What beautiful weather, punctuated by some wild storms and heavy rain.

As always, the art colony on the Island has spectacular summer seasons. Freshly returned from ultra-hip Greenpoint, Brooklyn and his studio there, our own Colin Ruel is on-Island and exhibiting his wonderful work for the summer. Look for Colin’s art at the Field Gallery and other local venues.

Meanwhile, Susan Johnson, of the Pratt Institute and Boston University, has her work in Art in the Stacks at our library. It can be viewed downstairs during regular library hours. Her exhibit will run through the end of June, so hasten. If any artists are interested in showing at the library please call 508-696-4210.

I know we all miss the Shaw Cramer Gallery downtown. But you are invited to a special sale from Nancy of Shaw Cramer at 38 Looks Pond Way in West Tisbury on Saturday, June 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come visit, bring your friends, enjoy the pond and marvel at the array of jewelry and textiles for your pleasure.

More artistry may be seen in what our Island gardens have to offer this summer. A special shout out to our garden columnist, Lynne Irons, who noted the foxgloves on my property on the corner heading towards West Chop. Many friends have sent me pictures. Of course, Miss Two-Brown-Thumbs Gardella did not plant those. This was done by my best girl, Teri Praskach, who lovingly left behind so many memories of her fine work.

Our former neighbor from Lennie’s Loop, now of Los Lunas, N.M., Christine Paffendorf, had a whirlwind visit. The week flew by. Paul and Marge entertained Chris with their favorite activities: lunch at the Right Fork Diner, oysters in Menemsha while sitting on the lobster traps, chowder in Aquinnah, and Christine’s first visit to the newly moved Gay Head lighthouse. Chris could not make the trip last year, but as Paul and Chris did not get their usual day of frisbee golf in, I know she must return. The revolving welcome at the Howes’ front door continues next week. Stay tuned.

Our annual Tisbury family shellfishing day is June 25 at the Lagoon Pond boat landing. Rain date is June 26. Come with your family and learn the joys and history of harvesting these little treats. The festival is free but registration is required. Go to tisburyma.gov to sign up or call Danielle Ewart at 508-684-8304. I am embarrassed to say I have never been shellfishing in my life. I will miss this day but as the Stokes and Howes families in my neighborhood know the routine intimately I am sure they will take me and teach me when I return.

I missed this year’s Island graduations but I am very pleased to have a young friend here in my Old Country, whose graduation I shall attend this week. Young Isaiah Bennett, who celebrated his 11th birthday on June 12, has done an excellent job with his studies, sports and friendships at the Mamaroneck Avenue School and will graduate this week. Next year he moves on to middle school at Eastview. Congratulations and best wishes to you, Isaiah! June would not be June if I didn’t have a young friend’s graduation to attend.

Our Island community will come together, as it always does, but lacking an excellent father, friend and fisherman. Condolences to the family and friends (and isn’t this all of us) of Luke Gurney who was swept out to sea doing what he loved. The outpouring of care and concern and condolences has not abated. No Regrets.

Friday, June 24, is another milestone for Allan and Michele Berman, their anniversary. Welcome to them and their large, loving family.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Vanessa Williams Friday June 24, along with Frank T. Bailey; June 25 is claimed by Carly Simon, Ashley Willoughby, Suzanne Webb, Jack O’Callaghan and Eva Lemoine; June 26 shines on Eileen Whiting and Charlie Mead; And on June 29 John Doyle, Flavia Stanley, Alexander Douglas Grant and Lynn Weber take the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.