as well. He brought four types of pizza, and they were all gone in a matter of minutes with rave reviews. There are many different types of salads on the menu, and all is reasonably priced. So if you need somewhere new to go for something different, give them a try.

On Wednesday Jimmy and Patty Santos, who live in The Villages, Fla. most of the year, arrived from her family farm in Esperance, upper New York state, for what has become their annual summer visit with Edgartown High School classmate Pat Tyra. He will also have visits with cousins here, Oak Bluffs and Menemsha, treasured participation in the Portuguese Feast over the weekend and get to watch the Edgartown Regatta. Two weeks is hardly enough time to fit in everything they want to do, including swimming, sailing in Pat’s Snark, and “scratching” at Katama Bay. And as usual they will have a neighborhood reunion cocktail party with friends and relatives.

On Saturday, out at our Katama Airfield, young and old will have a chance to watch the four World War II vintage airplanes arrive between noon and 3 p.m. They are coming from Nantucket, Plymouth and Hansom Field. The fourth plane is a Piper J-5 which was converted to an air ambulance. This event is in conjunction with the Martha’s Vineyard Museum’s continuing exhibit Those Who Serve: Martha’s Vineyard and World War II. It is free to all, so do consider coming out to the airport.

I would like to take this time to thank the Island police departments, the fire departments and all their volunteers, and our EMS departments. This past month has put them all to the test with the two tragedies we have endured. We are so fortunate for these professional men and women, and I don’t think they hear thank you quite enough. So, thank you — and I know I am joined by others who appreciate your time and energy.

Sandy Joyce reports the volunteers at United Methodist Church of Martha’s Vineyard have started their crab cake suppers again this summer. They are held each Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m. (or until sold out — get there early!) at the Trinity Church Parish House across from the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs. The cost is $12 for a full meal; hot dog meals are also available for $5. Meals can be eaten “in” and take-out is an option as well. The crab cakes are homemade and absolutely delicious! Proceeds from the suppers go to various mission and/or community outreach programs that the church supports,

The eighth grade class of 2011 is hosting the 21st annual Edgartown Garden Walking Tour and Tea on Wednesday, July 21 (rain date, Thursday, July 22), from 1 to 4 p.m. It benefits the class trip to Washington, D.C. Tickets are $5 and can be bought from any eighth grader, or at the Ashley Inn, Saffron or Edgartown Books.

Next Friday evening, July 23, from 7 to 8 p.m., the story of Captain Levi Jackson and the rescue of 14 people from the Mertie B. Crowley, which wrecked off Wasque on January 23, 1910, will be told by his great-grandson Herb Ward. The talk will take place at the parish house of the Federated Church, on the corner of Cooke and South Summer streets in Edgartown. A suggested donation of $10 will go to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund, to help Island families in need.

Mary Jane Carpenter is doing a great series on historic homes in Edgartown with Ann Bassett. Her latest is about the Wimpenney houses. It is on MVTV and her info is usually pretty interesting.

Martha Scheffer was named to the All-Star team in the Eastern Conference. She was a pitcher on the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School softball team. She graduated on June 13 and will be going to Bridgewater State College in the fall. She is going to study athletic training and also play softball on their team, the Bridgewater State College Bears. This summer she is playing on the women’s softball team the Wharf Honey’s.

Have a great week, and keep the home candles burning.