Report from San Marcos, Tex.: Ashley Byrd, who returned to San Marcos with her three-year-old Jude last week, wants to assure her family and friends on-Island that they are safe. San Marcos is a higher area than the parts being affected terribly by Harvey. However, Ashley posted some photos of her husband Sam Byrd’s childhood neighborhood. It was heartbreaking. Any suggestions from Islanders on how to help would be greatly appreciated. Ashley added that more than clothes and shoes, money is what is needed now to insure everyone is safe, has access to food, water, shelter and medical care. Islanders, do your thing.

The effervescent Grace Schrafft spent two weeks visiting her friend, Vivi, in our town. I believe this is an annual occurrence for Vivi and Grace. I am sorry I missed her.

I also missed Louise Howes who has been on-Island with her dad, Paul, for a week. Good old Lenny’s Loop! Mom, Marge Howes, passed in May. We are so bereft without her. Louise was helping Paul organize and clear out the house for sale. She will return in a few weeks.

Every time Tom Dresser gives a talk on his latest book, Hidden History of Martha’s Vineyard, he changes it up. Catch Tom at our Tisbury Senior Center on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 1:30 p.m. Book talk, questions, camaraderie and refreshments. Tom is an expert in all those areas. The talk is free; all ages and all town’s are invited.

The famous Labor Day artisans festival will take place this weekend in West Tisbury. My friend Marge Howes made sure to never miss it. She was a patron of the many talented artists and never failed to stop at each booth and speak to each one. I do believe she thoughtfully did most of her holiday gift shopping there.

My mother loved to be seated on my back deck or by the dining room window to see all the runners in our annual Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library 5K Run/Walk. This year’s will be on Sunday, Sept. 10. Pre-registration gets you a discount. The kids fun run is free. There will be medals and awards for all ages. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The Kids Run starts at 9:45 a.m.; the grownups set off at 10 a.m. Save five dollars by registering on line at vhlibrary.org. This benefits the many exciting programs the Friends provide.

This weekend is the 11th annual Vineyard Car Show brought to you by the Tisbury Firefighter Association. The car show is free and open to all on Sunday, Sept. 3 at our MVRHS. Rain date is Monday, Sept. 4. Show opens at 9 a.m. There will be music, a bouncy house, a rock wall, food, and various vendors. The jewel in the crown will be the cars and their drivers. Bring the family and any guests you have for Labor Day weekend.

Perhaps famed golfer Tony Keogh will return to take a few swings to help Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard. Our annual Golf Classic to raise funds for this important group will be hosted by Mink Meadows golf course on Sunday, Sept. 17. There will also be raffles and an online auction featuring Saratoga Box and Boston Sports Packages. Register and get more info at hospiceofmv.org or 508-693-0189. I daresay there is not a family on-Island that has not felt the gentle hug of Hospice.

Condolences go out to the many friends and large family of Hilda Jardin Backus. Hilda died on Tuesday, August 29. She was a Renaissance woman, so well-schooled in so many areas. To be her friend was a blessing. Now she and Rod are dancing together again.

Get well wishes to Julian Edelman. My favorite #11! While you are integral to the Pats, I think we can all say our team will bring home the sixth Super Bowl trophy in your honor. Meanwhile, if you need a place to watch the game and someone to fetch you beer, tea, snacks and massages, call the number atop this column.

My best friends in Brooklyn celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on August 29. Frank and Filomena Campagniolo fell in love and stayed there. May they continue to live happily ever after.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Karen Cimeno on Sept. 6. She really takes the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.