Welcome back to Leide DePaula who returned from a whirlwind two weeks in Brazil. Leide has not seen her brother and sister, many friends, lots of relatives and neighbors in 14 years. She certainly enjoyed every minute there. Leide was traveling with her young son, Naromar, who plays JV football for the high school. Naromar had the chance to meet all these relatives a few summers back, it was his second visit to Brazil. Leide and Naromar also had the pleasure of escorting mom and grandmom Penha Prata back from her four-month visit to the Old Country. Leide promises many stories over our next cup of coffee.

Kara Best, the delightful redhead at Cumby’s, hosted a baby shower for her sister, Keri Best, the delightful brunette at Stop & Shop, last Sunday at the Portuguese American Club. Kara and Keri were thrilled to see so many friends and relatives, many traveling from off-Island. Our best to the baby, Keri!

Poet laureate of Martha’s Vineyard, Arnie Riesman, showed up for his coronation at the Katharine Cornell Theatre Tuesday night in a toga and laurel wreath. What could be more fitting for this man of all seasons, poet, writer, actor, director and all around good guy? The Martha’s Vineyard Poetry Society figured heavily in this stellar choice for our next poet laureate. The program was presented by the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library.

The library announces other great events as well. Sunday hours from noon to 4 p.m. resume on Sunday, Oct. 19. This will include events sponsored by the Friends. And as of Nov. 9, grown-ups and teens will be treated to crafts programs at the library at no cost. I’ll see you there.

Our American Legion Auxiliary holds its second meeting of the season on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the hall at 7 p.m. The discussion will be the annual holiday bazaar. The bazaar is early this year, on Nov. 22. We are all invited to decorate theme baskets for the sale and auction. Gently used white elephants as well as baked goods are needed for the party. In past years I have decorated a tool basket, a sewing basket, and a flashlight, candle, and battery basket among other delightful offerings from our talented club. Come join the fun.

I am reminding you all in this Cancer Awareness Month that Isabelle’s Beach House on Seaview avenue in Oak Bluffs is the place for our party on Wednesday, Oct. 15. at 6 p.m. Get Your Pink On is the theme of the MV Breast Cancer Awareness Group, but certainly, anyone who has been touched by this disease as a survivor, a patient, a caregiver, the curious and the hungry may bring a potluck dish and donate some items for door prizes. Contact hanrobe@comcast.net to see how you may contribute and get any information you need.

Get well wishes go out to Susan Kanowith Klein who is nursing a back injury off-Island.

Anniversary bouquets go out to Chuck Redington and Carolyn Snow Redington today.

October 16 is National Boss’ Day. I can’t wait!

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Duncan Pickard and Rob Laffie today. October 11 is a party for Caitlin Crossland, Kristin Siple, Mardell Francis and Kenon Veno. October 12 belongs to Jaime Conroy, Arvi Bahal and Sabrina Flipse. October 13 smiles on John Sylvia, Vania Ruas and Marcos Arado. October 14 is claimed by Amaru Pareja. October 15 shines on Helen Gorski and Colin Ruel, and on Oct. 16 Steffie Elliott takes the cake. Many happy returns.

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