KATHIE CASE

508-627-5349

(kathleencase@comcast.net)

The hazy, hot and humid days have been the big deal this week. If we listen to the weather forecasts, there is always a chance of showers and thunderstorms . . . but we are still waiting. Still, how can we complain when there have been many beautiful beach days and the sky and clouds have been beautiful?

Happy birthday to all who have celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Brandon Hammond, who celebrated his day August 9; to Adeline Riley and Austin Smith for August 10; and to Megan Hurley and Grace Manson, who celebrate their day today, August 12.

Special balloons go out to John Rose, who celebrated a milestone birthday on August 9. Word has it he will be Jack Benny from this day forward. (For you young people, that means he will be 39 from now on; I explain because when I said that to his daughter, she asked me who Jack Benny was.)

Special anniversary wishes go out to Dick and Jane Barbini, who celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on August 7. Dick was commenting on a conversation Jane and he had on how fast all the years have gone by. From this reporter’s view, they have had a great time, they have two great children, a wonderful daughter in law and two precious grandchildren. Who could ask for more? Happy anniversary, and here is to many more years together!

I was doing an errand for my boss, Patty Mundt, which entailed going to her home. So when I was driving into Island Grove I went around the corner to find three ladies walking with mischief on their faces. I stopped to say hello to Judy Hathaway, Jane Keenan and Doreen Feidler. They were all smiling and laughing. It was great to see the three friends enjoying themselves on the daily walk. Judy says they walk in different places but are avoiding the bike paths these days, especially on the beach road which is one of their favorite spots to walk.

I was at Hair Affair getting my hair cut and I noticed that the hair dryers had been traded in for two pedicure stations. What a great way to spend some time with a friend or even a spouse. I hear some men actually like to have pedicures and it is so good for their feet. Gretchen said they added the stations upstairs and have more room for waxing downstairs. They also have feathers in — the new rave in hair apparently is a small braid with a feather weaved in for color. I love going there as I am able to keep up on the new styles. By the way, they still have dryers; they are just mobile and can be anywhere you are.

It’s almost football season and the Martha’s Vineyard Public Schools Junior High Cheerleading Program is open for sign ups! The program promotes leadership, team building, community service, dance, school spirit, conditioning and cheering of course! The program is open to girls or boys in grades six to eight. If you would like more information or want to sign up your daughter or son, please call Sue Costello at 508-627-9568 or e-mail her at costellofamilymv@comcast.net. Go Vineyard!

The Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club will hold its election of officers at the annual meeting on Tuesday, August 16 at 1 p.m. at the Old Mill in West Tisbury. Tim Simmons will present a program on Global Warming: Plants and Habitats. A hospitality hour including refreshments will follow the program. Anyone interested in horticulture, home gardening, and flower arranging and preserving the best qualities of the Island environment is welcome. Free for members; $5 for guests. For more, call 508-693-5334. Inquiries regarding membership are welcome.

In honor of the Martha’s Vineyard Museum’s ongoing exhibit, Your Town, Our Island, which is designed to celebrate the different characters and voices of the Island’s separate towns, the museum is offering free admission to all seasonal and year-round residents of Edgartown for the week of August 15 through 19. In addition, for this one week Edgartown residents will receive $10 off family memberships, $5 off individual memberships, and 10 per cent off any higher membership level. Bring your family, and learn about your town!

It doesn’t seem possible but this next week is Illumination Night, the fair and fireworks. It is a great week of fun, even if it also means that the summer months are winding down. But we don’t have to think about that just yet so enjoy yourself this week and I hope you can get in some great activities.

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