The big news this week is Juneteenth. This is the first year it is a holiday in our state! Many events will be held on the Island. The P.A. Club on Vineyard Avenue extension in Oak Bluffs will host Taste of Juneteenth from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $45 and the event is a fundraiser for the Martha’s Vineyard branch of the NAACP. Come see your friends and neighbors. An event at the Edgartown Yacht Club that morning will be a brunch featuring gospel music. I’ll see you there.

Sunday is Father’s Day. I miss my annual celebrations with my grandfather and my Dad. If your Dad likes vintage and interesting cars, take him to our annual car show on this Sunday. This year it is hosted by Winnetu in Katama.

Other events we look forward to commence. On June 17, the Homeport opens in Chilmark. This popular restaurant is looking for employees. It is a beautiful place to dine or work.

One of our own returns for the entire summer. Gretchen Baer, daughter from our Vineyard Haven family of artists, will be here with Mom Jacqueline Baer. And she is bringing the Hill Car. If you know, you know. I am hoping the mother and daughter and brothers plan some more art events at their home as they did last summer. I would adore to see Jamie Alley there as DJ again.

They Planted Seeds is the title of an exhibit on view at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. It is about Jewish history on the Island, beginning with the arrival of the Cronigs in the early 20th century. Be sure to view it.

In sad news, say so long to Triton. My friend Noel Macy lost his buddy early this week. Triton was a well-loved water dragon. I have wonderful pictures of her.

Congratulations to Adam Ruiz on his retirement. Have fun!

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Chiclet on June 14. Chiclet turned twelve. She is famous and respected for being a therapy dog at Windemere, the V.F.W., Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living and Camp Jabberwocky. June 15 is a party for Virginia Weis Cramer, Ellie Bates and Jennifer-McKeon Spiconardi. And on June 25, Ashley Bird and Carly Simon take the cake. Many happy returns.