Did you know that the Liberty Bell rang at 2 pm on the Fourth of July in 1776? That was after the last of our founders signed the Declaration of Independence, marking the birth of the freedoms we all take for granted. Small bells, hand bells, and church bells rang out in 1776. About 150 years later, the U.S. Senate resolved that all Americans should ring bells at two o’clock on the Fourth. In 1963, J.F.K. announced, “Let’s ring freedom bells.” Our Main Street shopkeepers will ring bells to celebrate our freedoms at 2 pm on Monday. You are invited to do the same.
Summer reading for kids is up and running. There will be grand prize raffles for Bunch of Grapes gift certificates and Island Cove Mini Golf with additional incentives from the Toy Box, Sandy’s Fish Market, the Capawock, and more. Sign up at the Vineyard Haven library. All children are invited to meet with performer Jungle Jim at the West Tisbury Ag Hall at 11 am on Saturday. Admission is $3, and face painting costs $1. Babes in arms are free. Jungle Jim, also well known for his Jedi Knight Training School, is an entertainer for kids of all ages.
The Vineyard Haven library is always kid-friendly, and especially in the summer. Most Tuesday mornings there are musical story times for little ones under 3 at 10 am, and ages 3 and up at 11. Our library also has beach books for you to borrow, paperbacks that you can replace with others if these are damaged at the beach.
The Capawock is now open seven days a week. And tonight at 5 pm is “Finding Dory.”
Stina Sayre was selected as one of four designers to choose an historical garment from the Martha’s Vineyard Museum’s private collection and design a modern look, using that piece of Vineyard history. Both designer and archival pieces will be showcased side-by-side at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum in Edgartown through mid-August.
Substance abuse affects not only the user; there is a ripple effect on the family and friends as well. Join this Ripple Group (age 18-plus), who are seeking understanding and support. This is a safe space to get accurate information about addiction, recovery, and treatment, as well as support for each other as family and friends of those in active addiction or recovery. The Ripple Group meets for six weeks, Thursday evenings from July 14 to August 18, from 5:30 to 7 pm at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. For more or to sign up, call Jaime Schwab at 508-693-7900, ext. 375, or JSchwab@mvcommunityservices.com.
Our own Nancy Kingsley is the guest curator of the Featherstone Show featuring works by Stanley Murphy. The paintings and sketches are on display only for two more weeks. You could enjoy these and then visit the Featherstone Flea & Art Market, open from 9:30 am to 2 pm every Tuesday.
Call for an appointment for free legal help with attorney Tom Kosman for low-income and senior (over 60) residents on issues including housing, elder and family law, welfare benefits, and disability. Call 508-693-4205 to make an appointment. Mr. Kosman will be at the Tisbury Senior Center on Tuesday morning, July 5.
A new shop opens tomorrow on Main Street called Red Door Couture. This will offer women’s clothing as well as tailoring and alterations.
Next Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm, you can see “If All the Sky Were Paper,” with special guest Mary Steenburgen, at the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center. The play is based on the author’s journey to different countries to seek extraordinary war letters. The play weaves together his travels with excerpts from the breathtaking letters he found. Proceeds benefit the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse and Dukes County Veterans Services. Tickets are $100 for center seating, $50 for general seating, and $25 for veterans.
Congratulations go out tomorrow to Robert “Roger” and Juliana Rogers on their anniversary.
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out today to Lynne Benson. Happy birthday on Saturday to Sioux Eagle and Marina Lent. Wish the best on Sunday to Bob Benson and our selectman Larry Gomez. Monday we celebrate the birth of our nation on “The Glorious Fourth,” and also send bang-up birthday wishes to Sue Fairbanks and Steve Nichols.
Heard on Main Street: Are you ready? The Tisbury Street Fair is a week from tomorrow.