The last week has brought us some of the best beach days of the summer. Philbin has been wonderful, with delicious water and hot sand. I am determined to get to the beach as much as possible over the next couple of weeks, no matter what work I have piling up around me. The summer is at its highest point right now, and you can feel it all around the Island. Tempers seem especially short, with simple interactions becoming obscenity-laced arguments at the drop of a hat. It seems like many people on the Island, locals and tourists alike, feel as if they are not getting the space, respect, attention they deserve. It’s disconcerting to see and experience. I know it will be over come Labor Day, but I’m not digging the hostility, mine or anyone else’s.
The final two speakers in the Aquinnah Public Library Speaker Series promise to be wonderful. First up tonight is Jonathan Macey, Sam Harris Professor of Corporate Law, Corporate Finance, and Securities Law at Yale University, on “The Death of Corporate Reputation: How Integrity Has Been Destroyed on Wall Street.” Jonathan is a very engaging speaker, and this is such a rich topic. Next week on August 27, the series concludes with the always smart and engaging Nicole Galland on her new book, “Stepdog.” The speaker series begins at 5 pm, and is held at the Old Town Hall; light refreshments will be served.
This Saturday at the library, kids can come in and trade their Pokémon cards from 11 am to 1 pm. Also on Saturday is the open meeting of the Friends of the Aquinnah Public Library, and a goodbye party for library director Lisa Sherman, who will leave at the end of the month to start her new position at the Edgartown library. The meeting will start at noon, and the party will be directly after. The next meeting of the book group will be on Tuesday, August 25, at 4 pm. The group is reading “Life after Life” by Kate Atkinson. On August 29, from noon to 2 pm, there will be an Ice Cream Social. Come on by, everyone, for some ice cream, and kids can get their summer reading certificates.
The Aquinnah Cultural Center has many exhibits up right now, including shows on Wampanoag whaling, Gay Head pottery, and the Gay Head Lighthouse. Their signature exhibit, “Captured 1614,” about the history of kidnappings and enslavement of Wampanoag people by European sea captains in the early 17th century, will run through Sept. 13. On Friday, August 21, at 6 pm, there will be a poetry reading by Mashpee Wampanoag artist, poet, and author Robert Peters. Light refreshments will be served, and the reading will take place on the terrace at the ACC. The Aquinnah Cultural Center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm. For more information on all their programs, events, and exhibits, call 508- 645-7900 or email aquinnahcc@gmail.com. Regular admission is $5 adults, $3 seniors and children under 12.
The fair starts today: The pinnacle of the Martha’s Vineyard summer has arrived. Come and get your tempura, strawberry shortcake, corn on the cob, local smoke, ice cream, fried dough, cotton candy, and smoothies. Check out all the hard work of artists and farmers and cooks. Throw a skillet, coo at baby animals, and then ride until you’re dizzy. One new thing to note is that dogs will NOT be allowed at the fair this year, not even in cars. If you bring your dog, you will have to bring him or her back home; they cannot be anywhere on the grounds. The only exception to this rule is the dogs who are competing in the dog show.
Happy birthday to Barbie Bassett who celebrates today, and Noli Taylor who celebrates on Sunday, as does sometime Aquinnah resident Trisha Mulligan. Happy birthday to all.
