About town

Young visitors on Block Island this summer who are from other countries are cordially invited to take part in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program at the Island Free Library. Program leaders Ken and Gillian Moss advise that sessions are held Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. at the library, with entry through the side door: up the ramp at the side of the library, then downstairs to the meeting room. Teachers also serve as mentors to the students. The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

The first concert of the St. Andrew Summer Concert Series, presented by classical violinist Anthea Kreston, is Wednesday, July 21, 8 p.m. at St. Andrew Parish Center. The concerts are free and donations are welcomed.

The next Taizé prayer service at St. Ann’s By-the-Sea will be held Wednesday, July 28 at 7 p.m. at St. Ann’s. Music by the Island Drummers and, on Indian flute, Kathryn Twinfeathers will be part of the service.

Lovely Jennifer Sisto, granddaughter of Theresa and Jack Sisto, is waiting tables at the Oar this summer.

Block Island’s First Annual Wedding Show, coordinated by Mona Dwyer Helterline and held at the Sullivan House, was lovely to behold and great fun to walk through. Purveyors of wedding services, accommodations, food and more, were willing to chat, share their expertise and share samples of some of their wares. A great event and a win-win for sponsors, participants and prospective brides and grooms!

A great place to escape the heat the evening of July 11, after taking in the exhibit of paintings by Eleanor Garrett, Norma Reder and Betsy Theve at the Spring Street Gallery, was up the hill at the Spring House, where business on the front veranda and back patio was booming. The breeze and the view were perfect, and diners of all ages were enjoying bistro meals, including terrific pizza.

Congratulations!

Pam and Jim Hinthorn celebrate their wedding anniversary July 19.

Three important wedding anniversaries were celebrated by the Lang family in June: Marja and Neil Lang, 45 years on June 5; Kathy and Keith Lang, 25 years on June 22; and Donna and Duncan Lang, 21 years on June 24.

Of cakes and candles

Happy birthday to diva and former Ecumenical Choir director Diane Bean, who celebrates her birthday July 17! Diane is now living in Wakefield but stays in touch and makes frequent forays to Block Island.

Another July 17 birthday girl is Samantha Mazzur Fontana, wife of Joe Fontana and mom to Lilly Bea. Samantha’s proud mother is Marceline Mazzur.

Happy birthday to Henry Moore, who celebrates his special day July 18.

On July 19, Richard “Doc” Vargoshe celebrates his birthday.

Trudy O’Toole’s birthday is coming up July 21, wish her a happy one!

Birthday girl Marty Gilpin, of Corn Neck Road, celebrates a birthday July 23.

On July 25, Helen (“Hobbit”) Hubbard celebrates her birthday. Happiest day, Hobbit!

Hailey Kisseberth turns sweet 16 on July 28.

On July 30, Rita DiTraglia celebrates her birthday and doesn’t mind telling people she will be 86. Would never guess it — happy birthday, Rita!

Happy belated birthday to Dick Plumb, as of July 6. Dick is the elder son of Gil Plumb and the late Ginny Plumb, of Coast Guard Road. It was wonderful to see Gil out here in early July.

Block Island everywhere

Tom Watson, former resident of Prue Lot, is to be married in August! He writes, “I am getting married to a lovely lady, Fran Hunter! She is a former resident of Bucksport, Maine, and came to Dirigo Pines Retirement Community in early May. We met by chance on May 8. We will be married August 20, and are planning a couple of days on Block Island in early October! See you, and many others, then!”

Great to see Larry Rose back on the island! He expects to be around until late July, and will be making frequent trips to mainland Rhode Island to be with his daughter, Lisa, before he heads back to his home in Brooksville, Fla.

Let us know what’s happening! Visiting relatives, special occasions, updates on friends near and far, projects… Deadline is Tuesday morning, and Fran can be reached at 466-2892 or fran117@mac.com