The news is depressing and tiring and I truly believe there are too many guns to go around and not enough mental health to match it. The UK banned all handguns after a school shooting 20 years ago. There have been no school shootings in the United Kingdom since. We really can’t think of this as the greatest country, or even a very good one, with this kind of access to guns by disgruntled and mentally challenged people. The call went out, as it does after these events, for a prayer vigil by the NAACP of MV last Monday morning at the Inkwell in Oak Bluffs. It was well-attended, it was very moving, it is the way we pull together as a community. It did not make a dent in the insanely prolific gun collection in this nation. What now?

Meeting on the beach in summer for prayer circles and events is such a lovely change. The Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center invites you to their Kabbalat Shabbat services at 6 p.m. on Friday nights in July and August. The services are held on State Beach approximately 1.4 miles from Lola’s. Look for the purple banner. The celebration is mostly music and singing, bring your instruments and jam. In case of inclement weather the services will be held at 6 p.m. at the synagogue. All are welcome.

Island artists Ben Johnson and Colin Ruel are preparing their show for the Field Gallery on July 24. For more art from the kids who grew up here go to the Workshop on Beach Road in the former law offices of Jim Gillis. You will be stunned and amazed.

Wes Stokes is on his way back to Lenny’s Loop. No one I know takes sport fishing as seriously as Wes does. Nothing is wasted, he cooks or gifts it all. Out fishing all night is his usual style. It will be great to have him back.

Our Vineyard Haven Public Library has a book group on the third Thursday of each month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. All are welcome, and your ideas for what to read are much appreciated. Serious photographers attend the photography club on the first Thursday of the month at the library from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Don’t forget the mini-booksale on the third Saturday of every month in the program room from 2 to 4 p.m. The kids are busy with their summer reading program, all fun and prizes.

Time to get your tickets for the annual Possible Dreams Auction which benefits our community services. I always think fondly of Art Buchwald when this event pops up. This year it begins at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday July 31 at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Katama. Tickets are $25 per person. You may chip in more to attend a fabulous after-party at the site. Come help keep our community services going.

One of the greatest inspirations and influences in my life was my fourth grade teacher, Sister Mary Gerard aka Mary Beth Maney. She taught me so much, I like to think I remembered it all. I had the pleasure of being able to reconnect with her these last few years. Sister passed on Tuesday July 12. She was a firecracker. I shall never forget her. Condolences to her family and the Sisters of the Divine Compassion. She and my mother are probably plotting the rest of my future together now.

Get well wishes go out to my dear friend, Cathy Burdick, recovering from surgery. We all know and love Janet Catino. Janet has been moved from Spaulding to the Royal Nursing facility in Falmouth, not a difficult visit for any of us. I remember visiting Bob Bergstrom at Royal. I was very pleased with the caring staff. Keep it in mind and stop and see this wonderful nurse who has done so much for so many whenever you can.

Belated birthday greetings to one of my greatest friends from my Old Country, Frank Campagniolo. Frank celebrated on July 13.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Pam Alley, Courtenay Stanley and Laurel Redington-Whitaker on July 15; July 16 is claimed by our fire chief, John Schilling; July 17 sees Island artist Daniel VanLandingham, my son, Christopher Leigh Clark, Fred Benson, Jessica Slocum, and Jay and Dana Bangs age gracefully; July 18 is for Margaret Tileston; July 19 shines on Kenny Hayes; July 20 is a party for Jane Crewsm Danielle Jacobs, Carly Ann Miller and Gabriela Silva; and on July 21 Brian Hurley takes the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.