I cannot believe the day is finally here! Time moved so quickly since Edson Rodgers informed us that he had booked the North East Navy Band to come play for us on Flag Day, as we re-dedicate War Veterans Memorial Park tomorrow. The marching band will step off from American Legion Post 257 on Martin Road at 11 a.m. We will march down Church street to Main street, turn off Main street to Causeway Road, and enter the Causeway Road side of the park, right near my basketball court. Past legion commander Fred Thifault will give a brief speech as we gather to honor our veterans. At 7 p.m. the Navy Band will perform a free concert at the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs. All of you are invited to both of these events. I’ll see you there.

Thank you, Edson, for all the hard work you put in preparing for this event. Edson’s three daughters surprised him last week by arriving on-Island to celebrate his birthday. Daughter Stacey is helping him with this project.

Chris Paffendorf, formerly of Vineyard Haven and now of Los Lunas, N.M., visited with her friends, Marge and Paul Howes. We all showed up to say welcome back to Chris and hear of her latest exploits and see her latest photos. Chris usually returns in September for the film festival but she had a wedding to attend in the northeast so she is seeing all her New England friends now. Chris surprised Nonna at my house by showing up with her ukulele for a hootenanny Wednesday evening. Her lessons and concerts are progressing. Chris is now the proud owner of five ukuleles. I am looking forward to her annual Christmas concert DVD.

One of Pat Brown’s best friends, Judy Bruguiere, has put out the call to all of us for help with the celebration of Pat’s life on June 27. Pat was the school nurse for many years at all of the Island schools. I was privileged to have met her. Judy is looking for us to submit photos, tributes, dated if possible, and special memories. Send them to Jennifer W. Marlin at P.O. Box 1311, Edgartown, MA 02539 or email to Jenniferw.marlin@ampf.com.

Another great loss for us occurred last week with the passing of Flo Koster. What a dynamo she was in so many aspects of our community, especially at the Tisbury Senior Center and the Thrift Shop. Our condolences to her family and friends.

For all of you sailing buffs, the Charles W. Morgan has been re-fitted and is back on the high seas, for the first time since the 1920s. For this, her 38th voyage, she will travel up the New England coast. She will visit Newport, R.I., Vineyard Haven, New Bedford, Boston and Provincetown. Call 860-227-2339 for a daily updated schedule.

The First Baptist Church on William street is hosting a Fathers’ Day barbecue tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. The menu is chicken and ribs, a beverage and dessert for $12. Take-out will be available. Reservations are suggested so call today, 508-693-1539. I’ll see you there.

One of my favorite workshops is the annual writers’ retreat at Renaissance House, presented by Abigail McGrath, niece of Dorothy West. While the artists are in residence you are all welcome to Tuesday night salons at 7:30 p.m. from June 17 to July 15. The salons will present both fiction and non-fiction writers. I know you won’t want to miss the first salon on Tuesday, June 17, featuring Island author John Hough, Jr., reading from his latest book Little Big Horn. Check the schedule at 917-747-0367.

I took in the Art in the Stacks exhibit at the Vineyard Haven Public Library yesterday. John Halladay is this month’s featured artist. His paintings are wonderful, so true to life. By the subject matter you can see John spends a lot of time in Menemsha. Of course, while I was there I saw the annual show of new work by Island artists which is in the program room. There are too many great pieces to review here but rest assured Whimsy Crab by Janet Messineo and West Chop Tree by Renee Balter are delightful.

Confidential to Lyn K: I am still plowing through Edmund Wilson’s journals of the 1960s. It is rather turgid and nothing like the 60s I experienced, but if you are fond of Edmund’s work and like to be reminded of all his literary friends of the era it is tolerable. Nonna has just finished Oak Bluffs Bandstand by my friend, Jib Ellis, and pronounces it wonderful.

Happy anniversary to Sarah Hope Newton and Ericka Whittenstovall on June 14. Anniversary bouquets to Martin and Gail Becker on June 19.

Belated birthday balloons for Edson Rodgers who turned even younger and more exuberant on June 6.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Ruth McGorty, Lisa Gardella, Les Leland, Ray LaPorte, Patsy Wheeler and Holly Towles today. Tomorrow is a party for Jason Goodwin, Mike Mayrand, Madeline Fisher, Cheryl Funk, Elaine Pace and Sandi Hakala. June 15 is claimed by Brooksley Crisman. June 16 shines on Joanne Moon Moncada. June 17 honors Tim Funk, Kelley Henry, and Jo Ann Murphy. June 18 is for Regina Jannace. And on June 19 Benjamin Eli Tichauer, Peg Jackson and Antoe Mitchell take the cake. Many happy returns.