Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes and lots of wishes for many more go out to my dear husband, Donald. Tomorrow he celebrates the fact that he was born here 80 years ago. Nicely done, my dear. And many thanks to all of you who have sent him birthday greetings.
Last week the intrepid travelers enjoyed lunch aboard a boat in the harbor and wine tasting at the Newport Vineyard in spite of the heavy rains. Sandy Whitworth kept all in good spirits while maintaining a tight schedule. She has a number of good ideas for the Tisbury Travel Club to enjoy visiting interesting places in New England.
The music of the wandering minstrels downtown added to the festive atmosphere as we rejoiced in the very welcome sunshine last weekend.
There was a good turnout for the Vineyard Haven Library 5K Run/Walk with several visitors joining the locals for this library benefit. Seven-year-old Nicholas Cranston led the Kids Fun Run, followed closely by Nathanial Porterfield (8) and Lilly Miller (8). Ten-year-old Jason Davey came in fourth. The winners of the Run to the Chop were Seth Campbell and Spencer Hayley, who led all others. Congratulations to Don Heath and Cynthia Peterson who did quite well, and they are in their 70s! All did their best to make our library the ultimate winner. Thanks to all of you.
The mini book sale is Saturday at the library from 1 to 3 pm to benefit the children’s programs. Bargain bags and free stuff are also available.
“The Conspirator” is being shown at 7 pm on Tuesday at the library. This is the story of Mary Surratt, the lone woman charged with conspiring to kill Abraham Lincoln. She was tried in a military tribunal, denying her the right to a jury trial. Was it legal?
Beginners are welcome to play Mahjong at the Library a week from Saturday. This is the traditional Chinese version using Henry Snyder’s rules. Try it on the 24th from 2 to 4 pm.
WOW is the name of one award given to the Laura Jernegan website created by Nancy Cole of the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. It was also granted an Award of Merit. You will see why when you check it out. Laura Jernegan: Girl on a Whaleship (www.girlonawhaleship.org). The website was created to provide an interactive educational experience. ‘Children’ of all ages will delight in the experience. I love it. It tells two stories: one of whaling in the 19th century and the other of six-year-old Laura Jernegan’s experiences aboard her father’s whaling ship, Roman. This little Island girl kept a journal, which is the basis for the website.
On Sunday morning the flags along Main Street were lowered in respect for those who died on September 11, 2001. The sirens pierced the quiet morning taking our thoughts back to the events of ten years ago.
Our hearts go out to the family of Kits Blair. Her children, Mark, Bruce, and Hilary, are planning a memorial service for Thanksgiving weekend.
This Friday at 8 pm Performance Artists from Renaissance House will perform at the Katharine Cornell Theatre. Featured are Le Van Hawks, Dahlia Ross, and Storme Webber. These artists are also writers and cultural performers who will provide a unique experience. Call 508-687-9966 for more.
A week from Monday evening at 8 pm Jessica Harris will host a salon on food, its origins, and how Africa put its stamp on American food traditions in ways few of us know. She will read portions of her latest book “High on the Hog.” This is open to the public at Renaissance House, 31 Pennacook Avenue, Oak Bluffs, with coffee and dessert. There is no fee.
Also at Renaissance House a week from Tuesday, Marty Nadler will hold forth on humor and the fine line between comedy and tragedy. This time dessert will feature hamentashen.
Register now online for fall ACE MV classes or in person a week from tonight at the Flatbread Pizza Night at the airport. Enjoy a raffle, fortune telling, music, and great pizza to benefit ACE MV. Courses include business, computers, writing, math, and college history for credit. See more at www.acemv.org or in the catalog in your library. The attorney general reports that a credit card scammer is calling in the early hours of the morning. The voice asks for credit card numbers. If you have given out this information, you should notify your credit card company.
Best wishes for a very happy birthday to Kevin Olson today. Tomorrow wish the best to Stephen Hammond. Saturday belongs to Samantha Valley. Happy days to Hilda Illingworth on Sunday. Birthday greetings go to Barbara Maciel on Monday. Jan Dorchester parties on Tuesday. Lots of musical wishes go out to Trip Barnes and Ken Ward next Wednesday.
Heard on Main Street: The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and a leaky tire.
