The sun is shining on our VTA bus drivers, striking for a better wage and compensation package. Bus routes being maintained now on-Island are piloted by managers and scabs. As a committed trade unionist you can guess what I think of that. Continued good wishes to the strikers. We all need a salary and compensation package that reflects these hard times.

Marvin Klein and Susan Kanowith-Klein, dedicated seasonal residents, are thrilled to announce that son Andy Klein and daughter-in-law Noa Klein have presented them with their first grandchild, Samuel Ethan Klein. A new little star will twinkle over the Lagoon this summer.

For those of us affected by Lyme disease and other tick-related problems, don’t miss Dick Johnson’s talk on ticks at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, at the Vineyard Haven Library. All library events are free and open to the public.

Speaking of the library, retired adult program director Betty Burton recently had back surgery and is in rehab. She will soon be directing her own recovery from a beautiful spot on her deck facing her garden. Any well wishes can be sent to Betty at P.O. Box 2641, Vineyard Haven, MA, 02568. Thank you, Betty, for your dedication to our library. Betty will continue her work with Serving Hands and the Vineyard Committee on Hunger. Get well soon.

The Fourth of July is especially poignant for me, as my father, Silvio J. Gardella, passed away on the Fourth 21 years ago. All the flags were flying. Sil served in the U.S. Navy submarine service, World War II, Pacific theater. He is spinning like a top to observe what has happened to his beloved country today.

Happy anniversary to Patricia Linn. She has had her hair studio on the Island for 33 years. Her smile and her beautiful work brighten our day.

Tonight, July 5, is our monthly First Friday Main street stroll. As an added treat, the Louisa Gould Gallery will have an opening reception from 4 to 7 p.m.

Two of our greatest have left us. Doug Zern passed at his home, his family alongside. This most talented guitarist and lover of Flamenco was dedicated to his family and music.

Donations in his name may be made to the Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group.

Thump Thump Rat-A-Tat-Tat was the name of artist Gene Baer’s wildly popular children’s book. Gene passed at his Island home on June 24. Our condolences to Jacqueline and all the children. He certainly touched our souls.

Crossing the Rainbow Bridge are Karen Gerlach’s first grand-dog, thirteen-year-old Jacob, and Mama Kitty, the beloved pet of Kristie Noyes Mayhew. Our condolences to both.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Stephanie Devine, Suzanne Roberge and Vincent Spiconardi on July 1. Frank Rapoza and Peggy Hardy shared July 2. Fred Waitzkin celebrates on July 4. Michael McCluskey and Stokely Towles claim July 5, and on July 6, Tac Islander Granado takes the cake. Many happy returns.

I hope to see everybody on Monday night, July 8, for our annual street fair.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.