Once the thunderstorm started on Tuesday evening, I was happier. Rain always pleases me in any form. The earth can use a drink.

The populations of nine of the 10 species of warblers that breed on the Island are declining.

In a nutshell, chipmunks are quite cheeky. These ravenous and rascally rodents stockpile more than their fair share of foodstuff.

Oh, dear gentle readers, I disappointed you again! Just like a fisherman telling about the big one that got away, I must say I wrote a wonderful column last week and was at the picnic table typing it on these newfangled machines, had just gotten to “many happy returns,” when Nonna felt the need to press her medic alert button for the ambulance.

Last week came news that the late Margaret A. Yates left $1 million for student scholarships. Her trust will also benefit Island seniors.

A group of about 30 people and two dogs gathered Wednesday morning to celebrate a new sign marking Vineyard Haven Harbor as a cultural district.

With funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Polly Hill Arboretum plans to break ground in September on a $ 1 million educational center and botany lab.

At last, summer has arrived. There have been spectacular surprises with the sunrise and sunset times over the past week. The roses are in bloom across the Vineyard, draped neatly across fences or on trellises.

John R. Wadleigh of Vineyard Haven was named to the spring 2015 dean’s list at Saint Michael’s College.

Gage Rancich of Vineyard Haven has been named to the spring 2015 dean’s honor roll at Oklahoma City University.