It’s getting a bit more difficult to keep the promises I made last winter to never again complain about hot summer weather again. It looks like we are having a short spell of hazy, hot, and humid for this week. But it doesn’t seem to stop crowds of people from arriving every day to enjoy what we take for granted: our beautiful Island and scenery. We have had to switch into summer mode for best times to shop, keep appointments, etc. I have found that if I allow twice the time to reach my destination that I did in the off-season, I manage to arrive on time. However, is there still an off-season here anymore?

Might I ask why town officials and newspaper articles still refer to Alley Park as Waban Park? It has been renamed for more than six years now to honor my husband, retired Fire Chief Dennis Alley, for his 53 years in the fire service in Oak Bluffs. People seem to do the same thing when they refer to the David Healey Mall as Post Office Mall, and that was dedicated over 25 years ago. Habits die hard, and I remember it took a while for all of us to switch from Gay Head to Aquinnah, but now it seems natural enough. It seems that after six years, at least town officials should be able to remember the change of name. If in doubt, please just go to the park and read the plaque on the boulder placed at the edge of the park.

On Saturday, July 25, head to the retirement celebration for Superintendent James Weiss at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury from 5 to 8 pm. Tickets are $25 and are available at the door, the Superintendent’s office, or the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. Proceeds from the tickets will support the James Weiss Student Activity Fund. Come join the party and celebration of community.

Have you ever wondered what was going on in Washington Park in Oak Bluffs on Sundays? It’s the Oak Bluffs Summer Market, which takes place every Sunday in the park between the Ocean View and Our Market. Stop by and you will find a variety of local produce, specialty foods, antique and vintage items, and much crafts and art. The market opens at 9 am, and you will also be able to enjoy beautiful views of the harbor while browsing through all the items displayed there.

The kickoff for the 29th annual Martha’s Vineyard Hospital Golf Benefit Tournament takes place on Sunday, July 19, at Farm Neck Golf Course, with cocktails from 5 to 7 pm. Monday the 20th the tournament tee-off time is at 8:45 am.

The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society offers concerts on Monday and Tuesday evenings this summer. The July 20th concert is free, with no ticket required, the other concerts for Monday evenings are July 27 and August 2, 10, and 17. These concerts will be held at 8 pm at the Old Whaling Church on Main Street in Edgartown. Tuesday concerts are held at the Chilmark Community Center, and the July 21 concert is free. There will also be concerts on August 4 and August 11, which is the final Chilmark concert.

Christmas in July takes place at our Oak Bluffs Public Library on Saturday, July 18, from 10:30 to 11:30 am. It’s Christmas at the library. Come do a holiday craft and visit with Santa!

The Weekly Teen DIY Craft will be on Tuesday, July 21, at 3:30 pm, featuring DIY Chalkboards.

Pete the Cat will visit the library on Wednesday, July 22, at 10:30 am. Everyone’s upbeat friend will be the guest at storytime.

I am reminding you about the 11th annual Della Hardman Day celebration, which will be held on Saturday, July 25, at 4 pm in Ocean Park. This event, sponsored by the Town of Oak Bluffs and the Della Hardman Day Committee, chaired by Gretchen T. Underwood, celebrates community, culture, and a zest for living as exemplified by Della Hardman (1922–2005), an artist, educator, and writer.

Watch this

Tom Dresser’s next book talk is scheduled for Friday, July 17, at 10 am at the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging. The subject is his new book, “Martha’s Vineyard: A History.” This is a great opportunity to meet and chat with him about the book. This latest book is the eighth in a series of Vineyard histories. This talk is open to the public, and not limited to senior citizens. All are welcome. Opportunity for questions and comments, and the chance to purchase a book.

We send birthday smiles to Russell Rogers and Summer Ann Clements on July 17, Suzanne Metell and Michael Daniel on the 18th, Lynn Webster on the 19th, and Charlene Alley on the 22nd.

Congratulations to Marylou and Anthony Piland, who will celebrate their 24th wedding anniversary on July 20th.

Enjoy your week. Peace.