Welcome to our darling granddaughters, Rory and Fiona Mayhew, who arrived this week to brighten our days. Rory is nearly 6 and Fiona is 4. Rory has a new pink waterproof cast on her arm because she had a playground accident last month. The girls plan to check out the beaches and the Fourth of July parade.
Ruth Stiller proudly announced that she has two grandsons who graduated from college this spring. Benjamin Stiller is now a graduate of Clark University. He is the son of Neal and Janet Stiller. Seth Kelley graduated from Bowdoin College in Maine. He is the son of Pamela Kelley who lives in Williamstown. Seth’s other proud grandparents are Bob and Dot Kelley of Edgartown.
A goodly number of happy alumnae of Susan Klein’s classes gathered at the Senior Center on Wednesday. We enjoyed some writing and reading and a sumptuous repast that included littlenecks, bluefish, and brie along with cookies, cakes, and fresh fruit. All were invited to Susan’s Storytelling Concert on July 9 to benefit Habitat for Humanity. She will share her stories about growing up on the Vineyard at the MVRHS Performing Arts Center from 7 to 8:30 pm.
Louisa Gould Gallery opens an exhibit called Nature’s Elements with new works by four artists. Chris Pendergast’s oils creating waves on a wooden panel have to be seen. Maya Farber presents brightly colored florals and landscapes from Romania. Jeanne Campbell will show photographs from the Caribbean and Iceland. Ron Sievertson is an American hot glass artist living in Bali, where Louisa met him last winter. She notes these artists show their love of nature in their work. Meet them on Saturday from 5 to 7 pm while you enjoy light refreshments and live music by Wes Nagy.
The Glorious Fourth is Monday. Ed Colligan says that the veterans do appreciate your help with the flags as well as your attendance at the parade. Your help is always needed with the Avenue of Flags at the Oak Grove Cemetery. The 425 flags go up at 7:30 am and come down at 2 pm this time, so you will have time to get to the parade. If you don’t get up early, remember that the veterans will need a few more hands to take down the flags at 2 pm.
Celebrate the Fourth with free pancakes to honor our veterans and celebrate our freedom at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Merchants Mart. Cub Scouts will begin things with the Pledge of Allegiance at 8:30 am. Pancakes, sausage, fruit, and juice will be served until 10 am.
Photographer Peter Simon will show some of his pictures and speak about his life and family background at a free program at the Vineyard Haven Library on Tuesday at 7 pm.
Fae Kontje-Gibbs and Vanessa Kent are teaching Sunrise Yoga at the Mansion House. This class takes place outside on the rooftop of the Mansion House at 6:15 am. In case of rain, the class is held in the yoga studio.
Sharon Capen has worked as a flower designer for a quarter of a century. Her children Mike and Shauna grew up on the Island. Sharon is now working with M.V. Florist, based on Daggett Avenue. In addition to their growing local reputation, M.V. Florist is the exclusive distributor of Certified Fair Trade roses on the Island. As many of you know, Fair Trade roses are grown on environmentally friendly farms where the employees, mostly women, receive fair wages and other benefits. The roses stay fresher longer, too.
Cora Medeiros celebrates 40 years of the Tisbury Street Fair on July 8 as well as the town’s birthday celebration. Because it falls on a Friday this year, the ladies at Grace Church have agreed to sell lobster rolls from 1 to 5 that day.
Children who come to the Street Fair get special treats this year. The Tisbury Police Association has Tisbury police badges. The Firefighters Association has free fire hats. The DPW will give all the children American flags. And, last but not least, Humphreys Bakery will give out donut holes. There is also a seven-foot ride-on inflatable lobster. Fill out a ticket at the Sea Chest or Plum Creek and your child may win it.
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out today to Lynne Benson of the Heath Hen Quilt & Yarn Shop and more to her husband Bob on Sunday. Saturday belongs to Sioux Eagle. Cora Medeiros parties on Sunday as does Larry Gomez. Larry has to make the breakfast muffins first for his guests at Greenwood House. Big bangs will mark the birthday of our nation as well as the special day for Sue Fairbanks and Steve Nichols. Christine Swansey celebrates on Tuesday.
Heard on Main Street: Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be.