A famiglia! The nicest family had the nicest party for the nicest lady. Anita Backus Cimeno turns 87 this week. Her many friends and large family gathered at Windemere last Sunday afternoon for the celebration in the community room. So many Islanders, so many Island names. Celebrants came from the Cape, Maine, Florida, Georgia. Dyana Applebaum left her digs in Williamsburg to see her Nana. Six of eight of Anita’s kids were there: James, John, Ria, Nancy, Karen and Tamma. Meghan and Linda could not make it but sent their best.

Anita had a long career as a nurse at our hospital. It is really great that we can pamper her now. You know this is a family of cooks, right? The table was filled with homemade lasagna and all kinds of delightful puff pastry, fruit, vegetables, cupcakes and the birthday cake. I ran into two of my favorite poets there, Carole Vandal and Linda Bergeron. They also both play flute and serenaded Anita.

Many of the guests who were not related actually spent much of their childhoods with the members of this welcoming family. Most if them had been at Anita’s dinner table often while growing up. Anita looked beautiful in a pastel outfit. The small kids ran in and out to tease the bad weather. And when some of the guests heard the boats were cancelled they were cheering like a snow day announcement. No one wanted to leave. But when we did, we all left with plates of food. Bless you, Anita, and the kindness you passed on to your family.

The Help Wanted signs and notices are out in full force. Now is the time to secure your summer spot. I wish the best to everyone looking for housing.

Noel Macy made it here for a quick visit. He left with his hair a beautiful shade of red. Noel rushed back to Boston for his music concerts. That guy is devoted to his band nights. He often ends up backstage, too.

Artist Kathy Poehler has an exhibit of her seaweed art up at our Martha’s Vineyard Film Center. See her imaginative work. Send best wishes for her knee surgery, happening as we speak.

The annual rabies clinic will be held at the West Tisbury fire station this Saturday, April 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $25 per pet. Dogs must be on leashes. Cats and ferrets must be in carriers. Vaccinations are for one year. If you want a three-year vaccination you must bring a certificate showing that pet had been vaccinated at least once in his life.

Seth Gambino is running for selectman in our town. He is having a meet and greet on April 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Art Cliff Diner. All are welcome. Bring your questions.

Our library has an adult crafts event this Sunday at noon. Learn to bind your own journal. I’ll see you there.

Town meeting is at 7 p.m. on April 9 at the Tisbury School gym.

Get well wishes go out to Mikey Waters and Kathy Poehler.

The birthday bandwagon pulled Emma Mayhew along to age 15 last week. Vivian Suprenant celebrated April 2; April 3 belongs to Anita Cimeno; and on April 4, Anita’s granddaughter, Amber Willoughby, takes the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.