Last week I stopped at the Santander Bank, the second to last Friday I will ever be able to do so. Nikki Lou Youngblood took care of me, and as I was leaving I urged a man and woman lingering by the door to come into the empty bank. Keli Youngblood had driven from Dunmore, Pa., leaving at 4:30 am to surprise her daughter for a visit. As Nikki took in the reality, she came around from her desk, and she and her mom cried in each other’s arms, thrilled to be seeing one another for the first time since Christmas. Nikki can also thank her fiancé, Jay Roth, for helping pull off this magical reunion. The holiday weekend swell brought a steady stream of visitors, huffing and puffing on bikes along our hilly roads; families, friends and lovers shopping, dining, and taking in perfect Menemsha beach sunsets. It’s so wonderful to have doors open for business, be greeted by familiar smiles and feel the pulse of Chilmark return.
The Women’s Symposium never fails to deliver great stories, putting new faces with familiar names, and everyone has an enlightening morning. Mark Saturday, Nov. 7 in your datebooks for the next Women’s Symposium.
Sunday evening’s Tribute to Poet Peggy Freydberg at the CCC launched Laurie David’s publication, Peggy Freydberg’s Poems from the Pond, into the larger world. One thing Laurie David shared about violinist Atziq Marquez (who played before the readings began) is that anyone can attend his open rehearsals, every Friday evening from 5 to 7 pm, at Trinity Church across from the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs.
A celebration of Peggy Freydberg’s life will be held on Saturday, June 13, from 4 to 6 pm at the CCC: Come share your memories.
If Island musician Andy Herr gets his way, we’ll all be able to enjoy a little piano playing outside our public library until the fall; let’s hope the library says yes. Andy was inspired by a global project installing pianos in public spaces.
It’s pizza time at Orange Peel Bakery, at 22 State Road in Aquinnah, beginning Saturday, May 30, from noon to 3 pm. Bring a topping and share some pizza; cost is $10 to $15. Call 508-645-2025 for more information. And on Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 pm through June 9, come to the Chilmark Community Church for their free Pizza Nights. Call 508-645-3100 for more information.
Monday, June 1, new stickers are available upstairs at Town Hall: Dump stickers will now cost $20 per year unless you are a senior citizen (then they are free) and beach stickers for cars and walk-ons are available from 9 am to 1pm. Both are available at the Beach Sticker office. Expect a couple of days of road closures along Middle Road next week.
A Women’s Spring Retreat with Saskia Vanderhoop will take place Wednesday, June 3, beginning at 12:45 pm at Camp Sassafras in Aquinnah; cost is $10. Join other women for an afternoon “Talking Circle” — a healing experience. Call Wendy for more information at 508-627-4368. If you are interested in checking out the June open Women’s Fire Circle, contact Saskia at 508-645-2008.
Tom Dresser is coming to the Chilmark library on Wednesday, June 3, at 5 pm to speak about his eighth book, Martha’s Vineyard: A History, which covers “the major events of Island history, but also delves below the surface, reporting on the visit of John Adams to Chilmark, exploring the deaf community of Chilmark, the visit by F.D.R. to Menemsha, and many other lesser-known events.” He will have books available to sell and sign; they are $20 each. The event is free.
Kara Taylor’s Gallery is now open Fridays through Mondays, 11 am to 5 pm. Stop by and say hi!
The Yard interns have arrived, and morning dance classes have begun, daily at 9 am except Sundays. Check their calendar at dancetheyard.com.
Our local farm stands offer up plenty: Mermaid Farm has fresh milk, yogurt, and cheeses, plus plants, greens, and some frozen meats. North Tabor Farm has small plants, greens, eggs, and shiitake mushrooms. You can now sign up for fresh organically-fed chickens, which will be available June 26 to 28 by calling 508-645-3311. Grey Barn and Farm has fresh milk, cheese, and assorted meats. All are open daily. Hope everyone has a good week.