I have promised myself I would not mention that we need a little rain. After last week’s rainstorm, and five to seven inches of rain later, the plants and ground did not need watering for a few days. I am happy to say that the sun has been shining, and it is getting warmer.

Happy Birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Olivia Soules and Noah Matheus, who celebrated May 24; Anthony Pereira on May 26; and to Scout Sherman and Amanda Da Costa who celebrated their day on May 29.

Special birthday wishes go out to Charlie Leighton, who will be celebrating his day on June 14.

I am mentioning this early as Charlie’s daughter Erin Leighton Huckins had a birthday party for her dad this past Sunday. The band The Bodes was playing at the PA Club that night and Charlie was one of the original members of the Band.

The Bodes was formed in 1965 by Charlie Leighton, Rick Convery, Jack Mayhew and the late Jimmy White. They were the band to follow on the Island. They played all the high school dances, they played at the Boys & Girls Club dances, when the club was on the corner of High and School streets and also played many dock dances on Memorial Wharf.

After 60 years they are still a go-to band, now with Peter Valenti filling Jimmy White’s position. The PA Club was filled with friends and family of Charlie and we wished him a great birthday. When they started playing, the dance floor was filled. It was almost like a class reunion with many classmates attending. I also heard that they may be playing some of the dock dances this summer.

Last weekend was very busy and we had our first taste of lots of traffic, lines at the Stop & Shop and visiting with our off-Island friends who will be here for the summer. So, it officially begins, the new busy life of summer, plus we have the anniversary of Jaws which will bring many events.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.