Lots going on in Aquinnah this month

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Photo by Lisa Vanderhoop

Well, summer certainly is in full swing. I haven’t really seen any of my year-round friends in about a month and I feel like I’m doing too many things and none of them particularly well. I have managed to get to the beach a few times and I took a kayak out on the pond so it’s not all bad, but it feels crazy and every time I look at my to-do list I think, “Huh. I wonder who’s going to do all that?”

Tonight, Thursday, July 17, at 5 pm at the Old Town Hall the Aquinnah Public Library Speaker Series continues with Thomas Dresser, Jay Schofield, and Herb Foster discussing their new book, “Martha’s Vineyard in World War II.” The event is free, books will be available for sale at $20. And refreshments will be served. This is sure to be a fascinating discussion with lots of interesting information.

This Saturday at 1 pm, the Fizz Boom Craft! at the library will be making Oobleck. When it comes to what oobleck actually is — your guess is as good as mine. I’m thinking it’s something gooey and colorful. On Saturday, July 26, at 1 pm Ladybug Girl will visit the library and on Tuesday, July 29, at 2 pm the Spindrift Marionettes will perform a puppet show. Regular programming at the library is as follows: on Tuesdays, 3 to 4:30 pm, come in and play Mad Libs. On Thursdays from 3 to 4 pm, there will be stories and crafts for younger children. On Saturdays from 2 to 3:30 pm, there is a drop-in storytime. And on rainy days when the library is open there will be Legos on the rug.

At the Aquinnah Cultural Center this week, the exhibit on Wampanoag whaling in the 18th and 19th centuries is still up. On Wednesday, July 23, at 6 pm there will be a special presentation: Professor David Silverman of George Washington University will speak on his latest book, “Ninigret, Sachem of the Niantics and Narragansetts: Diplomacy, War, and the Balance of Power in 17th Century New England and Indian Country.” The center is open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm; for more information, please call 508-645-7900, or email aquinnahcc@gmail.com.

Tomorrow, Friday, July 18, from 5 to 8 pm at the Tashmoo Spring Building in Vineyard Haven will be the first annual benefit art show for the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group. Enjoy an evening of art and oysters. Eat some delicious shellfish and see the works of more than 30 artists centered on shellfish and our waters. Fifty percent of all sales will go to the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group to produce oyster, scallop, and quahog seed to stock our ponds and clean our waters. Artists include: Kate Taylor, Wendy Weldon, Thaw Malin, Joan LeLacheur, and many more. The exhibit will be open the next day from 10 am to 6 pm as well.

Joan LeLacheur is having an open studio this Saturday, July 19, from 10 am to 5 pm at 42 Old South Rd. There will be new designs in wampum, moonsnail, conch, and pearls. Call Joanie at 508-645-9954 or email her at joanlela57@gmail.com.

Grace Randolph had a little girl, Katama, on June 18. I’ve heard she’s a cute little baby with dimples. Robin Robinson has a new little Bengal kitten named Sochi — speaking of cuteness, it’s always good to have another Aquinnah resident. Lisa Vanderhoop’s new Seadogs calendar is out and available all over the Island. You can also visit her website at vineyardseadogs.com or email her at seadogsproductions@hotmail.com.

There is an exhibit up at the Gay Head Gallery right now called “Keep the Lighthouse in Sight” that has artwork inspired by the Gay Head Light. Kathy Newman has some work in it. The gallery is open most days, 11 am to 5 pm, or call 508-645-2776 for an appointment.

There was a flag presentation at the Massachusetts State House on Thursday, June 26, and Aquinnah was well represented there with Adam Wilson bearing our flag. Happy Birthday to select woman Juli Vanderhoop who celebrates this Saturday.

If you are not on Facebook and would like to donate to Carl Widdis’s recovery fund, you can mail a tax deduciable check to: You’ve got a Friend, C/o Carl Widdis. Box 1317, West Tisbury, MA 02575.

Everyone please keep Adriana Ignacio in your thoughts and prayers. She suffered an accident in her home last week and is still recovering in the hospital. I know she will pull through but good recovery energy sent her way can’t hurt. Get well soon, Adriana.

Calling all artists: the annual All Island Art Show will be held on Monday, August 4, at the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs; all the information you need to participate is on their website, allislandartshow.wordpress.com; there is no entrance fee this year. For information the old-fashioned way, call Harvey Beth at 508-693-0371.