Some enterprising youths on the next street in my ‘hood, thrilled about their summer, set up a lemonade stand on a hot July 3. Two prices, two sizes, all very reasonable. The three boys have just graduated from fifth grade at the Tisbury School and are headed for sixth in September. I decided to have lemonade instead of orange juice for breakfast. I walked over, introduced myself, asked the mom on duty if I could interview them. The boys were brimming with news. Caio Guimaraes, Kaua DeAssis, and Kaua DeOliveira were thrilled with summer vacation, thrilled with their lemonade stand, but especially thrilled with their latest soccer win. The boys are some of our many traveling athletes on-Island. As the team MV United U12, they won the tournament in Bridgewater two weeks ago. Scholarship and soccer. You can’t get a better combination.

I missed some great local events. Marty Nadler, comedian and writer, had a show at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center two Sundays ago. Marty and I both used to sub at MVRHS. Talk about comedy! I look forward to the return of his son, Charlie Nadler, doing his annual gig at Alex’s Place on Labor Day weekend.

Meanwhile, Holly Nadler is covering for her friends who own Book Den East. I have much to discuss with Holly. I just refuse to drive during the Fourth of July holiday. Holly is at work with her faithful companion, Huxley.

So many people I have not seen for so many years. Holly Nadler is one and my gang from Lenny’s Loop? Reunited and it feels so good. Paul Howes drove from Connecticut last weekend. He spent four fun days with Jim Hart. We were able to get together for a few neighborhood gatherings. Year-rounder Laurie Marotta and I were on hand. Bill and Jan Stokes are here for an extended stay. And world-class soprano Mareda Gaither-Graves is also on the Loop. Mareda sang Ave Maria at my mother’s funeral. She also sang it for my friend who passed, Fred Hehre. Mareda has a doctorate in music. I think she and my nonna were each other’s favorite people.

This is a rough week for canines. I am so pleased to hear a town in Italy now presents fireworks with no booms. I hope it catches on everywhere. I am on dog patrol for the next few nights, then Bobbie Jo will take over while I go keep Hannah safe from thunder and fireworks. Piper needs to return to Pennsylvania to pick up Mary Afton from cheerleading camp.

The turnout at Five Corners last Saturday was well-attended. Families belong together. I shall keep you posted on future standouts. I am proud to say some of my nicest friends from New York were here at their seasonal houses and stood at Five Corners. Thank you Bob and Elaine Kleib.

Many are headed here this week. I hear there is a 160-car backup at the Bourne Bridge. Hard to believe I used to travel on holiday weekends. May you all arrive safe and sound.

May I be condemned to a stalled car in the middle of Five Corners on the Fourth of July for neglecting to mention two other celebrity birthdays last June 25. In addition to artist Carly Simon, poet Jessica VanderWerff and artist Jack O’Callaghan celebrated on June 15.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Richard Clark, Bruce Bailey and Nancy Hoffmann on July 9. Many happy returns.

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