I guess it’s time to get down my marching shoes. Again. In my next column I shall be able to report on Tuesday night’s stand out at Five Corners. Face it, we are not going backwards. Sisterhood is powerful.

Many of my young friends participated in another annual event, the Island Children’s Chorus at the Whaling Church.

Memorial Day gives us a chance to enjoy the Tisbury school’s march to the sea. This wonderful ceremony honors those we have lost in service for our country. For about 40 years now I have hastened to a spot on Main street to watch the children parade by with flowers to toss off Robert Owen pier. I shall never forget sitting with George “Kilowatt” Santos in front of Leslie’s Drugstore then following the kids to the park.

Bird alert: hummingbirds are back! Many of you birders have reported sightings in your yards.

I am looking forward to the return of so many seasonal friends. Bill and Jan Stokes, a lovely couple I have not seen in at least a year, will be arriving for a few weeks. Jan is noted for her beautiful flower garden, and they are both famous for their hospitality.

I do so miss Fred and Joan Glodis. Fred died eleven years ago, while Joan died last winter. Her three daughters have put together a display of Joan’s quilts and crafts at the Oak Bluffs library. You can visit her works during library hours through May. The on-Island celebration of Joan’s life will be from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Oak Bluffs library, with her daughters in attendance.

Another fabulous tradition, the Memorial Day town picnic, happens on Monday. My parents loved this event. Come join me at the Tisbury Waterworks from noon to 4 p.m. There’s free boating and use of grills, so bring your games and something to put on those grills. The Flying Elbows will be performing, and there will be free ice cream. Please do not bring your dogs.

Continued get-well wishes to Karen Gerlach, recovering from shoulder surgery.

Anniversary bouquets go out to Robert and Ruth Radcliffe. On May 17 they celebrated many years of wedded bliss.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Hannah Majewski who turned 16 on May 15, and her brother Caleb who turned 19 on May 17. Jude Cutler Byrd turned four on May 16, and on May 31 Tamma Cimeno takes the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.