Albies, bonito, and stripers, Oh my! That’s right, it is officially Derby season, and the word of the day is “fish.” The annual Martha’s VIneyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby kicked off September 12 and runs until October 16.
I’m not one for fishing, but it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement. Since I was a kid, I’ve loved stopping by the weigh-in station to see what’s being brought in, watching the skilled filleting by volunteers on the floating dock, and of course socializing with people I haven’t seen all summer long. Good luck to those of you out there trying to hook the big one, and if you’re not one for the rod and reel, grab an ice cream cone and head over to the weigh-in station one of these nights and see what it’s all about.
Happy anniversary to Dan and Jade Deslauriers. The two had a lovely time celebrating their day September 18 by taking the boat out bluefishing, capping the evening off with dinner at Vineyard Golf. Congrats, and here’s to many more years of happiness.
I have to congratulate Jon Searle on his newly finished basement. This project has been a long time in the making, and in early days of the renovations, while others witnessed each stage of the basement’s evolution, I told Jon I would not even peek until the basement was complete. Lo and behold, I got the call this Saturday that Jon had something to show me, and the results were so beyond anything I could have imagined — bead board, plush carpeting, fancy lighting. Jon is quite the skilled carpenter. So we might not see much of Jon, wife Denise, and daughter Emma this winter, but there is no doubt as to where we can find them.
On Tuesday, Sept. 28, from 5 pm till close, join Felix Neck naturalists for feel good food and fun at Flatbread Pizza at Nectar’s MV. Enjoy delicious salads and pizza, learn about fall’s bird migrations, and enjoy music by The Flying Elbows. A portion of every pizza sale goes directly to Felix Neck to support nature and wildlife protection on Martha’s Vineyard. Flatbread Pizza is located at Nectar’s MV at 17 Airport Road, Edgartown, at the M.V. Airport. For more details, contact Mass Audubon’s Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary at 508-627-4850.
The MV Cultural Council will host a grant-writing workshop Wednesday, Sept. 29, at 6 pm at the Howes House in West Tisbury. This year the council has almost $30,000 in grant money to give away in November. Many young artists hesitate to apply because the forms can seem overwhelming, so take advantage of this workshop and get funding for your next project. For more information, contact Pia Webster at piapskov@yahoo.com.
Katie Mayhew has been invited to perform in London at Cadogan Hall, home of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, on October 6 at the Inspiration Awards for Women, a big fundraiser and awards event, which last year honored among others Michelle Obama and was attended by the likes of Helen Mirren. After Katie was “discovered” on YouTube by a musical theatre director in London’s West End, the Mayhew family was invited to be flown over, all expenses paid, so that Katie can perform at this event. Congratulations, Katie, and enjoy.
Happy Birthday to Kathy Ivory, who celebrates September 27. Daughter Kristina wishes you a lovely day. Birthday wishes also go out to Walter Morrison, who celebrates Sunday, Sept. 26. Let’s hope this Sunday Wally gets a Patriots win, all wrapped up with a pretty bow.
