It’s the first of the month, the day to say “Bunny, bunny” for good luck the whole month through. Can you believe it’s July? And on the topic of bunnies, is it just me or are they everywhere this year?
Congratulations to the Edgartown businesses voted Best of the Vineyard by readers of Martha’s Vineyard Magazine. Not only did Edgartown take 28 categories this year, but some of the best places to kayak, fish, and swim were found here in our backyard. At the top of the list for business wins was Sharky’s Cantina, which won Best Place for Cocktails, Best Family Dining, Best Year-Round Restaurant, and Best Wings, as well as runner-up for Best Bar/Pub. Other first-place winners include Coop’s Bait and Tackle, Mad Max Sailing Adventures, Wheel Happy, the Farm Institute, Nectar’s, Edgartown Cinemas, Humphreys, Morning Glory Farm, Mad Martha’s, Flowers by Donaroma, Landscope Landscaping Construction, Dolby Electric (of course!), Walter Smith Plumbing, Martha’s VIneyard Savings Bank, AdamCab, and the Harbor View Hotel. So if you’re looking for a recommendation for a place to eat or park a beach chair, or for a contractor to hire, this list is a great place to start.
Beginning Sunday, the United Methodist Church of Martha’s Vineyard will hold services at their Edgartown location, in the Baylies Room of the Old Whaling Church. The service will include “study of Jesus’ parables through alternative versions and translations, commentaries by Wesley and others, and version of the stories in the arts.” A continental breakfast will be served beginning at 8:15 am and available throughout the service. The service begins at 8:30 am. A guided tour of the church with Island historian Elizabeth Villard will follow the service for visitors. For more information, contact the UMC-MV church office at 508-693-4424.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of Martha’s Vineyard is planning its Second Annual Pancake Breakfast to celebrate the Fourth and honor those who fought for our country. Breakfast will start at 8:30 am on Saturday, July 3, at the LDS chapel, Merchants Mart, State Road, Vineyard Haven (across the parking lot from the Black Dog Cafe).
After spending several years in California, Eric Bassett has returned to Edgartown to open a shop, called Shindig. Eric’s objective in the shop is to celebrate the creative through the sale of artwork, jewelry, vintage clothing, and various gifts. He plans to feature artists from 7 to 10 pm on Friday nights throughout the summer. This Friday, July 2, Shindig will host New York artist Shawn Bishop-Leo as well as author Chris Huff, who grew up summering on the Vineyard. Shindig is located at 201 Upper Main Street. Stop by and check it out.
Lucia Hayman has reported on the goings-on of the Edgartown School PTO, who have been keeping quite busy this year. With the help of Dee Laird, the school was able to collect and donate 21 boxes of clothing to orphanages in Haiti affected by the January 12 earthquake. The PTO is also proud to announce the purchase of a new greenhouse for the school’s garden and would like to thank Paul Pertile, Danny Strem, and Tony Serpa for donating their time and construction skills to the cause. The garden is thriving, and with the addition of the greenhouse, the students can get more than a season out of it.
The PTO-sponsored Farmer’s Market begins its second season this Friday, July 2, at the Edgartown School. The market includes locally produced veggies, flowers, gourmet goodies, artwork, and more. It will take place on Fridays from 9 am to 12 noon in July and August. Those interested in participating can contact Lucia at 508-733-9832 or luciachayman@gmail.com.
The Fourth of July really is Edgartown at its best, and I’m sure this year will be no exception. The parade leaves the Edgartown School promptly at five o’clock, so of course, we should all be in our usual spots to watch much earlier than that. You can find me down on Morse Street in my red, white, and blue, clapping my hands red in celebration of my town. Watching veterans and children and sailors and bagpipers, golden retrievers and antique cars, and the fire trucks with their loud horns, police officers and war protesters, and the ever-creative revels of Camp Jabberwocky, offers an apt cross-section of our Island, a microcosm of what makes our country so special.
Happy Fourth of July!
