Hey, Aquinnah weather gods, what happened on Sunday? I returned from off-Island at 1 pm in Oak Bluffs, and it was so hot and sunny, a perfect day for Philbin. I couldn’t wait to get back up-Island. I didn’t run any errands, just got in my car and headed straight home, but when I crossed the line into Chilmark, what did I see? Fog. And then as I drove, more fog. Aquinnah was completely fogged in. And cold. Did I mention the fog? It was a total up-Island weather gyp. Please don’t do that again this weekend, OK? I can see the humor in one time, but repeated instances of this sort of thing will not be taken well.
The Aquinnah Cultural Center is open this week, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Wednesday from 11 am to 4 pm. This Saturday, July 25, is the ninth annual Native American Artisans’ Festival, from 11 am to 4 pm. It will be held across the street from the Vanderhoop Homestead, in the Aquinnah Circle. Featured are Native artisans from New England and Northeast tribes who sell and display many traditional and contemporary arts, including wampum jewelry, beadwork, finger weaving, paintings, porcupine quill embroidery, regalia, and many other arts. There are interactive events as well, such as Eastern social dancing, and making your own sailor’s valentine or wampum pendant. Traditional Wampanoag food will be served. Entrance to the festival is free. Regular museum admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children and seniors. For more information, call 508-645-7900, or email aquinnahcc@gmail.com.
Today the Aquinnah Public Library Summer Speaker Series continues with local author Tom Dresser, who will be discussing his latest book, “Martha’s Vineyard: A History.” Talks are held at 5 pm at the Old Town Hall, are free and open to the public, and light refreshments are served. Tom told me that he has written this book in a lighter vein, looking at more intriguing aspects of Vineyard history, such as the origins of the deaf people of Chilmark, the demise of the heath hen, and the challenges of filming the blockbuster movie “Jaws.” Books will be available for sale at $20 each. There is an opportunity to ask questions and share comments.
You can come to the library on Saturday to make Superhero Cuffs from 11 am to 3 pm. The book group will be meeting on Tuesday, July 28, at 4 pm. The book being discussed is “The Light Between Oceans” by M.L. Stedman. Next Thursday, July 30, Tom Dunlop of the Vineyard Gazette, with film editor John Wilson, will speak on their project “Historic Movies of Martha’s Vineyard,” which will feature a showing of a collection of old Island films going back to the mid-1920s, including footage of Gay Head, Menemsha, the streets and waterfront of Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown, as well as scenes shot all around the waters of the Vineyard.
Of course the big fundraiser: Martha’s Vineyard Community Services 37th annual Art Buchwald Possible Dreams Auction is this
Sunday, July 26, at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort. Gates open at 3:30 pm. Tickets are $25, and are available at gate or at mvcommunityservices.com/possibledreams.
I was unable to attend the Kate Taylor concert in Aquinnah last Tuesday, but my field reporters, Dottie and Barry Sullivan, went and gave me a great report. They thoroughly enjoyed the concert. It was a beautiful evening, and it turned out to be standing-room-only for those fortunate enough to attend. Isaac Taylor came onstage first and performed half a dozen personal songs, ending with the song “Red Lady” about the Gay Head Lighthouse. Kate followed with three band members, and was terrific. She reminisced about moving to Aquinnah in 1972, and a few of her songs touched upon notable Aquinnah leaders from the past. “King of the Pond” was a tribute to William Vanderhoop, and “Make It Count” was a tribute to Randy Belaine’s father, a past Aquinnah chief of police. Kate’s two daughters, Aretha and Elizabeth, joined her onstage, and sang backup on a few songs. The audience enjoyed each and every song. She is a walking treasure for Aquinnah. It was quite a memorable evening. Thank you, Barry and Dottie, for the report; now I really wish I could have gone.
The Aquinnah Police and Fire Departments are holding a Public Safety Day this Saturday, from noon to 5pm. There will be burgers, a raffle, and demonstrations throughout the day. Everyone is welcome.
Todd and Jaeleen Araujo and their three children were in Aquinnah visiting Eleanor and Michael Hebert for the past two weeks from Juneau, Alaska. Todd is the son of Eleanor Hebert of Aquinnah and Joseph Araujo of Edgartown. Twins Jade and Maya will stay on for an additional two weeks before heading back to Juneau.
A very happy birthday to Hollis Smith, who celebrates on July 29.