Calendar Shorts
Wives of whalers
"An Island of Women," an original musical created by Island historian and director E. St. John Villard with music composed by retired Methodist minister of music Phil Dietterich, premieres tonight, June 11, at 7:30 pm at The Yard in Chilmark to benefit the Martha's Vineyard Museum. Presented by Island Theatre Workshop, performances continue through June at The Yard, the Sailing Camp in Oak Bluffs, and the Katharine Cornell Theater in Vineyard Haven.
Alison Taylor, left, and Abigail Southard in a scene from "An Island of Women," which opens tonight at The Yard. Photo by M.C. Wallo
The play looks at life on the Vineyard between 1850 and 1852 when much of the male population was off whaling. By following the lives of three families on the Vineyard, it explores how women who did not go to sea were a vital part of the whaling industry.
To research the topic, Ms. Villard dug through local historical documents, town vital records, census forms, and court documents. Though a work of fiction, "An Island of Women" uses the names of real people to examine the true elements of Island life. The Norton, Cooke, Vincent, and Mayhew families are featured in the play.
Admission for the June 11 performance is $20 (family rate is $40) and benefits the museum. Admission for all other performances is $15.
"Island of Women," at three venues: The Yard, Chilmark: June 11, 12, 13 at 7:30 pm, June 14 at 3 pm. Sailing Camp, Oak Bluffs: June 17, 18 at 7:30 pm. Katharine Cornell Theatre, Vineyard Haven: June 25, 26, 27 at 7:30 pm, June 28 at 3 pm. Island Theatre Workshop: 508-692-2769.
The buzz about "Fly"
The Vineyard Playhouse begins their season this Wednesday, June 17, with "Fly," a play about the Tuskegee Airmen of WWII. By Trey Ellis and Ricardo Khan, and directed by Mr. Khan, the play features a tap-dancing scene with actors Charlie Hudson III, Joe Forbrich, Ted Louis Levy, and more. The play begins at 7 pm on Wednesday.
Cynthia Riggs spoke at the West Tisbury Library. A question-and-answer session followed. Photo by Susan Safford
Special appearance
Cynthia Riggs hosted a book talk last Friday, June 5, at the West Tisbury Library. She signed and discussed her newest book, "Death and Honesty."
"The event and the turnout was great, it was very generous of her to do," said Beth Kramer, library director. The proceeds from that day's sale went to the West Tisbury Library. Ms. Riggs, a West Tisbury resident, writes mysteries based on Martha's Vineyard.
From left: Melvin Thornhill, John Cummings, and Stephen Robinson, prostate cancer survivors, support the cause with Linda Zarrow. Photos by Ralph Stewart
The right foot forward
The sixth annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Martha's Vineyard began at 6 pm on Friday, June 5, and ended at 10 am Saturday. This event was dedicated to cancer survivors, families and friends who have been affected by cancer, and those whose lives were taken by it. Walking teams who participated in it stayed overnight to fully show their support. Participants were asked to raise at least $100 in pledges as they walked the track of the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School. All of the proceeds are given to the American Cancer Society's cancer research, education, and local patient services.
Shelley O'Neill, left, and Mildred Morano celebrate Relay For Life arm in arm.
Sarah Reekie, left, and Heather Dübe, are dressed to lighten up the event.
On stage, from left, Greg Brown, Jamie Baker, and Gizelle Brown performed a song together. Photos by Ralph Stewart
Inspirational
A Christian organization called In Touch Ministries hosted Inspiration Weekend over the June 5-7 weekend at the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs. The three-day event included teachings, music, comedy, and performances. The Reverend Charles Stanley, a New York Times best-selling author who has written over 35 books and the group's founder, spoke at the event. Seven-time Grammy Award winners Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., husband and wife of 5th Dimension fame, performed, as did the Annie Moses Band, a combo comprised of a Tennessee family who were trained at the Juilliard School of Music.
Many attended Inspiration Weekend on Sunday, June 7 in the Tabernacle of Oak Bluffs.
The Reverend Charles Stanley, the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Atlanta, read at the event on Sunday.
