Community Shorts

Published: July 17, 2008

A bid for Care

Chilmark summer resident Dilly Walsh and family are hosting "Vineyard Night for Compassionate Care ALS" at their family home tonight, July 17. Mr. Walsh was recently diagnosed with ALS, (Lou Gehrig's Disease) and the event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit organization that provides emotional and practical support to patients, families, and caregivers of this disease.

"I am one of the lucky ones because Ron Hoffman of Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS) has entered our lives like an angel," says Mr. Walsh. "We're holding this fundraiser so that we can clone at least ten more Ron Hoffmans to fill the needs of ALS patients in just Massachusetts alone."

From 5 pm, enjoy the auction, hors d'oeuvres by the Oyster Bar Grill, music by Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, and an open bar for $100. Entry after 8 pm is $50. Checks and credit cards are accepted. The Walsh home is located at 320 Middle Road in Chilmark.

All things Katrina

This weekend at three locations, Oak Bluffs is hosting the Finding Our Folk Tour, a celebration of the people and culture of the Gulf Coast region, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Included are a fundraiser buffet, an afternoon festival, and a lawn party and film screening. The first event, called KatrinaRitaVille, is Friday, July 18, at Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs. Fun will be on the menu, but the point is to highlight recovery efforts in New Orleans. There will be live music by the Hot 8 Brass Band, presentations by survivors and activists, and a FEMA trailer open house. Bring a lawn chair; the event is from 3 to 9 pm.

On Saturday at Featherstone, starting a 4 pm, is a lawn party and a screening of the Finding our Folk documentary: "The Impact of Hurricane Katrina through the Eyes of Young People."

And on Sunday at Lola's Restaurant from 6 to 9 pm, feast on a crawfish boil buffet with music by the Hot 8. For more information, call 985-215-2333.

Creative efforts of Jabberwocky on display

The creative talents of Jabberwocky campers are on display at Featherstone Center for the Arts, on Barnes Rd., Oak Bluffs. The exhibit includes a variety of paintings, pottery and mixed media work. The show opened July 12, and runs through July 29. Many of the items, along with tee-shirts, mugs and jewelry, are available for purchase. There is also a silent auction in which visitors can participate.

Starting Tuesday, July 22, there will be an exhibit of photographs by Elain Christensen, the first counselor to organize a Jabberwocky art show.

There will be another opening reception for Jabberwocky art on July 26 to coincide with the second session of camp.

Free admission. For times and details, call Camp Jabberwocky at 508-693-2339.

Free the fish

On Friday afternoon, July 11, The Trustees of Reservations hosted the annual Great Goldfish Release Party at Mytoi on Chappaquiddick. 2,500 goldfish, ordered from the Cape through Little Leona's Pet Shop, were transferred into small pools and then set free in a pond at the garden. There was also an array of activities: goldfish games and puzzles, drawing and painting, and bubbles.