Becoming a parent brings the whole gamut of human emotions and challenging responsibilities. While it can be joyous and fulfilling for all parents and caregivers regardless of age, education or socio-economic status it can also be stressful and overwhelming at times.

Three Saturdays ago, I stopped by the dumptique. I brought my large canvas bag full of donations, as I usually do. My goods passed inspection, were taken, and my bag given back. I went through the racks and found great clothes for my family.

As I went toward the kitchen area, I put my light blue, with green trim, classic oversized tote bag down on the floor, out of the way.

I want to thank everyone for their heroic efforts to save my horse, Norman, when he recently suffered a brutal lamanitis attack: Tracy Olson and Jess Forend for their tireless vigilance, experience and care; Irene and Bob Hungerford, Caroline Herman and the entire Woodbe Farm staff for the icing, wrapping, concern and advice.

The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $123,534 for the business week ending on Friday, August 9, 2013. The land bank receives its funds from a two per cent fee charged on many Vineyard real estate transactions.

From the August 18, 1972 edition of the Vineyard Gazette, by Joseph Chase Allen: When, half a year ago or more, the report of the annual meeting of the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society was carried in the Gazette and it stated that Colbert’s Carnival would not be invited to return this year, there were certain old-timers who smiled in satisfaction.

SKIP FINLEY

508-696-3742

(sfinley@mvgazette.com)

Last week was a first for me. I Skyped my interview with Abby Williamson in Asuncion, Paraguay. Abby is an ELF, an English Language Fellow, a position funded by the U.S. State Department to train natives, mostly from third world countries, to teach English.

When you ride the On Time III with Captain Bob Gilkes at the helm you are bound to hear the words “Wasque” and “erosion” at least once during the crossing. Since this latest breach occurred, Bob has been documenting Mother Nature’s handiwork at the southeast corner of Chappy with a camera and a tape measure.

We are seeing a lot of rain but the forecast is predicting good weather for the rest of the festivities coming up in August. I am loving the cool nights and no mugginess.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Adeline Riley, Austin Smith and Bryan Somas, who all celebrated August 10, Grace Manson on August 12, and to William Pate and Deborah Silva who celebrated their day August 14.

As I type right now I am missing the skillet throwing contest at the fair. Not to brag but you know this reporter, Holly Nadler and June Manning would easily tie for first place in this event. Bill and Jan Stokes’s daughter Kim Beal of West Hartford, Conn., has arrived at the family’s Island home.