This past Saturday there was a lovely party at the Aquinnah Public Library to thank Betty Joslow for her 18-plus (no one’s quite sure how many) years of service on the Aquinnah Public Library Trustees. Betty had the seat of honor while people came in and out, chatting with her and others. There was a beautiful cake made by Juli at the Orange Peel Bakery, and incoming trustee Noni Smith made cupcakes. Betty has been slowing down over the past year, and after about an hour she had had enough accolades and Rosa gave her a ride home. Saturday was also the first day that the public could see the beautiful new circulation desk built by Jim Vercruysee. It is wonderful, and although it’s brand-new, it fits so nicely that it is easy to believe it has been there all along. Thank you, Betty, for your service, and thank you, Jim, for the new desk!
The Aquinnah Democratic Committee will host a potluck community gathering Thursday night, June 18, at 6:30 pm at the Aquinnah Town Hall. Everyone is welcome; you do not need to be a registered Democrat to attend. Please bring a dish, a friend or family member, and issues that you care about. The committee is using this non-election year to identify and prioritize issues to create a Democratic Party platform so that candidates can be held accountable. They will meet monthly to identify issues that are important on the local, state, and national level. Call Megan Ottens-Sargent at 508-645-2776 for more information.
This Saturday, June 20, come to the Aquinnah Public Library at 11 am for Dad’s Day Field Day. There will be lots of fun outdoor activities, plus you can make a special card for Dad. Next Thursday, June 25, at 5 pm, the Book Group will meet. The book being discussed is Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks. Copies are available at the library, and light refreshments will be served. On Saturday, June 27, at 10 am, the Summer Reading Kickoff Event will be held at the Ag Hall in West Tisbury. This is a free event for all families.
There will be a Summer Solstice Celebration and Fundraiser this Sunday, June 21, from 7 to 11 pm at Sassafras, a.k.a. David and Saskia’s house. There will be live jazz, great food (please bring a dish to share), and good company. There will be a Ceremonial Fire at 7:30 pm on the hill.
This Sunday, June 21, is also the Opening Reception for the “Gay Head Light Show” at Featherstone in Oak Bluffs. Come to the Virginia Weston Besse Gallery from 4 to 6 pm. Fifteen percent of gallery proceeds will be donated to Relight the Light, raising funds to relight the lamp in the Gay Head Lighthouse. Artwork included in this show was inspired by the Gay Head Light before, after, and during its impressive move. Local Island artists have been invited to participate in any and all mediums. The “Gay Head Light Show” will be open daily 12 to 4 pm through July 8. But wait! There’s more. “The Legacy of Light Poets Summer Solstice Celebration,” led by William Waterway, will be held following the reception from 6 to 7:30 pm under the Summer Tent at Featherstone.
Next Wednesday, June 24, the Beach Plum Restaurant in Menemsha will donate a portion of all proceeds from dinner sales to Island Grown Schools. This is a great organization that teaches the children in the Martha’s Vineyard public schools how to grow food, and much of what is grown is put into the school lunches. Kids are welcome; dinner service starts at 5:30. You can make reservations by calling 508-645-9545 or online at beachpluminn.com.
Happy birthday to Faith Smalley, who celebrates on Saturday. Congratulations to Ella Mahoney, who had some paintings in the “30 Under 30” show at Featherstone.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads of Aquinnah! Happy Father’s Day to Jed, Curtis, Peter, Jim N., Jim W., Adam, Mike, Jay B., Jay S., Jimmy S., Jimmy B., Lang, Lee, Jeffery, Jason B., Jerry, Spa, Vern, Bruce I., Todd, Eddie, Phil, Jason W., Steve, Bruce E., Shawn, Isaac, Hugh, Paul, Derrill, Jim V., Spencer, Darrin, Jay T., Eric, Nick, Len, Phil, Francis, Elliott, Frank, Patrick, Alan, Tom, Seth, Woody, Chip, Buddy, David, Cully, and in loving memory of Ricky and Carl, who seemed like dads to many of us. My apologies to all dads of Aquinnah that I forgot.
