Have a wonderful time at the fair. How could you not? This is the one event where there is truly something for every one of us. I love seeing faces I’ve missed all summer. And even some from the past. I love the animals … and the faces of the children. I love the sounds and tastes. And I especially enjoy the artwork by all, young and old, professional or not. Will I see your work there? Who knew we had such talent on our Island?

Ms. Felicia invites all the children age 5 and up to take a break from the fair today to play games at the library. Next Tuesday it’s storytime with Ms. Felicia at 10 and 11 am. Little ones can sing a few songs and listen to some good books with other kids from the neighborhood. Then on Wednesday, children age 8 and up are invited to the Vineyard Haven library for the Lego Challenge at 3 pm.

Revisit your memories next Tuesday at 7 pm at the Vineyard Haven library. Professional musician Kevin Parham will warmly describe idyllic African-American childhood summers spent with six cousins on Martha’s Vineyard, supported by 33 photographs. This was the time before it became a vacation spot for the rich and powerful, at least as described in our national newspapers.

On a more practical note, consider how we can change our ideas about violence with peace educator Paul K. Chappell. Listen next Thursday at 7 pm at the Vineyard Haven library: “Why Peace Is Possible: Exploring the Anatomy of Violence and War.” Paul graduated from West Point in 2002, was deployed to Iraq, and left active duty in November 2009 as a captain. He is the author of the Road to Peace series, seven books about waging peace, ending war, the art of living, and what it means to be human. Paul is the leadership director of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation.

Lots of visitors are here. Most roads are seriously overcrowded. But there is good news: Grace Church sold 1,500 lobster rolls last week. That is an awful lot of lobster. Get yours on Friday from 4 to 7:30 pm. The pies are good, too.

Don’t forget the Pottery Bowl at Featherstone on Sunday at 4:30 pm. You can buy your bowl, have it filled with delicious soup, and enjoy drinks, dessert, and music.

There is a new play opening next Tuesday at the Vineyard Playhouse called “Sweetened Water,” with a Vineyard house for the setting. Cynthia is a recent widow dealing with her sorrow and an uncertain future. Richard is a priest who has just lost his mother. At the suggestion of a mutual friend, Richard moves into Cynthia’s house for a quiet retreat. Themes of grief, faith, intimacy, and secrets abound.

On Tuesday, see “What Happened, Miss Simone?” at 7:30 pm at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center. This is the story of an American singer, pianist, and civil rights activist also called the High Priestess of Soul — Nina Simone.

On Wednesday at the Film Center is “Rosenwald,” the story of Julius Rosenwald, who never finished high school but became the president of Sears. Influenced by the writings of Booker T. Washington, this Jewish philanthropist joined forces with African-American communities to build over 5,300 schools in the Jim Crow South during the early part of the 20th century. A modest man, Rosenwald is not well known, though he gave away $62 million in his lifetime.

The Sustainable Book Club meets next Thursday at 5 pm at the West Tisbury library. The book you will be discussing is “Where Our Food Comes From” by Gary Paul Nabhan.

Lia Kahler is hosting one last fundraiser, “A Place for Us.” This concert of songs, spirituals, arias, and solo works for piano and organ is to benefit the emergency needs of the homeless as well as needs of our veterans not met by other funds. On Sunday, Sept. 20, at 3 pm at the Whaling Church, pianist Richard Gordon and organist Philip Dietterich will join her in the program. A silent auction in the community room will run from 2 pm until the reception afterward.

Island clergy have created the Island Clergy Emergency Fund for the Homeless. A check made out to UMC-MV, memo line “Homeless,” or a check to American Legion Post 257, memo line “Veterans Assistance,” should be mailed to A Place for Us, Box 97, Menemsha, MA 02552. Ticket donations are $15 per person or $10 for seniors and students. Tax-deductible donations are welcome in any amount. Ticket orders or donation receipts will be mailed to you. Ticket orders received after Sept. 8 will be held at the door. Print your name as you wish to appear for donations. This is a wonderful opportunity. Call me if you have further questions.

Happy anniversary to Anthony and Pamela Campagna, who celebrate 46 happy years together on Sunday.

Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out to Sherm Goldstein on Tuesday.

Heard on Main Street: See you at the fair!