You might have seen him walking, carrying an American flag. My young friend, Arthur H. Strople, took parading into his own hands on the Fourth of July since all our parades were canceled. He marched through the down Island towns, on the state roads, and up to West Tisbury. Thank you, young man, for your act of courage and kindness.

An editor and writer for this newspaper, Bill Eville, had his story published in the Sunday Modern Love section of the New York Times on June 28. I am in tears of sadness, joy and gratitude for the essay he wrote. If you can, I highly recommend reading it.

Another great Island writer, Skip Finley, presents his new book and talk, Whaling Captains of Color, at the Bodman Courtyard on July 13 at 5 p.m. Yes, our Martha’s Vineyard Museum is beginning a safe and careful reopening. Tickets are online as of July 8. Please do not show up if you don’t have a ticket–you know, social distancing and all.

Meanwhile, the main building of the museum will remain closed but the outdoor Doherty Hall will be open for some of the larger exhibits that are housed there. The museum has antique whaling and fishing vessels, an Erford Burt kayak, the Mayhew delivery cart, a headlamp from the Island’s locomotive and other fascinating objects. This is a good time to renew your memberships and get your discounts.

Our Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center is continuing its Summer Institute online. Check out the virtual programs. The building remains closed for the summer.

Seth Gambino, devoted to dogs, has rescued another companion. Six-year-old Strawberry A.K.A. Berries has moved to our Island and is getting acquainted. Berries had her first ride in Seth’s antique Chevy last weekend.

I had yet another technology problem early in the week. My young friend, Shane, to the rescue! Shane does it all, efficiently and quickly. Shane, entering high school this September, is still unsure if MVRHS will be on campus or online.

Our condolences to the friends and family of Madeline Moreis. She passed away in her Vineyard Haven home last week.

Get well wishes to Melaney West of Stagecoach Taxi. I am sure Jeremy and their two boys are taking good care of her.

Happy anniversary to Brian and Pauline Norquist. They celebrated on July 7.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Richard Clark, Bruce Bailey, and Nancy Hoffmann on July 9; July 13 belongs to Nancy McPartlin Gardella, my sister in law; July 15 honors Pam Alley; July 17 is for artist Daniel VanLandingham and my son, Chris Clark; and on July 18, Margaret Tileston takes the cake. Many happy returns.