Back from Iraq! Corporal Chris Clark arrived at Camp Pendleton safe and sound last week after his tour of duty in Iraq. I have spoken to him on the phone. Next week he flies to Rockford, Ill., to see his family. Welcome home, Chris, and thanks for your service.
Mosquitoes and fleas the size of horses, stores are running out of boric acid! Even with the new meds for pets to control fleas and ticks, I guess this very moist summer has flummoxed the plan. I hope you’re coping, and Fido, too.
Definition of a veteran, by an unknown author: A veteran, whether on active duty, retired, National Guard, or in reserves is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount of up to and including his or her life. That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.
Some of you have called to tell me your e-mails to me are bouncing back. The reason seems to be that you are omitting the second “v” — my address is short for Vineyard Haven, Vineyard Gazette! Don’t forget that second “v” — it’s been a very slow news week.
Next Wednesday will be a big day at Logan Airport in Boston. Bob and Carol Clark are pleased to announce that daughter Lynn and her husband, Philip Dwane, will be there with family — Ryan, 17, Ben, 13, and Brandon, 11 — to greet their new additions to the family. Being escorted from Kazakhstan are 5-year-old Anya and her 3-year-old brother, Aran.
I am very pleased with the progress on the donation box for our troops overseas. But I’m not as pleased as I could be. Jill LaPiana’s Girl Scout Troop 802 decorated a box that is just in front of the counter at Cumby’s. It is two-thirds full. I want it full, and some of you who don’t have books to donate or time to shop for personal items could make a cash donation to Jill to cover the postage. The Scouts want to send it off next week so please hurry.
I have witnessed two sure signs of spring: my snow drops are blooming and Pam Benjamin is rounding the Chop on her roller blades. The end of February also brings the high school musical. While I love many shows, A Chorus Line is one of my absolute favorites. The show debuted last night at the performing arts center. You can catch it tonight, tomorrow night, or the matinee tomorrow. Come see what our talented kids can do.
Congratulations to everyone’s friend, Neal Maciel, who has just been promoted to head our state troopers. Neal is hardworking, efficient, caring and a great person. He’s one of our Island’s own. We couldn’t be happier.
The wet-dry vote was certainly a thing of interest and much media attention focused on our little town. Thanks to our town clerk, Marion, and all our counters and participants who worked so diligently last Friday. Our restaurant owners and the small town shops need to lure business here — as you know, they were the reason I supported a change. I wish them all the best and hope for a great season for them.