Featherstone summer
Time for tee-shirts, shorts and creative energy. Featherstone Center for the Arts weekly day camps (from 9 am to 12 noon) begin July 6 and run through the week of August 10. From their Magic Garden camp for three- to six-year-olds (registration filled), and "What's In Your Garden?" for 7 to 10 year-olds, focusing on the creating with 3-D objects found in gardens. Campers lead by art teachers will discover nature, as they invent and create with all manner of materials.
Featherstone's weekly summer arts camp for 11-year-olds to teenagers, offers guided experiences through a variety of crafts, including stained glass (weeks of July 6, July 27 & August 10); metal (July 13 & August 3), and clay (week of July 20).
Call Featherstone at 508-693-1850 to pre-register.
A successful result in stained glass. Photos courtesy of Featherstone Center for the Arts
Summer campers taking "Stained Glass and More" become engrossed in their projects.
Lecture at the museum
The Martha's Vineyard Museum's summer lecture series begins this Tuesday, June 16. Presenting his latest book, "Harbor and Home, Furniture of Southeast Massachusetts 1710-1850," is author Brock Jobe, professor of American decorative arts at the University of Delaware.
The series continues Thursday, June 18, with Stuart M. Frank, senior curator of the New Bedford Whaling Museum who will give an introduction to scrimshaw. The lectures are from 5:30 to 7:30 pm and are $12; $10 for museum members. For more information, call 508-627-4441 ext. 123 or visit mvmuseum.org.
Photo by Susan Safford
Voice over
Island Voices at Che's Lounge in Vineyard Haven continues on Wednesday, June 17, at 7:30 pm. West Tisbury poet Daniel Waters will host Guitar Poems, performing original songs and poems. Justen Ahren, Ingrid Goff, Richard Skidmore, and Michael West will also contribute their work. Island Voices will continue through the summer featuring a varied program, including spoken word performers, rappers and freestylers, slam poets, singer-songwriters, free verse, and traditional form poets.
Getting shot
For all those talented wannabes, here's yet another chance to make it into the movies. Emergency Film Group in Edgartown is holding an open casting call on Wednesday, June 17 for extras needed for an upcoming film shoot in Oak Bluffs. Actors are being sought to play the roles of teenagers, teachers, and, oh yes, criminals. No experience is necessary. The film shoot will take place in late June.
The Emergency Film Group, a divison of the Detrick Lawrence Corporation ("Zeb-Schooner Life,") is a leading distributor of video and DVD-based training for emergency responders. For an appointment, call Joyce Lee at 508-627-8844. Appointments will be scheduled between 9 am and 9 pm.
Photo courtesy of Red Pony Farm
Saddle up
Red Pony Farm Tack Shop opens for the season this Sunday, June 14. Located on the second floor of the barn, in West Tisbury, the shop offers consignment horse equipment and clothing, as well as artwork and antiques. Drop off your clean consignment at the farm on Saturday, June 13, from 10 am to 5 pm. Store hours for the month of June are Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 am to 5 pm. For more information, call 508-693-3788 or visit redponymv.com.
Bidding for fun for Windemere
The Windemere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center will host an auction to benefit its Activity Fund, which provides residents the opportunity to go on outings to a range of Vineyard destinations, including museums, plays, and concerts. Scheduled for Friday, June 12, from 6 to 8 pm at the Ag Hall in West Tisbury, the event will include wine, hors d'oeuvres, and desserts from pastry chef Frank Leonardo.
"The Activity Fund is so crucial in keeping our residents engaged in life," said Betsy Burmeister, Windemere Recreation Director. "We use this fund to bring in entertainers and also to take our residents out, because they are a part of this Island's community. We want their lives to be fulfilled and happy, and that is why this auction is so important."
Items featured in the auction, led by auctioneer Trip Barnes, include a house in Maine for a week, plane rides, lighthouse tours, fishing trips, and surfing lessons. The silent auction features dinners and massages, among other items.
For more information, contact Betsy Burmeister at 508-696-6465, ext. 722.
Windemere residents enjoy a visit with alpacas, made possible by the center's Activity Fund. Photos courtesy of Betsy Burmeister
Sylvia Campbell and Mary Ellen Yakeley enjoy a festive dinner out.
