
Now when I look out the windows early in the morning, my view is filled with the fast-approaching summer. The birds are singing out, the ferns in the forest park have suddenly grown many inches overnight, and I am surprised each morning when I spot something new rising out of the flower garden adding to the pleasing view with its beauty. Am I appreciating the views before me more than ever before because after our last bitter, confining winter, everything seems more beautiful, or has this been an unusually lovely spring? Whatever the reason, I am grateful for these peaceful times, even though I know they will soon be over and we will be in the midst of another hectic summer.
Trinity Church, the Episcopal Church across from the Steamship Authority, will soon be open for the 2015 summer season. The first service will be Sunday, June 21, at 9 am. The celebrant and preacher will be the Rev. Deborah Warner, rector of the Church of the Messiah, Woods Hole. Trinity has been serving the Island since 1882.
Oak Bluffs Live — Music Series kicks off with the Brother’s Rye at the Oak Bluffs Public Library, Saturday, June 13, at 6 pm. Billed as an “outlaw jug band,” the trio perform original songs and put a fun twist on classics. This family-friendly concert will take place on the library lawn. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. In case the weather does not cooperate, the concert will be moved indoors. Be prepared to clap your hands and stomp your feet. Thanks to generous donations, the Library Friends of Oak Bluffs is able to sponsor the Oak Bluffs Live — Music Series. Upcoming concerts and shows include: Serendipity, a five-piece oldies and Motown band of Island musicians on Friday, June 26 plays at a ’50s Sock Hop (for adults only); and Martha’s Vineyard Spirituals Choir on Thursday, July 30.
Saturday, June 20, from 10 to 11:30 am, head to our library for a “Dapper Dads Party.” You will celebrate Dad with card-making and moustache games.
How about an East Chop House Tour? On Tuesday, June 16, you will be able to tour five houses, both new and old, but all with water views, and the East Chop Lighthouse will be open as well. Refreshments will be served at the Beach Club, and the cost of $50 includes van service from the Beach Club, where tickets will be issued and cars should park. RSVP to Featherstone at 508-693-1850. This is a fundraiser for the benefit for Featherstone Center for the Arts.
The museum is kicking off summer with the unveiling of two new exhibits and the seasonal opening of the 18th century Cooke House. “Loïs Mailou Jones: Selected Works” and “Identifying Eisenstaedt” will both open at the Summer Opening Party on Friday, June 12, from 5 to 7 pm on the Edgartown campus. The event is free and open to all. “Loïs Mailou Jones: Selected Works” will be open through August 23. “Identifying Eisenstaedt” will be open through August 2.
The Tisbury COA and the Edgartown COA have joined efforts to provide a fun day away, a trip to the Newport Flower Show on Saturday, June 20. You may enjoy this once-a-year event at Rosecliff Mansion on “The Avenue” in Newport. There will be gardens galore, landscape designs, beautiful and artistic arrangements. You will be able to enjoy a delicious luncheon at the Atlantic Beach Club, and sit back and relax with luxury motorcoach transportation. You’ll save money with discount pricing, and you won’t have to drive. And if you do decide to drive, good luck finding a parking place in Newport that day. All adults from any Island town are welcome, and you will be free to browse the show independently. Call the TCOA now at 508-696-4205 if you would like to go, and for more info, call ECOA at 508-627-4368 if it is closer to you.
The Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse presents an evening of “Fish Tales” on Monday, June 15. Come and listen to salty fish tales. Doors open at 6:30 pm; chowder, salad, and rolls will be served at 7; stories start at 7:30 pm. There will be door prizes and a silent auction for a fishing trip with Captain Jennifer Clarke. All tickets are $25, and proceeds benefit the children’s programs at Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse.
Kudos to Chris Alley (yes, he’s related) who just rode his bike back on the Island Monday after a 1700-mile journey from Wellington, Florida. In three weeks…Congratulations, Chris!
We send birthday smiles for the month of June to Woodside residents Ann Hearn, Carol Loud, Suzanne Walker, Agnes Bryant, and Samuel Drake. Smiles to Maryanne Alwardt on June 13, Jaime Young and Gerry Moriarity on June 14, Glen Field on the 15th, and David Debettencourt on the 16th. Enjoy your week. Peace.