Well Teri Praskach took the long boat and bus trip back to my Old Country to surprise Nonna and me for my birthday. She packed tomato plants, basil and lemon basil she had started, and many other gardening gifts that don’t usually go in suitcases. We have had a delightful time with her and she is adding new flora and fauna to my Dad’s gardens. Teri is on her way back to storybook Island to help judge the vegetables and fruit in the Fair. Nonna and I remain at the mercy of Nonna’s doctors here after her latest rehab incident. I see an all clear for an Island trip in our near future. Thank you all who sent cards, gifts, posted birthday wishes and sang on the telephone. You know who you are.

Here’s a shout out to one of our club members at Dunne’s Pub, Tony Keogh, who is on Island for his annual visit. Tony, be sure to take advantage of the 25th Annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, August 9, from 7 a.m. to noon at the Anchors near Memorial Wharf in Edgartown. This famous Rotary Club fundraiser has some of the hardest working people I know ready to delight you with all-you-can-eat pancakes, bacon, sausage, coffee and juice. I have known Jim Hart and Bill Little to rise as early as 2 a.m. to prepare for this breakfast blowout.

I must say this is the second column in a row I need to spread the sad news of the passing of a great man. Jerome Kohlberg Jr., better known an Jerry to all, was the owner of this newspaper. He and his wife Nancy spread such good will, such good cheer, and believed in newspapers the old fashioned way, while also propelled by all the modern accoutrements. They sparkled at every Gazette party and were esteemed every time they passed by our desks. Jerry was a gentleman, a scholar and a baseball player. They don’t get better than that.

Dianne Rhoades is back in her suite at Windemere! She is improving after her latest medical incident and her sister Donna posted a beautiful picture of her. Stop in and visit, and don’t forget to look up my friend, Anna Duarte, as well as any of your friends who now reside at Windemere.

Our library is not taking a pause in August. On Wednesday, August 12, at 3 p.m. the Rocket Man Returns! Kids ages eight and up may build a water rocket and attempt to launch it over the roof of the library. Wear appropriate clothes suitable for messiness.

Adults are entertained on Tuesday, August 11, at 7 p.m. in the program room of our library by Tom Dunlop and film editor John Wilson. The men are intent on preserving films of our Island history and many date back to the 1920s. There will be a Q&A after the presentation. All are welcome, and the program is free.

On Thursday, August 13, also at 7 p.m. in the program room, professor Louise Shelley will speak about her latest book, Dirty Entanglements: Corruption, Crime, and Terrorism.

Ashley Willoughby and her fiance, Sam, have taken new baby Jude to visit Sam’s family in Maine. The pictures Ashley sent are exquisite. Maine looks a lot cooler than Martha’s Vineyard and White Plains right now.

Anniversary bouquets go out to David Gardella and Liz Figueroa on August 8.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Arlinda Graves, Travis Baptiste, Luisa Tassiana and Sandie Corr-Dolby Friday. August 8 smiles on Michael Robinson, Milly Berman and Danae Finley. August 9 is a party for Sal Alfano, Vitor Mouzinho and Riley Chalifaux. August 10 is shared by Jennifer Benson and Annette J. Sandrock. August 11 belongs to Clare Ann Harrington. And on August 12 Emma Keppeler, Anne Breslin, Karen Kassius and Sharon Robinson take the cake. Many happy returns.

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