KATHIE CASE

508-627-5349

(kathleencase@comcast.net)

The Fourth of July is over, but it is nice to see that the Stars and Stripes is still up around town. The town was unscathed by the parade and the fireworks and it seemed everyone was happy. I think one of the highlights was the surprise guest and object of the parade, which was Ray Allen and the championship trophy of the Boston Celtics. I think that was one of the best-kept secrets.

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

Special wishes go out to my nephew Doug who celebrated his day July 6, and to my great nephew J.J. Polleys who also celebrated his day July 6.

We had a great Fourth. My brother Frank is a member of the Colonial Navy and each year we host them. They arrive here at 11:30 a.m. and they are served chowder, stuffed quahogs, and sandwiches. They then go to town for a concert in front of the Colonial Inn which is always great as they tell the history of the Navy, sing chanties and explain the uniforms and the purpose of the Navy. Then they come back to the house for some more refreshments waiting for the parade to start, and if we are lucky like we were this year, there are chanties sung in the yard. It is an enjoyable day and we are very proud to have them each year.

Wondering who the Queen Bee was who waved royally to her subjects from atop the bee float? It was Peggy Newton of Manchester, Conn., who is in Edgartown for the month of July. Peggy was surrounded by her grandchildren bees, Harry and Tommy Ayson of Plymouth, Max and Ruby Sage-Robison of Bethel, Conn., as well as her daughters, Jen and Kate. Also buzzing around were Emily Gazzaniga of Edgartown and her mom, Lisa. Keeping order in the hive were beekeepers, sons in law, Pete Ayson and Mike Sage-Robison and family friend John Gazzaniga. Last, but certainly not least, was the cutest bear to ever chase a pot of honey, almost 10-year-old grandson Jesse Sage-Robison, whose freckles matched his fur exactly. The extended family has watched the parade from the sidewalk for many, many years and always wondered what it would be like to be in the parade. It was quite an amazing experience to walk past all those smiling, happy faces.

Elaine Rosenberg of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is here for a week visiting her friend Susan Brown. Elaine has been here many times but always looks forward to her Vineyard trip and eating her lobster.

My niece Debbie has been here for the past two weeks with her daughters Kaleigh and Reanna. Amanda, Debbie’s oldest, was here for a few days over the Fourth. Amanda lived with us for the past two summers and worked at the Boys and Girls Club, so she was anxious to see all her friends.

My nephew Doug and his girlfriend Lori also came down as did Lori’s brother Rob. Of course Doug’s parents, my brother Frank and my sister in law Linda were here also. We all got together and went to The Grill on Main for dinner for Doug’s birthday and of course a cake by Soigné was served for dessert. This was Doug’s first birthday home as he was living in New Zealand for the past five years. It was a great night for all of us.

At 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, a Choral Evensong in celebration of the lives of Bishop John Burgess and his wife, Esther, will be held at Trinity Church in Oak Bluffs with the combined church choirs from St. Andrew’s, Grace and Trinity Episcopal. The preacher will be the Rev. Darryl James.

I cannot close without thanking our Island fireman for a job well done on July Fourth. The Island departments worked together as a team to save a town from what could have been devastating. Both businesses were a big part of Main street and I hope will be able to rebuild as soon as possible. I noticed in one store in Vineyard Haven a sign that said “Ten per cent of their sales will go to Café Moxie to help rebuild.” Now that is Island spirit.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.