Kudos to the Alexandra MM Gagnon Foundation for making our teen center, Alex’s Place, possible in its wonderful nook at the YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard. The center will be celebrating its sixth birthday in December. But it is open now and welcoming all Island teens back to school. Kudos also to Tony Lombardi and Laurel Redington-Whitaker for offering such a full plate of activities. In what is becoming a much-loved annual event, our own Charlie Nadler returned for Labor Day weekend to perform three fun and laugh-filled sets at the center. The audience was packed and appreciative. Charlie’s parents are Marty and Holly Nadler. As we say on Island, “the apple don’t fall far from the tree.” Joining Charlie in this raucous night were Cord Bailey with his unique perspective on Island life and funny man Dan Altino. The set ended with a personal cake for Charlie that said “It Takes a Village to Raise a Comic.” Gosh, I wonder whose mother thought of that? All money raised at these programs gets plowed right back into Alex’s Place events. And yes, Charlie Nadler has already signed up for next Labor Day!

My friends have been posting wonderful pictures of their little ones boarding a school bus either for the first time or for the first day of their new school year. Charming and nostalgic. I remember the first day I put Christopher on the school bus; I think I returned to bed and cried for an hour. Now when I can visit him I am putting his two sons on the bus. Always an emotional moment.

Dr. Elliott Dacher will be discussing his new book and presenting the principles of health and healing on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. at the program room of our Vineyard Haven Public Library. Everyone is welcome to this free event. Stay for the refreshments. Dr. Dacher has defined the six stages of successful life in its transitions. Sounds like information we all need.

The Vineyard Playhouse is presenting a new work. Ronan Noone wrote the play. It is set in the kitchen of Eugene O’Neill’s classic Long Day’s Journey into Night. Emphasis is on two immigrant Irish girl servants and the American chauffeur. Sounds very interesting. Meanwhile, in the art space at the Playhouse, Janet Woodcock presents her craft photography. Janet studied at the Boston Institute of Art and the New England School of Photography. You are welcome to view her work, either when the playhouse is open during regular business hours or if you are attending a play, come early, stay later and catch Janet’s eagle eye.

Anniversary bouquets go out to three great couples this week. Arvi and Pam Bahal celebrate Friday, Sept. 9. Bruce and Robin Bailey celebrate on Sept. 10. And Woody and Phyllis Williams mark many years of wedded bliss on Sept. 11.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Bob Klein, Ben Sweet, Joan Didato, and Ted Desrosiers on Friday, Sept. 9. Sept. 10 is claimed by Heather Goff. Sept. 11 belongs to Mary Alice Jannace, Julian Hickman, Amanda Klein, and Nicholas J. Bourgoin. Sept. 12 smiles on Roberto Salaverria, Becky DeJesus, Lauri McNamara and Dylan Dyke. Sept. 13 is for young John McCarthy, Clara Rabbitt, Tootie Strople Kieffer, Toby Wilson, and Naromar DePaula Sr. Sept. 14 honors Lynn White, Geraldine Brooks, and Rebecca Isabel Sherr. And on Sept. 15 Nancy Nevin, Will Felder, Heather McElhinney, and Alycelee Pigman-Rayfield take the cake. Many happy returns.

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