Cinco de Mayo and the Big Chili contest are upon us. Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. join us at the Portuguese American Club in Oak Bluffs for this fun fundraiser for our Island Red Stocking fund. You may taste and vote on the entries. Prizes are awarded in amateur and professional categories, presentation, Is It Really Chili? And a whole passel of opportunities to see our friends and favorite restaurants share their best recipes. Vegetarian chili? Yep, it usually makes an appearance. There will be live music, lots of folks dressed for the occasion, and a dance party till 7:30 p.m. after the voting concludes at 4:30 p.m. This is the first year many of our seasonal friends will be able to attend. I’ll see you there.

There will be no resting on Saturday! My dear friend and amazing artist, Jack Ryan, will have the opening of his show from 5 p.m to 6:30 p.m. at the Vineyard Playhouse. If you see the pen and ink drawings of Jack’s New York city, just the way I remember it, you will understand why I think the amount of patience he has rivals Mother Theresa. I shall head for the show right after casting my vote at Big Chili.

The handsome young men I first met in third grade will be on Island this weekend. The Schilcher triplets, Duncan, Alex and Nick, have arrived to work in Mom’s V. Jaime Hamlin catering business for the summer. I am sure they will be voting on chili too. Young Noel Macy, of here and South Boston, is also headed to the contest. I look up to them all now.

George Rittershaus of Main street reported that he and his wife saw a snowy owl on a tree in their yard on April 21. When it flew off, the wing span appeared to be 48 inches. So many more snowy owls this year. What’s up with that?

We will celebrate the life of Tony Lombardi on Sunday, May 6 at noon at Alex’s Place at the YMCA, the teen center he ran so well. No balloons or glitter, please, but bring poems, anecdotes, photos, Tony memorabilia. Food and music? Of course! And many of the young artists he mentored so well will perform. If you want to speak please contact the club and ask to be put on the list. I’ll see you there.

Also, May 4 at all Cumberland Farms outlets, 20 cents from every cup of coffee, Slurpee or fountain drink sold will go to the Sean M. Gannon memorial fund for the family of the slain Yarmouth police officer.

I had the pleasure of meeting Peggy Hardy of Philadelphia for lunch at Mikado on Tuesday. Bobbie Jo Sears introduced us. I had heard wonderful things about Peggy from Bobbie Jo. I wasn’t disappointed. She used to have a home here in Vineyard Haven but sold it and just travels here for fun now. Peggy is a retired educator, but still working with kids. I am not surprised. See you in August, Peggy.

I had not been to Mikado before but certainly enjoyed it. Another, newer restaurant opened yesterday which I also need to try. Ben and Erica DeForest opened the Cardboard Box on Circuit avenue in Oak Bluffs, where my old fave, the Rare Duck, used to be. Ben and Erica are the most foodie couple I ever met. They are devoted to their craft. I’ll see you there.

My neighbor on Leonard Circle, aka Lenny’s Loop, has returned from Florida and is ready for an outstanding season. Jim always has such interesting guests. He is the perfect host.

Phyllis and Woody Williams had a wonderful visit with Priscilla and Fred Thifault over the weekend. Priscilla and Fred have been so active in the community, especially in our American Legion. So a lot of Legion business was discussed, photo albums reviewed, and merriment in general. Buddy was there, too. Remember to call and visit our friends who don’t get out as much as they used to.

The moment I have waited for all winter is almost upon us. The first of our four annual hazardous waste collections will be at the Edgartown refuse facility on West Tisbury road on Saturday, May 19 from 9 a.m. to noon. Give a call or Google if you are not sure what items are accepted.

Sad news has reached me that Ken Garde, an active member of our community, husband of Nina, father and grandfather of some fabulous kids, passed last weekend. Our condolences to all friends and family. He will be greatly missed.

Abigail McGrath of Renaissance House contacted me to say her husband, Tony, died at home on Saturday, April 27. Our love and condolences go out to her and her family.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Sister Jane Keegan on April 29. That poor woman had me as a high school student! So glad I didn’t scare her off. Wes Stokes celebrated on May 2. And on May 6 Jim MacDonald takes the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.