Alan Brigish invites you to the Bunch of Grapes tomorrow to honor Ann Nelson, the former owner who developed this fine store. Enjoy refreshments followed by a short video about his new book, written with Susan Klein, “Martha’s Vineyard — Now & Zen,” the story of the Island’s diverse communities and traditions and history. Alan’s photographs of the Vineyard and Susan’s essays of memories create an Island journey covering the past 30 years. The event begins at 7:30 pm.
Donna Maurice says the Church of Latter Day Saints will celebrate Independence Day and honor veterans with a pancake breakfast on Saturday at the LDS chapel at Merchants Mart on State Road. Hear island veterans remember battles; listen to the 8th grade winner’s patriotic essay, sing patriotic songs, and enjoy a yummy breakfast. All this at 8:30 am.
Meet the artists this Saturday from 5 to 7 pm at the Louisa Gould Gallery. Live music and refreshments will enhance the work of artists Chris Pendergast, Jeff P’an, Maya Farber, Robert Jewett, and Jules Worthington. This show is open until July 20.
Sunday is the Glorious Fourth! The veterans need all the help they can get to put up the Avenue of Flags in the cemetery on Sunday morning at 7:30 and then take them down at 3 pm.
These veterans also want to remind you that the American Legion is now selling lobster rolls ($13) and chowder ($4) every Tuesday from 4:30 to 7 pm at the Legion Hall on Martin Street.
Also this Sunday is Run the Chop, the five-mile road race that benefits Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Martha’s Vineyard. The Fun Run for kids under 12 begins at 8:30 am at the Tisbury School. The big kids begin to run at 9 am. Register online at www.murdicks.net.
On Sunday, the Methodist Church will begin a weekly worship service to continue through July and August. The organ epilogue prayer service is at 8:30 am at the Stone Church. All are welcome to attend.
If you aren’t sure whether to try yoga or pilates, take advantage: A different free exercise class will be offered each Sunday evening at 5:30 at the Mansion House.
The Vineyard Haven Band will play at Owen Park at 8 pm on Monday evening, July 5th. They will not be playing here on Sunday because they will be in Edgartown, joining in the celebration of the Fourth.
The library will be closed next Monday for Independence Day. Also the library will close at 6 pm next Thursday for the Tisbury Street Fair. Public computers are turned off 30 minutes before closing.
Leigh Ann Yuen reports that a small group of eager five-year-olds gathered on the Mink Meadows Beach on Wednesday evening for a preschool graduation from Garden Gate Child Development Center. After the twilight swim and supper, the graduates received certificates, tee-shirts, and yearbooks. Members of this Class of 2010 are Nicholas BenDavid of Oak Bluffs, Liam Marek and Sydney Rydzewski of Vineyard Haven, Ryan Harding, Mya Lee O’Neill and Sydney Marcus of West Tisbury, and Annalee Cingle-Hoy of Chilmark.
The parents had fun as well. They include Gary and Joellen BenDavid, Andy and Courtney Marek, Matt and Heidi Rydzewski, Chris and Kate Harding, Brendan O’Neill and Lindsey Lee, Mike and Jen Marcus, John Hoy and Annette Cingle.
You can’t be surprised that many businesses in our town were voted the Best of the Vineyard by readers of Martha’s Vineyard Magazine. Congratulations to all, especially to The Net Result which got the most votes and four wins: Best Takeout, Best Chowder, Best Fish and Chips, and Best Fish Market, along with runner-up for Best Lobster Roll. Of course, Grace Church came in first in that category.
Some of our other winners were LeRoux at Home, Shirley’s Hardware, Mocha Mott’s, Scottish Bakehouse, and Maggie’s Hair Salon. Also winning were Bunch of Grapes Bookstore, clothing by Kiddo’s, and The Green Room, C. B. Stark Jewelers, Thorncroft Inn, and Coldwell Banker Landmarks Real Estate.
An advertising flyer describes our town as “known to the locals as the ‘heart and soul’ of Martha’s Vineyard … the shops in this town are fabulous.” We have to agree.
Join the Pan Martha Challenge on Saturday, July 17. Bicyclists will cycle a 50-mile loop around the Island to raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This ride is a part of the Pan Mass Challenge held each year, sponsored by Vineyard Pedicab. For more see www.pmc.org
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out tomorrow to Sioux Eagle. Have you checked out her earrings lately? Wednesday will be celebrated by Bob Benson, Cora Medeiros, and also Larry Gomez of the Greenwood House B&B. Fly your flag on Sunday and wish the best to Sue Fairbanks and Steve Nichols. Next Wednesday is party day for artist Donna Straw.
Heard on Main Street: Happy birthday, U.S. Celebrate the Fourth with a bang.
