I have been enjoying a wonderful visit from my sister in law, Nancy Gardella, and her son, Jonathan Alexander Gardella. As is their custom the summer has been very wild and crazy for them with lots of travel.

First, when Jonathan’s high school was dismissed for the summer, he had a trip with Mom and his colleague, Victoria O’Donnell to Indiana University where these two students had attended a music clinic last summer. Jonathan plays six instruments but his go-to for orchestra is viola, sometimes violin. I have not met Victoria yet but I believe she plays violin.

Nancy enjoys Indianapolis. She repeated last summer’s touring and coffee shops and getting to know the area. This is a possibility for Jonathan for college. I just don’t know how you move from Florida weather to Indiana but I know it has been done. Then the trio returned to Fort Myers. Jon had a week at Boy Scout camp in Georgia. Jon is working on Eagle Scout and doing very well. The next music camp will be in New Orleans in August. On the road again.

Speaking of Indiana, Peter Sawyer and his friend Brenda posted from Indiana two days ago. Pete is on a cross country trip, that is after he left Taiwan for summer break. Pete teaches English and film in Taiwan. Now he is crossing the country to visit friends and family all over, especially his birthplace of

Easthampton. Of course he must come to Martha’s Vineyard. Pete was such a stellar presence here for so many years. Who could forget his great radio shows at WMVY?

The little neighbor girl I babysat for before she could talk has just become engaged. Rebecca Dunham went to Tisbury School, then our high school, then on to Boston for her favorite profession, librarian. She has been dating Leigh Downes, son of Helen and David Downes. Leigh proposed with an engagement ring set in rose gold that was a part of his mother’s engagement set. The couple is very happy and will be on-Island in September to pursue venues for the big day. May they live happily ever after.

Wes Stokes is back in summer mode at the family cottage on Lenny’s Loop. No doubt many lucky neighbors will be gifted with the produce of his fishing skills. He reported a few days ago that his cocktail of the hour summed up the day’s weather, Dark and Stormy.

Just next door Paul Howes has July guests; his daughter Julia Gomez Blanco and her children, Aidan and Livvy. Husband Javier was here for the first week of July but is now tending the homestead in East Brunswick. A treat for the whole Howes family is the visit from Bridget Slomka, Paul’s beautiful granddaughter from Arizona. This lovely young lady actually lived in Paul’s home one winter. Unfortunately, I did not meet her then. Off to college she will go after this family vacation. Her mother Annie Howes raises chickens and all kinds of farm animals. We need another Rupert in the ‘Hood.

So many events are offered in season, I am just going to mention a few: the always active Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center offers a forum on Thursday, July 20. Speaker Eric D. Isaac of the University of Chicago will address U.S. Science: An Underfunded Asset. On Sunday July 23 come to the Hebrew Center for a screening of Mr. Gaga, a masterful documentary about the amazing choreographer Ohad Naharin. This film is co-sponsored by the Yard, our dance facility in Chilmark.

Nancy Shaw Cramer is at it again with her summer showcase. Venture up to 38 Looks Pond Way off Music street on Saturday July 22 from noon to 4 p.m. Come sit by the pond, enjoy some light refreshments and browse her offerings this summer. One of a kind fabrics, pillows, handwoven tapestries — this lady always has an great collection of usable art. Nancy will have another showcase in August. I’ll keep you posted.

The birthday bandwagon is frozen in a computer I cannot get into. So I wish all of you celebrants from July 21 to July 27 the best birthdays of the week! You all take the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.