I have known Mike Jacobs of Chilmark since he was a teenager. I am so pleased to see how he has grown into a man and a concerned citizen, especially mindful of sustainable energy problems and solutions both on and off Island. Mike is involved with the Vineyard Energy Project’s formation in 2009 of the Vineyard Power Co-op. The goal is to help build a sustainable energy future for Martha’s Vineyard by producing local, renewable resources and keeping the benefits within our community. They are hoping to achieve 100 per cent green energy by 2050. Check them out at vineyardpower.com or learn more at a meeting at the Portuguese-American Club next Tuesday, Oct. 18, to celebrate their accomplishments, discuss their future, and exchange ideas. Don’t miss it, and meet my friend Mike and his enthusiastic co-workers. All are welcome at the P.A. Club from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Please heed the warning that because of toxic algae blooms Island waters are closed to all shellfishing. Bay scalloping is still permitted. And it is certainly great weather to be out and about, I know you will have no trouble finding a different outdoor activity in these gorgeous October days.

Years ago I had the pleasure of taking a watercolor class from the very talented Joan Walsh. Joan went on to illustrate many children’s books, teach many classes, and produce beautiful art. The Vineyard Haven Public Library is featuring her work this month in Art In the Stacks, available downstairs during all open library hours. Go be as enchanted as I was. There is just something about watercolor. And there is definitely something about Joan.

Speaking of art, Uta Kloss has some new work in at the Island Art Gallery, Kennedy Studios on our Main street. The prolific and amazing inspirational photography of Mike Blanchard is on display. His calendars are also available for purchase. Go on in, browse, and say hi to the entire family: Uta, Doug, and darling dog Fletcher.

Mary Korba at our community services is anxious to party with the people who have purchased a Martha’s Vineyard special license plate. The proceeds go to benefit community services. There will be a victory lap tour this Sunday to honor all those who have affixed this treasured plate to their vehicle. Pre-register at mvlicenseplate.com. Get info at that site, or call 508.693.7900 ext. 222 for news of the tour. The caravan will leave from the high school promptly at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16. Tour our roads and return to a barbecue, party, and the terrific music of Tristan Israel and Paul Thurlow at the community services campus.

It was heartbreaking to hear that Laurie Marotta’s mom, Wanda Denton of West Hartford, Conn. and our own Lenny’s Loop in Vineyard Haven, died on Oct. 5 at her home in West Hartford. Wanda was 91 and you never met a peppier senior than our dear Wanda. The good news is she had a great life and her family was with her when she passed. Wanda leaves three daughters and their husbands, two grandchildren, and five great-grands. Not to mention a whole herd of friends she made in many places. Above all, I remember a book in her hand. No wait, then also a gardening tool. Often I watched her work heartily in her daughter Laurie’s yard. Oh, yes, I never saw her travel without her sewing machine, she was most accomplished at whipping up anything, Always busy with her hands, I also saw her wielding a white wine glass at our neighborhood cocktail parties where we were also exposed to her wonderful wit and proper use of the English language with no recriminations for we of lesser speak. Wanda’s arrangements are private. There will be yet another empty chair filled with memories at our summer porch get-togethers.

Donations in Wanda’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Resource Center, 1261 South Main Street, Plantsville, CT 06479. Online condolences may be posted at sheehanhilbornbreen.com. As you walk our neighborhood, if you are looking at flowers, you are looking at Wanda.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Amaru Pareja on Oct. 14. Steffie Elliott celebrates on Oct. 16. Oct. 17 is a party for Margery Howes, Hannah Berman, and Sue Zonino. Oct. 18th shines on Noel Macy, Zach Pepper, Shawn Goodwin, Jermaine Campbell, and Jim Pringle Sr. And on Oct. 19th Benjamin Cotton takes the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.