I visited our Vineyard Haven Stop & Shop today, as the strike is over and I do not cross picket lines. It was so nice to see our hardworking crew back on the job. I welcomed them and they welcomed me back. I am so glad the contract is improved. I am so pleased the union did its job. To me, this is just the start of what they deserve. By the way, as we were closed for 11 days which ran through Easter, all Easter candy, decorative Easter cups, plates, napkins, and similar products are on sale. Stop & Shop!

Tamma Cimeno and I went to vote at our fire department/EMS facility. It is always a great pleasure to see our townspeople voting and our townspeople running the event. However, I must say it was sad not to see my so dedicated friend, Clara Rabbit, working her usual spot to sign us in. Clara is homebound right now. Melinda Rabbit DeFeo, please tell Mom we miss her.

Great photos are coming in over the miracle of the internet. Former Tisburian, Michelle Linderson, sent updated pictures of her two handsome young boys, Beau and Lucas. All are now baking in the Arizona sun over Lake Havasu. And I saw the first pictures of dear Michael McClusky since he was in grade school. I believe he is now in the Los Angeles area. His Mom, Ellen McCluskey, is one of our town’s best artists. Speaking of former students, Noel Macy is here from Boston for a quick Easter weekend visit. And darling Kristen Kazlauskas is on-Island searching for her summer rental. If you can help Keisten in any way please let me know. Part of my nightly entertainment for the past two weeks has been hosting Jeopardy parties to watch Las Vegas contestant James Holshaur. We shout our answers eagerly but he leaves us in the dust. I think that show is going broke.

Prepare for spring electronics disposal day on Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at our Martha’s Vineyard Community Services campus. Disposal fees are minimal. Your electronic refuse helps fund the MVCS. Everything is taken off-Island and disposed of properly. I’ll see you there.

Bobbie Jo Sears is off-Island helping her sister, Jackie Belleville, who was just sprung from a rehabilitation facility in East Bridgewater. Jackie suffered a stroke three weeks ago but is doing very well. Our best wishes to Jackie.

I was so sad to learn that retired surgeon, Martin Becker, a doctor, sailor and classical music aficionado, passed at his home on March 25 after a brief illness. Marty was quite possibly the kindest man I ever met. Our condolences to his family.

We also send condolences to Betty Burton and John Sundman, their three children and grandchildren, and especially daughter Grace Lillian who is in the Netherlands. Their precious black lab, Janou, passed on April 22. Janou was almost 11 years old and has been Grace Lillian’s dearest buddy since Grace was very young. The whole family and Janou gave each other the best.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Robbie Roger’s on April 25. Robbie, save me a piece of cake! Many happy returns.