Look for the silver lining, everyone says. Frankly, I can see none in this dangerous international situation we are in the middle of now.

Closer to home, monsoon season continues. At this rate we shall all have to buy those special lights to prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder. Don’t tell me there is no climate change. How is everyone’s garden doing? Did it wash away?

The Martha’s Vineyard Family Center offers a supervised outdoor play session, grownups and their kids together, from 10 to 11 a.m. every Thursday at different parks on Island. On June 15 it will be in Oak Bluffs. Check with our family center for details. On the next day, June 16, infant massage with Fae Kontje will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. at our site on North William street. And if you are in that neck of our woods, do not miss Art in the Stacks at our library. On the lower level during normal library hours, the works of Jennifer Langhammer — ceramic drawings and sculpture — are on display. Jennifer defines her work as Organic Abstraction. Her creations are inspired by nature but not meant to imitate it.

The Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse is returning to its peripatetic summer schedule. Beginning on Monday, June 12, there will be a half-price, $15, offering of play readings. The reading coming up will be a new comedy by Gwyn McAllister, directed by MJ Bruder Munafo.

Some necessary reminders: paper shredding at the MVRHS parking lot is on Saturday, June 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The charge is $15 cash for every six bags or boxes that you bring. The annual Father’s Day weekend barbecue at the First Baptist Church on William street will be at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 17. The menu includes chicken, ribs, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, beverage and dessert. Take-out is available. You may call 508-693-1539 for reservations.

The thought of John Crelan’s 39th Bloomsday celebration on Friday, June 16 at the Katharine Cornell Theatre brings to mind my lovely friend, Marge Howes, who so enjoyed this annual event. Go celebrate the best writing of James Joyce that evening, along with songs, dances — everything Irish as only Joyce could present it. I hope to see you there.

Herb Ward suggests you might like to bring family and guests to the Federated Church on Sunday, June 11 at 10:30 a.m. when Hymns, Psalms, and Spirituals are presented by two of our most talented Island musicians, Phil Dietterich and Peter Boak. If you need more information call 508-627-4421.

Get well wishes continue for Bobbie Jo Sears. Belated birthday bouquets go out to Todd Ryder O’Neill for June 3.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Elizabeth Baldwin, Tasha Bahal, Naromar DePaula, Jr. and Mark Guthries on June 9; June 10 is a party for Joshua Robinson-White, Grace Schmidt, Crystal Baker and Keosha Walker; June 11 smiles on John Crews, Mareda Gaither-Graves and Suzanne Walker; June 12 is shared by Emanuelly Nascimento and Eleanor Barret Williams; and on June 13, Elise Gardella, Ray LaPorte and Ruth McGorty take the cake. Many happy returns.

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