Our former resident and forever friend, Nancy Purnell, is doing well in Manhattan and continuing with her amazing artwork. If you are in the big apple on September 8 and 9, stop in to see her at the Gracie Art Show at East 86th street and East End avenue. Nancy will be at booth 70. She would love to see her Island friends and show you her latest creations. If you are interested in the arts — and who isn’t — you are invited to join the Martha’s Vineyard Cultural Council. The state of Massachusetts has a network of ideas to promote art in our towns. Grants are available to bring us the best of our people. For more information contact Rob Hauck at hauckr@gmail.com.

So sad but so necessary: DeeDee Borza has been working hard at gathering Islanders for a candlelight vigil on Friday, August 31 at Owen Park beach for International Overdose Awareness Day. The gathering is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. I am so sorry we have to do this but it has come to this, even here on storybook Island. One death is too many. You know how many we had here in the last year alone. I’ll see you there.

Stark Park was dedicated in our town last Saturday morning. It was a love fest for our jeweler, Cheryl Stark. There were memories and music. A constant reminder of the artist who worked so well from that part of town. Be sure to stop by and see how lovely it is.

My friends, the Stokes family, celebrated mom Jan’s birthday Tuesday night at the Cardboard Box. Son Wes proclaimed it a wonderful new restaurant on Island.

My friends Marilyn Van Tine and Karen Greslach so enjoyed Bill Clinton’s book talk at the Performing Arts Center at MVRHS last week. Hillary made a surprise appearance. The book is The President is Missing. I certainly wish that was the case right now.

The National Alliance for Mental Illness is hosting our first island fundraiser/friendraiser on September 14 at 7 p.m. at our PA Club. Delightful appetizers, a full cash bar and an opportunity to bid on great gifts in a silent and live auction. I’ll see you there.

What to say about John McCain? What a hero. What an outpouring of love from both sides of the aisle. He fought the good fight. Sail on, Navy man. The ocean is so much emptier without you.

Condolences also to all of us touched by that consummate New Yorker, Neil Simon. What joy he gave us with his many fine plays, music and stories.

Anniversary bouquets go out to Frank Campagniolo and Filomena Piccolo Campagniolo for their 31st wedding anniversary on August 29. Now there’s a couple who fell in love and stayed there.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along with Sherm Goldstein on August 25 and Jan Stokes on August 28. And on September 1, Shane Vanderhoop True takes the cake. Many happy returns.

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