Aquinnah

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Is the Fair really next week? Is that possible? Well I guess so, since it’s happening. And of course there is also what is becoming an annual event: the Obamas’ vacation, starting August 19. It seems like the summer is flying by. I have reached that point where I’m in a fog of sleepiness and loneliness from too much work and not enough play time with friends (who are also all working). I seem to arrive at this place every summer and it feels like it will never end and then bang! Before you know it August is done and you can relax again.

Tonight at 9:30 pm at The Dive Bar, you can see Lexie Roth performing as her electronic persona, A Bordo. Come get your groove on.

The Annual Wampanoag Feast and Fundraiser will be held this Saturday, August 13, at 5 pm at the Vanderhoop Homestead. This event is held to raise funds for continued programming and exhibits at the Aquinnah Cultural Center. The feast of traditional Wampanoag food is prepared by Aquinnah tribal member Kristina Hook. Following the dinner there will be a very special presentation by Jessie Little Doe Baird of the Wampanoag Language Reclamation Project, who will speak on all present initiatives. Please call 508-645-7900 for tickets or information, or email aquinnahcc@gmail.com.

On Wednesday, August 17, from 11 am to 4 pm at the Cultural Center there will be a soapstone carving demonstration by Jonathan Perry. Soapstone was gathered in quarries, and made into many different items, including bowls, cooking pots, pipes, and jewelry. Free with admission.

The Gay Head Gallery is back. Located on State Road, it’s just before the Town Hall as you are headed up-Island on your left (look for the blue sign). The grand re-opening is this Sunday August 14, from 5 to 8 pm. Opening night will be a benefit for the Vineyard Conservation Society and the Moshup Trail Project. Come hear about these unique conservation projects, see some beautiful art, and welcome back the gallery. A portion of the proceeds will go to both conservation groups. The gallery will be open Thursday through Sunday from 1 to 6 pm, or by appointment; call 508-645-2776.

The Aquinnah Public Library is really on a role with some great programming this summer. There is no charge for any of the talks and refreshments will be served.

Tonight, come by the Old Town Hall at 5pm to hear Duncan Caldwell speak about Neanderthal Reconstructions. Then on Tuesday, August 16, at 5 pm you can hear Peter Benson Miller, whose talk is called “The Photography of Milton Gendel.” The son of Edward Miller and stepson of Monina von Opel of Chilmark, Peter is curator for the show on iconic photographer Milton Gendel at the Museo Carlo Bilotti and the American Academy in Rome starting on October 4. Milton Gendel was born in New York City in 1918 and has lived in Rome from 1950 on. He is an art historian and critic, who has photographed many facets of Italian life and the international art world.

An independent art historian and curator specializing in nineteenth-century and modern European and American art, Peter has lived in Paris and Rome since 1992.

On August 25 from 3 to 4 pm, Joyce Maxner will return with Music Together, a great music program for kids. Also, I know it seems a long way off, but the book discussion group will resume on September 1 at 5 pm with Chris Cleaves’s “Little Bee.”

Contact the library 508-645-2314 or aquilib@vineyard.net with questions.

Setti Warren, Mayor of Newton and candidate in the Democratic primary for the Senate seat presently held by Scott Brown, will speak at the Howes House on Saturday, August 13, at 9:30 am. This special meeting of the Martha’s Vineyard Democratic Council will start at 9 am and end approximately at 10:30. The public is cordially invited for spicy conversation, good information, and (most importantly) no fundraising. For more information, call 508-693-1627.

The Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock, the Senior Pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, in Atlanta, Georgia, will be the guest preacher on Sunday, August 14, at The First Congregational Church in West Tisbury. The service begins at 10 am. This will mark the third year that he has visited the church. All are welcome to come to this special service. Child care is available.

This Wednesday the M.V. Film Festival will welcome special guest Robert F. Kennedy Jr., one of the subjects of the film, “The Last Mountain,” showing at 8 pm. Dinner is at 7 pm, served up by Jan Buhrman and Robert Lionette, and as always, get your tickets early because these events have been selling out every week.