Connie Toteanu has a special talent. From the age of seven, Miss Toteanu has been entering pies into the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair. According to the new children’s book Connie, Vineyard Pie Girl, by Chilmarker Don Davis, “Over the years she won many ribbons — some blue.”

The first interview Michael Holley ever asked for as a reporter — from his mom, for her life story when he was a nine-year-old boy back in Akron — she refused to give him.

Mr. Holley overcame this setback, going on to write for the Akron Beacon Journal, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Chicago Tribune and for 10 years a column in the Boston Globe. Anyone who follows sports in this part of the world knows that he now hosts the midday Dale and Holley show on the WEEI sports radio network, 850 AM on your radio dial.

While most children are not going to grow up to be farmers, they will be the next generation of stewards of the land. So the Farm Institute offers several summer programs for kids 2 to 15 that will give children experiences to last long after they leave the Island, including:

• Summer camp for ages 4 to 14,

• the Work Income Sharing Project (WISP) for ages 11 to 15,

• Wee Farmer days for ages 2 to 4,

• and teen apprenticeships.

KATHIE CASE

508-627-5349

(kathleencase@comcast.net)

We are still waiting for more rain. The weather has been humid and the beaches are still crowded, and the summer is going quickly.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week.

This has been a quiet week. Our extended family has gone home after a great visit and lots of time at the beach and doing the shopping and checking out the restaurants and shops. Some even made it to Menemsha for the sunset.

JO-ANN TILGHMAN

508-627-7669

(tilghmanjb@aol.com)

When we arrive at this point in the summer it is hard not to recognize and appreciate the efforts of all of the volunteers on Chappy.

A detailed five-point plan to rehabilitate two Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation properties that were mined for trees and plants early this summer to landscape a private North Shore property — in breach of the Endangered Species Act — has been submitted to state environmental authorities by the conservation organization.

Hello, Madison

Carrie and Saurabh Chhibber of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Madison Lynn Chhibber, on July 8. Madison weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces at birth.

Hello, Lily

Alekz and Garret Gibson of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a daughter, Lily Marie Gibson, on July 19 at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Hospital. Lily weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces at birth.

Announcing Lathrop

Hillary Noyes and John Keene of Chilmark announce the birth of a son, Lathrop John Backus Keene on July 7 at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Hospital. Lathrop weighed 8 pounds, 10 ounces at birth. He is also welcomed by big sisters Adelaine, Thea and Ella.

The Farm Institute invites Island residents and visitors for family and community chores on Saturday, July 26, at 9 a.m. with author Norman Bridwell reading two of his beloved Clifford The Big Red Dog stories at noon.

Lend a hand big or small in collecting eggs, milking the goat, feeding and caring for the cows, sheep, pigs and baby chicks, and there are garden chores to enjoy as well. Dress for the weather — and to get dirty.

This is a free community event and no registration or experience is necessary. Donations are welcome.