What a week we just had. We enjoyed the marvelous fireworks, thanks to the many donors and hardworking firemen. They were great. If you agree, send a helping donation to the Oak Bluffs Firemen’s Civic Association. And then on Sunday, we said goodbye to the president. Now students are getting ready for the school opening in September, right after Labor Day. In my day it meant that we had to get used to wearing shoes again after a summer of bare feet. But now there are long lists handed out of what each student needs. Lots of changes.
Farm, Field, Sea, an Island culinary adventure, takes place on Saturday, August 29. Step into the shoes of authentic sea and soil farmers and fisherman of Martha’s Vineyard. You will experience behind-the-scenes farm exploration, shellfish and seafood education, and tasty local foods. Breakfast and lunch will be served at bespoke Island locations. For questions, log on to eat@ffsmv.com.
Native Islander and graduate of MVRHS Dawn Breeze has returned to her Island of origin this summer to offer a one-day series of special events. She will lead her “Creativity + Courage” workshop, as well as sharing an exhibit of recent artworks created on another island — Iceland. Breeze created her workshop in 2011 as an expressive arts program for individuals in recovery. Funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the workshop is scheduled for Sept. 5 from 2 to 5 pm at the historic Tashmoo Waterworks Building and grounds. The cost of the workshop is $75 including materials, and there are limited scholarship available. For further information, contact the artist direct at 917-622-5141.
The Oak Bluffs quilters group (formerly from the OBCOA) has been meeting at the Good Shepherd Parish Hall for the past two summers. They send heartfelt thanks to Father Nagel and the office staff for their warm hospitality. They are now back at their winter quarters at 80 Pondview Drive in Oak Bluffs. Any new quilters from all Island towns who might like to join them would be welcome. They are mainly a hand-quilting group, but at Glenna Barkan’s home there is a room where machine sewing is available. As usual their hours are Monday and Friday from 1 to 3 pm. This remarkable group has been quilting together for 18 years, and has contributed money and quilts to many worthy organizations for a total of nearly $40,000. Not only that, but they have a good time while they are quilting along. They are happy to have had the chance to contribute to fuel and medical assistance to younger folks from all Island towns, as well as giving a dozen or so children’s quilts to the Red Stocking Fund every Christmas. Glenna’s phone number is 508-693-8586.
Did you know that the Island Food Pantry, located in the Stone Church in Vineyard Haven, is available for food distribution throughout the summer by calling 508-693-4766. The Serving Hands Distribution program runs year-round out of the Baptist Church in Vineyard Haven. The next distribution date is August 28. For more info, contact Betty Burton at 508-693-5339.
The world premiere of an original play by Edward L. Beck starts this week and runs through Sept. 12 at the Vineyard Playhouse. This play revolves around loss, faith, and complicated love. For more info, go to mvplayhouse.org
We send birthday smiles for August to Woodside Village residents Annie Smith, Merrell Raymond, Hanry Rancourt, George Thibault, and Vincent Comunale. Smiles to Liz Wilson on August 29, Pam Melrose on the 30th, Nancy Giordano and Sean Flynn on the 31st, Tony Ferreira and Anne Davey on Sept. 1, Ed BenDavid Sr., Evelyn Christopher, and Valarie O’Donnell on the 2nd, and Reliable Market’s Robert Pacheco on the 3rd.
Enjoy your week. Peace.