I must mention how fortunate we are to have Heather Maciel as our town Animal Control Officer. I had some issues to address about my two delightful dogs. Heather came by, advised me and helped me get the questions resolved. She is polite, personable, caring and well organized. We can’t ask for more. Thank you, Heather.

Betty Burton and John Sundman’s son, Jakob Burton-Sundman, is in hospital at Mass General Brigham’s in Boston. He is having spinal issues. The hope is for him to get to Spalding for rehab soon. Meanwhile, John is up there visiting Jakob for most days. Jakob would enjoy get well cards, notes and letters. Betty requests that we send them to her post office box in Vineyard Haven and John will bring them to him. I know we are all wishing the best to Jakob.

Our ever-active Martha’s Vineyard Museum is having on opening reception on August 30 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The title of the exhibit is Generations. It features the art and the identity of the Widdiss family of Aquinnah. They are members of the Wampanoag Tribe. You will see their masterful creations of wampum work and pottery. The exhibit runs through Feb. 23. I’ll see you there.

We have exciting news for the Island Cup. The traditional rivalry between Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard’s Varsity football team will take place this year at Fenway in Boston. The game is scheduled for Nov. 26 at 5 p.m. Make your plans to be there.

My nephew Jonathan has graduated from college in Florida and is now at Florida Gulf Coast University working on his master’s degree in music theory. This young man makes us all so proud!

Matt Howes, who was a neighbor in my ‘hood here, is recovering well from his stroke. He credits his wife Annie with her devotion and care. Their daughter, Bridget, is moving on with her studies in Boston.

Our delightful friend, Linda Cook, is recovering from a broken leg in our hospital. She is currently in room 214 Acute Care until her leg surgery. You are welcome to visit, call or send her a note.

Sad news reached me yesterday that my dear friend, Louisa Leuning, passed on August 20. Such a dynamic person and friend to all! Our condolences go to her children, Erich, Sabrina and Talia.

My cousin, Kevin O’Leary, husband of Linda Jannace and father of Claire, died in Connecticut on August 22. He was a hard-working, great man and will be missed.

Yet another cousin of mine passed. Joan Ann Williams died on August 21 in Rhode Island. Joan was a beautiful, hard-working woman with numerous friends and relatives. She will be so missed by my Spiconardi cousins and everyone.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Sherry Stevens-Grunden, John Chivers and Julie Anne McNary on August 21; Sherm Goldstein partied on August 25; and on August 27 Jasmine Wallace and Laiza Cimeno took the cake. Many happy returns.