Saturday is the the annual Blueberry Festival at the West Tisbury Congregational Church, from noon to 4 pm. Enjoy blueberry treats from smoothies to blueberry/peach cobbler, and lots of blueberry muffins and scones. A blueberry bush donated by Jardin Mahoney will be raffled: No need to be present to win; the church will deliver. There are fun activities for kids, and a raffle for a children’s gift basket. You can buy flowers and slightly used jewelry. Even blueberries and blueberry jam to go. The festival will be held indoors in case of rain.
Reserve your time now for Appraisal Day on Friday, July 31, with Skinner Inc. This is your opportunity to find out what that picture is worth, or if that jewelry is worth anything. Sign up to show your special thing between 9 and 3 at the MV Museum property in Vineyard Haven, 151 Lagoon Pond Road. One item costs $15, three for $40. Reservations are required: 508-627-4441, ext. 119.
Did you salute the Vineyard Men for Abuse Prevention last Saturday as they stood on top of the Vineyard Haven seawall? These men want to build a safe community for those they love. One in three women is abused in her lifetime. Tisbury policeman and volunteer Max Sherman said, “While the Island is immune to a multitude of issues, domestic violence unfortunately is not one of them.” We all should appreciate that the majority of Island men do not tolerate violence against women. Thanks, guys.
You should have been astonished at how the sunset featured a bright red sun for the couple of nights following the Fourth. This was the result of forest fires in Canada and multiple fireworks displays in the U.S. Watch us affect our environment.
The Vineyard Cup Regatta was delightful last weekend. As promised, the boats were visible from many points, not least from the patients’ rooms at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Beautiful boats sailed by expert crews made for a lovely vista, especially pleasing if you could not be outdoors to enjoy the lovely weather. Welcome home to my husband Donald, who enjoyed his view of the regatta, but is much happier to finally come home.
Featherstone offers wonderful experiences with art. I do wish I could paint when I read the description for “Making Waves I & II: Seascapes” with Jeanne Rosier Smith, offered this weekend. She says that you can capture the power and motion of the sea by learning to see it differently. Imagine being able to create the illusion of crashing waves or ebbing tides. Just the idea is exciting.
Next Tuesday evening, Michael Blanchard will read from his new book. “Fighting for My Life: Finding Hope and Serenity on Martha’s Vineyard” describes his first steps toward recovery from alcohol addiction. Hear his story at 7 pm at the Vineyard Haven library.
Tickets for the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society gala are priced at $200. They can be purchased online at mvfilmsociety.com or at the Film Center box office before or after any film. The gala will be Friday, July 24, from 7 to 9 pm at Edgartown’s Field Club. For more: 508-696-9369 or jess@mvfilmsociety.com.
You are invited to join in the celebration honoring 10 years of service by Dr. James Weiss as School Superintendent. The party is 5 to 8 pm on Saturday, July 25, at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury. Tickets are $25 at the door, at the high school, or at the superintendent’s office. All welcome.
Happy anniversary to Eric and Susan Lopes on Wednesday.
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out today to Jim Richardson. Tomorrow, we wish the best to Chris Clark. Linda Kurth parties on Sunday.
Heard on Main Street: When nothing goes right, go left.