This will be the first Agricultural Fair I have missed in 36 years. I want you all to attend, take pictures, eat the tempura, ride on the big slide and inform me who wins the frying pan toss. Nonna and I send our best wishes to you all. She just had a doctor’s visit and a glowing report so I think you will all be seeing us very soon.

A heads-up on a wonderful event, the George V. Tankard 5K Memorial Race/Walk on Sept. 19 sponsored by the MV NAACP. I’ll see you there.

Gerry Franzago turned 60 last week but he still looks like a handsome kid to me. Gerry and Ria’s granddaughter, Luna, has been visiting with them all summer, a great treat for the Cimeno-Franzago families and the rest of us, too. Luna enjoyed her birthday last Friday, August 7.

Speaking of birthdays, as I listed what to put in this week, I could not help but notice — and I shall never forget — Leslie. J. Stark’s August 18 birthday. We are both Leos. Leslie was so much more to all of us. When I return I think we should work on an event every August 18 to honor our dear friend. Send your ideas.

Last summer Teri and I were front row and center for the fabulous fashion show put on by our Thrift Shop, a staple now on Friday night the weekend of the big Chicken Alley Art Show and Sale. Please attend tonight and report back to me. Thrift Shop manager, Noavakay Knight, does a great job with our own gorgeous Island models. Special collectable clothes and accessories are on sale just after the last model takes to the runway. Last year there was a food truck there and I hope there is tonight.

The event will be followed by a movie at our beloved Capawock on Saturday night, Traceable, about the fashion industry and where and how the threads that we are wearing come from. Then, of course, the big day when I usually get a head start on holiday shopping — the Chicken Alley Art Show opening at 1 p.m. on Sunday. What treasures, what camaraderie!

The Vineyard Playhouse is offering a special big discount on two plays happening right now. 77% by Rinnie Groff is a play about, dare I say it in a family newspaper, sex, marriage and mothers. I guess that neatly covers all major world topics. Another popular play with tickets at sale prices is The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridge) [revised].

Confidential to Lyn K: Boston Girl by Anita Diamant was amazing. Nonna is reading it now. Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee proves lightning does not strike twice. I think she should have taken a page from Margaret Mitchell who only wrote Gone with the Wind, then took a long rest. I am reading Blackwater which is true and frightening. To take a break from the seriousness of that I am also reading one of my favorite authors, Lawrence Wright — Thirteen Days in September. You all remember 1978 when Jimmy Carter brought Anwar Sadat and Menachem Begin together at Camp David, and not just to ride horses and swim in the pool. You know, I live by Santayana’s maxim: those who choose to ignore the past are condemned to relive it.

Condolences and our sincere offers to help in any way we can go to Lori Robinson Fisher. Lori’s son, Jared, died last week. Jared had a great smile, attractive ambiance and was a friend to all he met. May he rest in peace.

I have heard from my good friend, Chris Osborn, all the way from Norway where he is living with his wife Lisa and their two adorable children. Chris is the son of James and Carol Osborn of Vineyard Haven, grandson of Hilda Backus. He was a great friend to my son Chris Clark and spent much time with us. Chris has mastered the Norwegian language but, unfortunately, has not mastered returning to storybook Island to see us yet. He is hoping for next summer and I can’t wait.

Well, just reading my column makes me tired, how about you? So I shall sign off with the anniversary and birthday wishes. Have a great and safe time at the fair, report the three days of the Chicken Alley extravaganza to me. Get your telephones and greeting cards out, here are the recipients:

Anniversary bouquets go out to Bill and Deb Little Friday, August 14. This was one of the absolutely best weddings and receptions I ever attended and I would give anything to see Bill wear his clan tartan again as he did on this important day. He has lovely knees. I have never seen Bob Klein in a kilt, but I bet he would be cute! Bob and Elaine Klein celebrate many years of wedded bliss on August 16.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Jarred Garde, Laura Hudson, Brooke Aubin, Leigh Smith, Carolyn Walters, Uta Kloss and Patricia McNamara Friday. August 16 is shared by Kendra Frakes and Kathy Stuart. August 17 is claimed by Mike Zenick, Renata Kinaki and Paige Stuart. August 18 belongs to AP Iacovello, Cheryl Schrader, Melissa Dolby and Michael Donovan. August 19 is a party for Jeff Pratt, Bill Clinton, Amanda Louise Bernard and Woody Woodward. And on August 20 Rick McElhinney and Laurie Halt take the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.