On Friday, July 2, at the Bunch of Grapes, Ann Nelson, the store’s former owner and major Vineyard benefactor who developed that fine book shop, will be honored. Starting at 7:30 pm, there will be refreshments, a three-minute video about the book, “Martha’s Vineyard — Now & Zen,” and some words about its long-term mission. A book signing will complete the evening.
Heather Hughes made a comment online about how disappointed she was that I had not mentioned the death of Danny Meader in my column and she was absolutely right. I do apologize for the omission. Danny and Robin have been long-time family friends and it seems impossible that Danny is no longer with us. Our most sincere condolences to his much-loved family — wife Robin, children Jared ,William, and Jaime and their children. He was a happy, involved parent and an admired citizen of Oak Bluffs.
On Thursday, July 1, at 6 pm the library will show a new movie about Leo Tolstoy starring Helen Mirren, Christopher Plummer, and Paul Giamatti. The film is free and so is the popcorn.
The Campmeeting theme for 2010 is the 175th Anniversary of the founding of the Camp-Meeting in Oak Bluffs. The first Camp-Meeting was held in 1835 and they have been going strong ever since. They will have 175th Anniversary celebrations on July 25 and August 22 at 7 pm in the Tabernacle. This summer they have increased the number of activities for families and children. Every Monday evening at 7 pm is Family Movie Night at the Tabernacle. The first movie, on July 5, is “The Sound of Music.” There is no charge for the movies, but a free will offering will be taken.
Saturday, July 3, at 10 am is the Children’s Independence Day Parade around the Tabernacle. All are welcome to march in the parade or come and watch the fun. Also on Saturday, at 8 pm the Island Community Chorus performs in the Tabernacle.
The American Legion is sending out a request for assistance in placing the flags for the 4th of July so everyone can enjoy the magnificent Avenue of Flags at Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven. They ask that you came at 7 am to help put the flags up and again at 3 pm to take them down. They also are continuing to sell lobster rolls or chowder every Tuesday at the Legion Hall from 4:30 to 7 pm.
Karen Achille reports that on Saturday, July 10, the Friends of the O.B. Council on Aging are hosting a giant yard sale, which is open to vendors from the public. There are 14 spaces available. If you are a member of the Friends, the cost of a space is $15, and for all others a space will be $25. Bakery and plant sales and refreshments make this an event not to be missed. For more information, call Karen at 508-360-5842 or sign up at the Senior Center.
The Garden Gate Child Development Center Class of 2010 enjoyed a preschool graduation celebration on the beach in Vineyard Haven on June 23. Among the small group of eager five-year-olds was Nicholas BenDavid, the son of Gary and Joellen BenDavid of Oak Bluffs.
The Yard Arts! 5th Anniversary Gala is this Friday, July 2, at 6 pm, featuring dinner in the festival tent followed by an eclectic program of dance, opera, and theater. For more information, please contact Wendy Taucher at 508-645-9662 or wendytaucher@mindspring.com.
The West Tisbury Grange Hall in West Tisbury will be the place to go on Monday July 5 for the African Crafts Sale and Puppet show. The sale is from 4:30 to 7:30 pm, with the puppet show of Spindrift Marionettes starting at 5:30 pm.
The kick-off for the Island-wide summer reading program at the Island libraries will also be on July 2 at 11 am in the West Tisbury Ag Hall.
On July 7 at Toddler Storytime for ages 1.5 to 3 at 10:30 am and Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5 at 11:30 am; the theme will be gardens.
Turtle Time: a Felix Neck Workshop will take place on Thursday, July 8, from 3 to 4 pm, for grades 1 through 4 only. Space is limited, so you must pre-register.
Helping Barb Fehl celebrate her birthday on July 6 will be her daughter, Ashley, and eight-month-old grandson, Makie, who will fly in from Tigard, Ore., to join in on the party.
Martha’s Vineyard has announced its 2010 Best of the Vineyard results, which featured 77 awards for Island places, businesses, and activities. Oak Bluffs took home 23 wins this year. Oak Bluffs winners of either Best Place or runner up were Sharky’s Cantina, Offshore Ale Company, and Giordano’s Restaurant. Basics took home four runner-up wins.
We send Birthday Smiles to Madeline Alley on July 1; Rahmale Hopkins on July 3; Joe Alosso and Robert Hughes on July 4; James Cage on the 5th; and Erin Pacheco, Donald Billings, and Karen Hunt Torrence on July 7.
My computer has been ailing and for some reason is erasing some messages when I try to read them. So if you have sent me an article and do not see it in the column, please resend, remembering my deadline is noon of the Monday before Thursday publication.
Enjoy your week.
Peace.
