Even though the calendar confirms it, we are reluctant to accept the fact that summer is starting to drift to its end, and fall is awaiting us just a breath away. My flower beds look tired and worn, the hummingbirds have disappeared, and everywhere I look, the goldenrod is doing its best to shine its colorful blossoms in fields, along the edges of the meadows, and even in flower beds. And the last but not least sign of end of summer is that the annual Bass Derby has already started, and our Oak Bluffs Tivoli Day celebration is this Saturday, and that is one of our greatest fall celebrations. Races, street fair, entertainment, bargains, and crowds galore are all part of this Oak Bluffs celebration.
How many of you today know where the Tivoli building was? I remember it as a very, very young child, when we walked from the Steamship Wharf across the street to the Tivoli, and my parents bought me a pistachio ice cream cone. Then later, in my high school years, it was a great gathering place for teens where there was a roller skating rink, and we would skate round and round to music. When I was first married, there were wrestling matches with midget wrestlers, which I only went to once and could not bear to even watch until the end. So enjoy that day, and remember that Tivoli spelled backwards is “I LOV IT.”
On Sunday last, people, hugs, and good wishes took over most of Vineyard Avenue, which back in the day, the old-timers called Chicken Street. The big occasion was the celebration of Eddie BenDavid’s 80th birthday. Ed’s children, grandchildren, brothers, and in-laws, friends new and old, and people from every corner of the Island showed up to honor this man who has a smile for everyone and a helping hand whenever you need it. The potluck and pig roast supper offerings covered two or three tables, and there was a constant line going back for more of the delicious food. Anita Combra at 93 was probably the oldest guest there, and was happily greeting old acquaintances and the guest of honor. Ed gave a very humble thank-you speech acknowledging all the guests and his children, and the love of his life, his wife Linda who died three years ago. Her birthday was Saturday, and she was fondly remembered by everyone. His son Aaron, and his family, of Florida was the only one of his children unable to be there in person, but he was certainly there in spirit.
Marie Bernett made friends all over the Island; there will be a memorial service for Marie on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 4 to 6 pm. The service will be held at Grace Church, Vineyard Haven, in the chapel, with a champagne reception in the parish hall following the memorial.
Martha’s Vineyard Community Services will present a mindfulness workshop with Alicia Knight. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 5:30 to 7 pm at the Martha’s Vineyard Family Center, 35 Greenwood Avenue, Vineyard Haven. Mindfulness is “paying attention in a particular way in the present moment and nonjudgmentally. These practices have been known to improve focus, attention and self-regulation, and even increase happiness.” Preregistration is required, so please call 508-687-9182, or for more information, visit mvcommunityservices.com/events.
One of the can’t-miss events at Tivoli Day is the annual Ring Challenge this Saturday, Sept. 19th. Show your skills and see who will be the champion at catching the most rings in this annual fundraiser to support the the Jena Pothier Flying Horses Scholarship Fund. All of the proceeds benefit MVRHS students. The groups are: Mini Junior up to age 8, Junior ages 8 to 15, and Adult 16-plus. Professional class is: “any age and you know who you are.” The cost is $10 per entry, and a table will be set up to register participants all during Tivoli Day. The event will start at 4:30 pm.
Another of the interesting programs made possible by the Martha’s Vineyard Museum is “Making the Past Reappear — Conservation of 19th Century Whaling Logbooks,” which will be presented on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 5:30 pm in the Edgartown Room at the Harbor View Hotel. The talk is free and open to all. Five whaling logbooks from the 19th century have been restored, and their stories will be told at this program.
The guest speaker at Friday Morning Conversations at the Oak Bluffs Senior Center on Friday, Sept. 25, will be Dr. Ken Beebe (ret.). For several years he taught at Tisbury High School, and from 10 to 11:30 am he will discuss the U.S. Bill of Rights, which includes our precious rights and responsibilities.
The school is off to a running start already. Auditions for “Shrek, the Musical, Jr.” begin this Thursday and Friday, Sept. 17 and 18, after school until 4:30 pm. If you need additional information, please contact shackett@mvyps.org. The play itself is scheduled for Nov. 20, 21, and 22.
The annual trip to Camp Alton Jones for sixth graders takes place on Sept. 23, 24, and 25. Should you have any questions, please contact Jean Holenko at jholenko@mvyps.org.
We send birthday smiles to Michael Combra on the 18th, Ronnie Klein on the 19th, Amber and Corey Medeiros on the 20th, Ruth Metell on the 21st, Alice June Thompson on the 22nd, and Ken Davey, Ann Metell, and Annabelle Metell on the 24th. Enjoy your week. Peace.