Noteworthy events

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Princeton professor and historian talks on race

Nell Irvin Painter, Edwards Professor of American History, Emerita, at Princeton University, will speak Thursday evening at the Chilmark Community Center on her book, “The History of White People.” In this new widely acclaimed work, Ms. Painter examines the concept of white as a racial category and how it has changed in response to shifting demographics, aesthetic tastes, and politics. She chronicles how many white groups now regarded as “ethnic” (Irish, Jews, and Italians to list a few) were once excluded from mainstream American society as “alien races.” Ms. Painter was the former president of the Organization of American Historians and the Southern Historical Association. Books will be available for purchase and signing following the discussion.

The lecture will begin at 8 pm at the Chilmark Community Center, located on 520 South Road. Admission is free for members, $5 for non-members. Call 508-645-9484 for more information.

Pizza al fresco

Every Wednesday from 5 to 8 pm, the Orange Peel Bakery hosts pizza night on 22 State Road in Aquinnah. The bakery provides a plain cheese pizza and hands it off to guests who are encouraged to bring their own toppings. There is an oven provided (heated to 700 degrees), allowing guests to add toppings they can cook on location. Pizza-enthusiasts bring blankets to sit on and instruments to play. Guests are welcome to whatever is provided on the communal table.This weekly event is sure to bring a warm and charming evening for all ages. The suggested donation is $10 for adults and children.

Orange Peel is a bakery in Aquinnah open daily from 7 am to 9 pm. Baked goods, breads, and pastries are also available at the West Tisbury and down-Island farmer’s markets and can also be found in Cronig’s.

Car show with Tisbury Fire Dept.

Vineyard Haven is proud to present the fourth Annual Tisbury Fire Department Car Show on Saturday, July 24 from 4 to 8 pm. Guests are encouraged to bring their vehicles for display and participate in festivities. Trophies will be given to the best car and motorcycle, and will be decided by popular vote. The event will take place in the lot across from Xtramart on Beach Road in Vineyard Haven. There will be live music and food provided by Gypsy Catering. The evening is a “no-alcohol event.”

In the case of rain, the car show will be held on Sunday, July 25.

50th Anniversary of “To Kill a Mockingbird” celebrations

The Vineyard Haven Library will honor the 50th anniversary of the publication of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” next week with two special evening programs. On Tuesday, July 27 at 7 pm, the library will feature a group of Island authors, who will share their favorite selections from the book and join in a discussion of Harper Lee’s cultural impact. Guests are invited to read their favorite passages and to come dressed as her character Scout, grown up. Festivities will continue Thursday evening, when the movie will be shown at 6 pm.

The events of the week provide an opportune time to revisit the classic tale that continues to touch readers of all ages.

The Vineyard Haven Library is located on 200 Main Street in Vineyard Haven. The events are free of charge.

Laughs at David Ryan’s

David Ryan’s comedy upstairs 2010 summer schedule continues Saturday, July 24 with Don Gavin and special guest Johnny Pizzi. Mr. Gavin, “the Godfather of Boston Comedy,” was one of the original founders of the Ding-Ho Comedy Club in Cambridge and later founded Nick’s Comedy Shop. He has performed in over 100 countries. He will go on Saturday evening at 9 pm. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. David Ryan’s is located on 11 North Water Street in Edgartown.

Saturday meditation in West Tisbury

The Mindful Meditation Community of Martha’s Vineyard will meet on Saturday, July 24 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm for guided meditation and discussion. The event will be lead by Chas DiCapua of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre and will be held at the Up-Island Council on Aging (Howes House), located across from Alley’s in West Tisbury. The morning meditation and discussion will be held free of charge; donations are welcome. For more information call 508-693-6774.

175th anniversary in Oak Bluffs

The 175th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Campgrounds in Oak Bluffs will take place Sunday, July 25 at 7 pm. There will be a historical presentation by Marge Hopkins and special music by Stefan Young, followed by birthday cake and ice cream for all. The event will be free of charge. For more information, visit mvcma.org.