A collective smile spread across everyone’s face for the weekend with idyllic weather, leaves bursting forth, our world finally green, and so much more. So happy to be swimming outside again, and running into the regulars who also welcome the seasonal shift to outdoor activities. Monday evening I dropped by Richard Limber’s wonderful art exhibit opening at the West Tisbury library; be sure to stop by this lovely show, up through May. And it is hard to believe Memorial Day weekend is here already. The good news is our local eateries and restaurants open their doors, though after the weekend it’s still best to check times until late June. Last week I said the Aquinnah Shop is open for breakfast at 8 am; in fact they are opening at 8:30 am — we enjoyed a Sunday-morning family breakfast outside, and what more could we possibly ask for?
Joseph Queen, boatswain’s mate at the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Menemsha, is looking for year-round housing for himself, his 24-year-old employed girlfriend, and their Bernese Mountain/Shepherd mix puppy who “stands duty some days,” otherwise is home. If you can help, please contact Joseph at 843-995-3397 or Joequeen@sccoast.net.
It’s the Friends of Family Planning’s annual Memorial Day Weekend Art Show & Fundraiser at the Agricultural Hall, West Tisbury. Come to the wine and cheese fundraiser Saturday from 6 to 8 pm; tickets are $50 per person, or stop by over the weekend (free Friday and Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm) to get great deals on work donated by our wonderful Island artists. For more information see friendsoffamilyplanning.org/index.php/art-show/about-the-show/.
Hurray ladies; I look forward to seeing you this Saturday, May 23, at the Woman’s Symposium XXXV, from 9 am to noon at the Chilmark Community Center, and hearing our four surprise speakers address “Just When You Thought …” The event is free, but donations are welcome to help cover expenses.
If you’re planning to head up Island on Saturday, May 23, stop by Chilmark Chocolates, then head to Joan LeLacheur’s Open Studio in Aquinnah (42 Old South Road, 508-645-9954), from 10 am to 5 pm for fantastic wampum jewelry, mosaic tiles, imported silks designed by Aquinnah Witham, and handmade African dolls, before heading up to see the Gay Head Lighthouse moving project and enjoying the best view, great snacks, and gifts from the cliffs.
Join the Chilmark Community Church on Sunday, May 24, for their annual Blessing of the Fleet and Memorial Day service at 9 am at the harbor by Menemsha Texaco. All kids and adults are welcome.
Come and celebrate Peggy Freydberg and the publication of Poems from the Pond at a poetry reading on Sunday, May 24, from 5 to 7 pm at the Chilmark Community Center, featuring Peggy’s granddaughter Tamara Sloan, Brooke Adams, Nancy Aronie, Geraldine Brooks, Kimberly Cartwright, Laurie David, and Jorie Graham. The event is free, but you must RSVP to poemsfromthepond@gmail.com.
On Wednesday, May 27, the Bread and Puppet Theater and Brass Band comes to the Chilmark Community Center with its new show “The Public Access Center for the Obvious Presents: The Situation.” This puppet play features an anti-extinction angel, the union of brooms, a 100-watt lightbulb, and a ship of fools, all for the purpose of urging the not yet uprisen masses into existence. The event is free to the public, with donations greatly appreciated. A potluck dinner will begin around 6 pm, so please come with a dish to share.
I heard Eric Glasgow on NPR talking about his farm, Chilmark’s Grey Barn and Farm, last Sunday while cooking dinner. Grey Barn’s Friday-morning one-hour farm tours at 10:30 am have started up again; kids are free and adults are $5; just show up. Judging from Cathy Walthers’ last sold-out class, I highly recommend signing up early if you are interested in veal. On Friday, May 29, from 6 to 9 pm, enjoy a quick Grey Barn Farm Tour followed by a cooking class focused on traditional preparations of veal dishes. For more information or to sign up, call 774-521-8406, or go to catherinewalthers.com/classes-on-marthas-vineyard/class-schedule/.
