Ah, the 155th Annual Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair! I made it a point to go every year since I moved here in 1978. I was sure to bring my son every year of his life on Island.

The last time I attended was in August 2003. Chris Clark and his friend Anthony Masi were living with me and had just graduated MVRHS in June. We were all working for the summer. As was my wont to do, I secreted an envelope of cash, starting months ahead, to get us through the Fair. I told the boys what night I was taking them, two smarty-pants 18 year olds. They informed me they were too old for the Fair and weren’t going. I knew Chris was going into the Marine Corps and Anthony, who knew how long I would have the thrill of living with him?

I did what any parent would do. I lied. I told the boys I had a client in Chilmark who needed a large sofa moved and I couldn’t do it myself. They got in my truck to help, the promise of payment spurring them on. I drove right up to the Fair parking lot, told them it was my last chance to have them with me at the Fair, and they were going, like it or not. They decided to humor me. I gave them each an envelope with cash and told them to have fun. They ordered all the great food, they went on several rides, they saw many friends. I was finally so tired I told them I would wait in the truck.

Ah, what a memory! No one is too old for the Ag Fair! And congratulations to Paul Karasik who won the poster contest this year.

I have it on the very best authority, aka the Internet, that a poor reporter someone played a joke on has published an article saying the islanders refer to Martha’s Vineyard as “The Martha.” Just when you think you have heard it all! Well, I suppose this is understandable as you all know well we refer to our sister Island as “The Nan.”

Mary Korba, indefatigable worker for MVCS, announces the Island plates are in at the Edgartown RMV. These specialty plates are also a fundraiser for MVCS. You will receive a letter if you pre-ordered, and then must pick up your plates within 90 days. Questions? Contact info@mvlicenseplate.com. Newbies interested in ordering these beautiful plates may go on mvlicenseplate.com. Wear your heart on your sleeve, or should I say on your bumper?

Another amazing fundraiser for MVCS will be a presentation by Lee Wolf with performing partner, Julie Gilbert, of Ladies of Letters. This focuses on three of my absolute faves: DorothyParker, Edna Ferber and Lillian Hellman. The show will be a tell-all conversation with winning writer, Lee Wolf, held Thursday, August 25 at our Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center. Call Lee for tickets 412-638-1219 or contact him at leejohnwolf@yahoo.com.

Speaking of great writers, my dear friend Laurie Thompson is pleased to announce her daughter’s new book, Within the Maples by Harmony Lee, is available on Amazon. I hope we are getting this talented girl to MV to speak and sign books sometime this fall.

Two of my favorite books, Faulkner’s Absalom, Absalom and Melville’s Moby Dick, will be the chosen studies for the next seminar by Professor Emeritus at Swarthmore College, Philip Weinstein. This is a six-part workshop on the American Baroque brought to you by our Vineyard Haven Public Library free lecture series. First class is Sept. 7, so sign up now by registering online with the library or calling the program desk at 508-696-4211. These classes will be held at our Katharine Cornell Theatre. I’ll see you there.

Another Vision Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, August 25 at 6 p.m. at our library. Please attend and help with your input. This is nothing but our Island’s future.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Woody Woodward, Bill Clinton, Jeff Pratt and Amanda Louise Bernard on August 19; August 20 is shared by Rick McElhinney and Laurie Halt; August 21 shines on James Johnson and Christopher Beal; August 23 is a party for Jessica Brown, JoJo Wild and Deral Meadows; August 24 shines on Hannah Epworth and Christian Beal, yup, that’s Christopher Beal’s brother; And on August 25 Wendy Smith, Kathy Donnellan and Sherm Goldstein take the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.