This is a long name for a young man but he is growing into it beautifully. Shane Justice Little Eagle Vanderhoop-True, my young friend, assistant, and dog walker, celebrated his last day of sixth grade at the West Tisbury school by taking an early afternoon boat with his friend, Jack Tully. Off the boys went to hook up with Jack’s dad, Steve, and spend three nights camping on the Cape. They also managed to get to an off-Island movie theater and the boys were quite taken with the reclining seats. Could this be in our future on-Island?

Meanwhile, Shane’s good friend and neighbor here on Lenny’s Loop, Mary Afton Crandall, was on the road with her mother, Piper Murphy. Mary Afton just graduated fifth grade at the Tisbury school. Her heart was set on returning to the cheerleading camp she attended last summer in Woodward, Pa. so I had the pleasure of caring for Hannah, their border collie, and four black cats. While I stayed at Piper’s, my friend, Bobbie Jo, stayed with my two dogs and the energetic cat, Misty. Everything was fine until the big thunderstorm Saturday night. My two, Silvio and Lil’Bit, went whimpering to Bobbie Jo. Piper’s Hannah jumped in bed with me and was Velcroed to my side. Reminds me we have to shut all the windows and doors whenever there are fireworks on-Island.

Congratulations to Piper’s son, Mercer Kelly, who graduated from our high school last weekend.

Bill and Jan Stokes arrived at their Island retreat. Jan’s flowers are incomparable. She definitely has green thumbs. Jim Hart has been here since April. Our friend Paul Howes will be staying with Jim for the weekend, arriving from New Canaan. We are all looking forward to a reunion this weekend.

Speaking of beautiful flowers, I had a moment to check out the new shop on Main street, Stella Rose. Robyn Murray has culled a collection of amazing plants, effusive orchids, cut flowers, soaps, gifts, pottery, and one section devoted to Paul F. Doherty’s photos and findings. A beautiful young woman, Marketa from Edgartown, was keeping the store open. She was a lot of fun and very informative. Do say hi!

When I left Stella Rose I saw that Ronni Simon had just opened her and Peter’s gallery across the street. With bated breath I went in to ask about something I heard last night. Did they find their little dog who had taken a holiday? Ronni’s news was good. The dog had visited a neighbor he had never visited before. It takes an Island to raise a canine.

Regarding dogs and this season, we all have our favorite skunk-smell remedies. Here’s one I copied this week: one quart of hydrogen peroxide, one quarter cup of baking soda, and two teaspoons of dish liquid. I might have to mix a vat up for myself if I ever get lost in the swamp by Veterans Park again.

Colin Ruel, one of my very talented former students, will have an exhibit of his wonderful paintings at the Field Gallery beginning Sunday. The reception is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on July 1. I’ll see you there.

I had the good fortune to run into historian Tom Dresser last week. I have missed many of his talks and book signings for his latest work, Whaling on Martha’s Vineyard. Fortunately, he had some with him so I purchased one. This will be a great gift for all my off-Island friends entranced with our storybook Island. You may catch up with Tom at our library on Thursday, July 5 at 7 p.m. Refreshments and Q&A. I could listen to him talk history every day.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Louise Howes last Sunday. And on June 25, Carly Simon and Ashley Byrd took the cake. Many happy returns.

Vineyard Haven news can be sent to iklean@yahoo.com.