What a great time to be a Boston sports fan! My son, Chris Clark, and his wife, Lilly, both Marine veterans, sent a delightful photo of themselves in attendance at last week’s Pats game hosted by the Bears. I think it was the first game they ever attended. The win by the Pats made it a great date.

Then a freewheelin’ spaghetti dinner was the fare at my home last night for a few devoted Red Sox fans. I am embarrassed to say I left my guests in the living room while I went to bed in the fifth inning. What a joy to awaken to news of our win! And the beat goes on!

Other Islanders watching the games from new locations are the O’Donnell and Linderson families, now located at Lake Havasu. Nine-year-old Paul Linderson Jr. received special recognition last week at his new school in Arizona for having good grades and perfect attendance. He is also busy caring for his new baby brother. I never saw an O’Donnell-Linderson kid shirk from challenges.

As for our other town kids who moved off Island but never forgot us, how about Jesse Seward? Jesse lives in Portland, Me. You remember his young interest in theater. Jesse is an actor with the Portland Players. He has just scored the lead role, Randle McMurphy, in the stirring One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. His parents are David and Jenny Seward. His sister, Seniel Hannigan, has Circuit Style in Oak Bluffs. Sister, Leandra, just was married on Island. The whole family is making a trip to see this fabulous piece of theater in Maine in February. I think I’ll tag along and review the Portland Players.

Jenn Coito, in my student teaching class at Tisbury School, has stayed on the rock and grown in talent, spirituality, and strength. Meet me Friday night, Oct. 26, at a reception for her photography from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Crossroads Gallery in Oak Bluffs. This will be gallery owner Michael Blanchard’s last show before packing up and moving his gallery to a new location in Cottage City for 2019. I’ll see you there.

Noel Macy made it here after his birthday celebration in Boston last week. Noel came to catch up with his mom, artist Lowely Finnerty, and amazing sister, Tanita. I do believe Noel and Jenn Coito were in the same class group. Perhaps I can convince him to stay for her show?

St. Augustine’s will be open Halloween eve for a respite for parents and kids on the trick-or-treating route, as will our library. Treats, heat and restroom availability. You all have safe fun, hear?

With great sadness I report that my friend, Barbara Dille, saw her 15-year-old Tiger cross the Rainbow Bridge. This was Barbara’s last dog. Barbara has been a renowned dog trainer her whole life. She is now 85 and without her favorite companion. Keep her in your prayers.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along with Noel Macy on Oct. 19; Barbara McMurray and Judy Green shared Oct. 22; and on Oct. 27 Bobbie Jo Sears takes the cake. Many happy returns.

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