Potter craze
On the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20, Edgartown Public Library is hosting a Harry Potter Party for children of all ages in honor of the final Harry Potter movie release. After seven books and eight movies, the Harry Potter franchise has captured millions of fans. Participants are encouraged to come in costume as they enjoy snacks, play games, take part in wand-making crafts, and win prizes. The event will be held from 4 to 6 pm. For more information, call 508-627-4221.
Fascinated by fiction?
The Martha’s Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing annual summer seminar, showcasing writers such as Philip Weinstein, Leah Nielsen, Wendy Wisner, Tony Ardizzone, and a variety of others, will begin Sunday, July 17 and run through Wednesday, July 20. In a series of nightly events that begin at 6 pm at either The Mansion House or the West Tisbury Library, authors and poets will read to and speak with audiences about fiction and their work specifically. Refreshments will be served throughout the series. View event listings on pages C18-C19 for information about the location and theme of each evening.
Your town, our Island
This July, Martha’s Vineyard Museum (MVM) is celebrating the towns of Aquinnah and Chilmark in honor of the ongoing exhibit, Your Town, Our Island. From Monday, July 11 to Saturday, July 16, the MVM invites seasonal and year-round residents of Aquinnah to tour the Museum for free. In addition, Aquinnah residents will receive various discounts on membership packages. Chilmark residents have the same opportunity during the week of July 18 to 23. The MVM is located on School Street in Edgartown and open from 10 to 5 Monday through Saturday. Contact frontdesk@mvmuseum.org or call 508-627-4441 for more information.
An evening with Carlo Petrini
On the evening of Tuesday, August 23, audiences have the rare chance to hear a Time Magazine Hero of the Year, Carlo Petrini, speak about the importance of sustainable food production at the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs. Named one of The Guardian’s “50 People Who Could Save the World,” Mr. Petrini is the founder of Slow Food, an organization that aims to bridge the gap between agriculture and gastronomy in a fast-food society. Prior to Mr. Petrini’s talk, there will be music and a picnic from 5 to 7 pm in which participants may purchase from local vendors or bring their own food. Tickets start at $10 and can be bought online at ticketsmv.com or at a variety of locations throughout the Island. See slowfoodmarthasvineyard.org for more information.
Support Lisa
On Thursday, July 21, the Holy Ghost Association (Portuguese-American Club) will host a spaghetti dinner, silent auction, and 50/50 raffle in order to help defray the medical costs of Lisa Ben David Scannell’s recovery from a serious riding accident last month. Mark Hanover of Linda Jean’s will be donating dinner, and a number of Island businesses have offered numerous goods, services, opportunities, and gift certificates for the silent auction. Tickets are $15 at the door. All proceeds will go towards a fund set up by You’ve Got A Friend, Inc. of the Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank. If you would like to donate an item for the silent auction, contact Susan Wilson at 508-693-4563.
Panel of experts address global economy questions
The Summer Institute’s second program of the 2011 season will bring two Harvard Business School professors and a global economist to the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center at 7:30 pm on Thursday, July 14. In a program entitled, “Global Economic Prospects: Have We Recovered? Where Are We Heading?” these three experts will discuss the state of the economy and what they foresee happening in the future. A donation of $15 is suggested. For more information, visit mvsummerinstitute.com.
In preparation for 150th Ag Fair
Preparations for the 150th Ag Fair in August are underway. If you wish to enter your poultry into the Fair, mandatory pullorum testing is available for free on-Island from Sunday, July 17 to Tuesday, July 19. Appointments must be made by Wednesday, July 13 by contacting Alex MacDonald (617-872-9961; alex.macdonald@state.ma.us) or Megan Megrath (617-626-1798; megan.megrath@state.ma.us).
The deadline for membership to the Ag Society ($25; $10 children; $50 for family of four) which entitles you to a complimentary four-day pass to the Fair, is August 1. Membership fees and forms are available at http://mvas.vineyard.net/. For more information, updates, photos, and more, follow the Martha’s Vineyard Ag Fair on Facebook.
