I’ve been working on getting my calendar organized for summer in response to the onslaught of friends eager to plan visits — what’s that quote about how you never knew you had so many friends until you build a beach house? — and I’ve been so thrown by how early Memorial Day weekend seems this year. But as I wander into town, marveling at the lilacs in full bloom that were mere buds only days ago, I stand corrected. When the lilacs come out, it is time to bow our heads in honor of those who have died for our country. Hats off to them.
On a lighter note, it is also time to brace ourselves for the droves that will be bursting in and buzzing about for the next few months. Does anyone else get a jarring feeling the first couple of busy weekends, like you were just alone on a dinghy, then were suddenly joined by a herd of elephants, and are not quite sure how it doesn’t sink? Ah, but we adjust. Time to get the dust off the bike, and let it collect on the car for a bit. I can always use one of the myriad snow-removal tools I employed all winter if I need to dig the four wheels back out for any reason.
Congratulations to Alex Avakian and Emily Norberg on their recent engagement. Always the stylish gent, Big Al waited for a long-planned romantic getaway to Paris to pop the question, and Em’s answer was a resounding yes. We all originally knew Emily as the “girl in the sparkly dress” from Derek and Brooke Avakian’s wedding, who also happened to be Brooke’s first cousin, and now soon-to-be sister-in-law. So happy for you two.
Speaking of growing families, welcome to the world, Owen James Ditchfield. Owen joins parents Brian Ditchfield and Brooke Hardman, and very proud big sis Isla. He is quite the catch, weighing in at 9 pounds, 1 ounce. Have fun getting to know one another.
Sick of all that pollen collecting on your hood? The Edgartown School class of 2016 will hold a car wash this Saturday, May 23, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Edgartown School to raise money for their trip to Washington, DC. The price is $5 per vehicle, and the rain date is May 24. So go give these kids a lesson in economics and auto maintenance, to prepare them for the big trip to the capital.
I love a good free live-music situation, and if you do too, look no further than the Eisenhauer Gallery, which will be celebrating its 15th year on Martha’s Vineyard with the help of Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish this Saturday, May 23rd, from 6 to 8 pm at the Vineyard Square Hotel. Go dance to some tunes and check out a new show experience titled “Collectors Interview,” complete with ballot boxes and collector commentary.
Friends of Family Planning will host its annual Memorial Day weekend Art Show and Fundraiser at the New Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury, Friday, May 22nd, from 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturday, May 23rd, from 10 am to 4 pm. A wine and cheese fundraiser will take place Saturday from 6 to 8 pm. For more information, visit friendsoffamilyplanning.org/index.php/art-show/about-the-show/.
If you’re looking for a little Edgartown history, in addition to their Sunday service, held at 10:30 am, the Federated Church Meetinghouse will be open daily from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, from May 25th to Oct. 12th, free to the public. The Meetinghouse is located at the corner of South Summer Street and Cooke Street, in Edgartown. Designed by Frederick Baylies Jr., and built in 1828, this was the fifth Meetinghouse of the First Congregational Church of Martha’s Vineyard. Later, Mr. Baylies also designed and built the Baptist Church building on School Street, and the Old Whaling Church on Main Street. In 1925, the members of the Baptist Church, which is now a private home, merged with the members of the Congregational Church, forming what is now the Federated Church. For information, please call 508-627-4221, or visit federatedchurchmv.org.
Birthday wishes go out this week to Brandon Willett, Tim Klein, and Allison Fisher Savva, who celebrate May 21; to Janice Donaroma and Nicole Le Blond, May 22; to Jerry Bennett, May 23; to Ashley Van Murphy, May 24; and to Liza Dolby and Denise Solomon, May 27. Looks like the party train is rolling on through!
