Remember last July? You were complaining about the cold and the rain and wondered when we would have a proper summer. May I remind you to be careful what you wish for?
Tomorrow evening at 7 pm our own Herb Ward will tell the story of a brave man, Captain Levi Jackson, and the rescue of 14 people from his ship, the Mertie B. Crowley. Capt. Jackson was Herb’s great-grandfather. The ship wrecked off Wasque in a cold winter storm on January 23, 1910. Herb has collected a great deal of information on this misadventure. Meet Herb at the Parish House of the Federated Church, corner of Cooke and South Water Street in Edgartown. Donation of $10 will help Island families in need.
Many of our neighbors have family visiting. Well, why wouldn’t anyone who could come to visit our Island in the hot weather? We have more than beaches, fine restaurants, and good shops to offer.
The Louisa Gould Gallery is sponsoring some exciting art workshops this summer. You may have missed the first, Workshop on the Water, unless it was rained out yesterday evening. Offered was a rare photography learning experience on a moving boat on Vineyard waters. A lobster roll dinner and refreshments were included with the class.
Louisa Gould has been sailing her whole life. Summers were spent sailing the family wooden boat on Vineyard waters. She has sailed and raced around the world. An internationally known photographer, Louisa is known for her nautical imagery.
You can take advantage on Tuesday of the painting workshop with John Holladay. John is a full-time art teacher, lives on the Vineyard, and shows at Louisa Gould Gallery. He welcomes students of all stages and ages in any painting medium. Bring your own materials. John will demonstrate and assist students with painting from 9 to 1 pm at Owen Park. Register at Louisa Gould Gallery on 54 Main Street or call 508-693-7373.
For more: marthasvineyardworkshops.com. The cost is $125.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” deals with the serious issues of rape and racism with realism, warmth, and humor. The narrator’s father, Atticus Finch, is a moral hero for many and a model of integrity for lawyers. Author Harper Lee won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961. This book has not been out of print since, selling nearly one million copies a year.
Tuesday evening Betty Burton invites island authors and others to honor the 50th anniversary of the book at the Vineyard Haven library. Read your favorite selection and join a discussion. Then on Thursday enjoy the movie with Gregory Peck at 6 pm.
Francisco deOrellana, the Spanish conquistador, founded Santiago de Guayaquil in Ecuador in July 1537. Even before the Spanish arrived, the town existed as a native village. Next Wednesday at 7 pm at the V.H. library celebrate this special holiday with the Ecuadorian community of Martha’s Vineyard. Learn about the traditions and history of Ecuador; the Spanish conquest, and tourism in this beautiful area. Folk music and traditional dances are to be followed by delicious snacks. Alexia Garcia of the Archeology Museum Ecuador will lead the program.
“Dancing Across Borders” is a new documentary of ballet by Anne Bass. It ranges from the New York School of American Ballet to the stage of the Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle. This film goes behind the scenes into the world of dance and chronicles the triumphant story of a 16-year-old Cambodian boy given the opportunity to follow a dream. Anne will introduce her film at 4 pm next Sunday afternoon at the Capawock Theater. Admission is $15 at the door.
Personal trainer Brenda Correa will lead a free body conditioning class at 5:30 pm this Sunday at the Mansion House. She will guide students through a series of strengthening power moves using equipment. All are welcome. A variety of free physical training classes are available Sunday evenings through August.
Today Eric and Susan Lopes mark their tenth anniversary, perhaps by a visit to their wedding site at the Gay Head lighthouse. Next Wednesday, Lil and Ed Colligan will celebrate 59 years together. Congratulations!
Big bunches of birthday balloons go out today to Ed Colligan and Judy Davey. Sunday belongs to Ed’s grandson Thomas E. Colligan. Happy birthday on Monday to our beloved granddaughter Rory Mayhew. She will be five years old and is happily anticipating her adventures at big school. Wish the best to Michael Bulkin and Pam Cassel who also party on Monday. Tuesday is a special day for Michael Cobban and Nancy Zamarro.
Heard on Main Street: All the world is divided into three parts: up-Island, down-Island, and off-Island.
