This Friday, June 7, is our first First Friday. Be mindful of parking restrictions in Vineyard Haven. Art begins from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Beach Road Extension. Then walk on up to our Main Street, then to Owen Park for the continuation of open shops, food, music and camaraderie. I shall see you there.

Of my 55 years of living here I cannot recommend the people and staff at Martha’s Vineyard Bank enough. A particular shout out goes to Rebecca Tattersall who saved me a heap load of worry today.

If you are James Joyce aficionados join me at the Katharine Cornell Theatre at 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 15 for the amazing John Crelan’s presentation of Bloomsday. Many of our usual Island participants will perform, including Molly Conole and Gerry Yukovitch. Cash or check at the door, no credit cards, $25. I shall be in attendance. I believe tickets may also be purchased at Bunch of Grapes.

Island born and bred Ashley McCarthy now lives in Falmouth. Her twin boys, Andrew and Eric Lovell have just graduated from Barnstable high school. Daughter Kylie remains at the high school. All three children are high achievers and athletes.

Dairy Queen had a soft opening this week.

The incomparable Marty Nadler will be reading from his new play at the Vineyard Playhouse on June 10. An added bonus is Marty and his son, Charlie Nadler, who went into the family funny business, will be doing comedy together at 7:30 p.m. at the Film Center on June 14.

Kate Feiffer has returned to the Island after a very successful launch of her book, Morning Pages, in Washington, D.C and New York City. She went directly to our Bunch of Grapes and signed copies there. Go check it out.

We all miss Trader Fred. His store has been renovated and will re-open on June 10.

I am so proud of my daughter in law, Librada Clark, who participated in the Pride Parade in her hometown of Rockford, Ill. Her hair was beautifully dyed rainbow.

If you have had the pleasure of having Gerry Yukovitch as your doctor, seen his many performances or read his books, be advised his pseudonym is Ivan Cox. His books are on hand at our Island independent bookstores. My mother and I read Cruise Ship Doctor and thoroughly enjoyed it. Blood Pudding is also out now.

Our dear friend, Angela Murphy, her mother Patsy Weaver Murphy, niece Jordan and everyone is so sad that Connie Weaver Saul, sister, aunt, mother and friend to all, passed in Virginia last week. Our condolences.

Good news! Eric Poehler is out of the hospital. He is our Walking Man again.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along our Island child, Christopher D. Osborn on May 26. Chris lives in Norway now with his wife, Lisa, and three sons. He has mastered the language. Fanny Staunton Ogilvie celebrated her birthday on May 29. Robbie Gale claims June 6. And Horizons Geriatrics observed 11 years in service. Many happy returns.