I did the tourist thing last weekend. I had to go off-Island for two days and found myself in Falmouth with no return reservation. I easily found a parking spot on Main street, went into several fashionable shops, bought some plastic lobsters and a new wardrobe that says Cape Cod. The weather was perfect. I sat on the Falmouth Common for a while, then retreated to La Cucina Sul Mare, an Italian bistro. I have passed it many a time, but never stopped in. Wonderful lunch served by a beautiful young woman named Elizabeth, an economics major. Believe me, you don’t have to just wait in your car on the other side!

Some fun food fundraisers for this weekend are the previously mentioned clambake and music fest at the senior center, Saturday at 1 p.m., courtesy of the Tisbury Council on Aging, and the chicken dinner at the First Baptist Church parish house tomorrow night at 5:30 p.m. I hope you bought your tickets for the Tisbury Senior Center, the deadline was Thursday. I’ll see you there.

He was born in Paris, yet his first memory of life was standing in a playpen on West Chop at age three in 1939. There, I have given away his age! I am speaking of the indefatigable Mason Buddy, now on-Island with Patricia Dextradeur and the clan. The clan consists of five grown children and nine grandchildren. One grandchild from Ashland, Mass., Kristina, celebrated her 10th birthday here this week. In addition to the beautiful beach they wake up to every morning at the Norton home, some of their favorite beaches are State, South, and Tashmoo, where they also partake in clamming. As you well know, Pat is an artist, so Wednesday was spent touring the galleries in Edgartown. So far they have been to all the beaches, are enjoying the perfect weather, and have caught two gold rings at the Flying Horses. Welcome back.

An Island icon has died. Donald DeSorcy left us last Thursday, funny and courteous to the end. I met Donald in my early days here and you couldn’t find a more stand up guy. Condolences to his family and friends. We will miss him greatly.

On Tuesday, July 29, our library presents Lady Bug Girl in a special show at 10 a.m. for the infants to two year olds. Lady Bug Girl will entertain the three to five set at 11 a.m. Felicia Cheney promises you a muddy, messy program at 4 p.m. for ages five and up on Thursday. Dress appropriately, or do I mean inappropriately?

Anniversary bouquets go out to Ed and Lil Colligan on July 28.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Larry Conroy and Tom Colligan Jr. today. Tomorrow is a party for Sal Esposito, Amy Hambrecht, Kellie Burtch, Martha Chappell, Sarah Swift and Rory Elizabeth Mayhew. July 27 belongs to Vicki Burrows, Liz Masi, Buntie Bahal, Megan Honey, Michael Cobban, Connie Campbell, Theo Cowett and Caleb Enos. July 28 shines on Jane Martin, Keiko Corey, Sarah Moreis and Andy Chappell. July 29 is claimed by Gerry Franzago, Michael Desrosiers, Chris Cimeno and Doug Sabin. July 30 honors Diane Hartmann, Jonathan Alexander Gardella and Asley Medeiros. And on July 31, Gale Grain Monk and Tony Radoszewski take the cake. Many happy returns.

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