Fireworks, weddings, and family celebrations are underway; yes, July is here. Sadly I just finished my last jar of Ethel Sherman’s blueberry jam, but hope I will still be able to enjoy some of Ralph Sherman’s garden bounty.
Menemsha was the first overnight Island stop for the Hokule’a, a replica of a Polynesian double-hulled voyaging canoe navigating solely by the stars, before heading to Vineyard Haven for two days of festivities at Packer’s Wharf. While volunteering at Island Grown Initiative’s table at the wharf, I met Amy Kantrowitz of Kailua, Hawaii, who timed her visit to her aunt and uncle, 40-year Chilmark summer residents Dr. Warren and Harriet Kantrowitz, also of Brookline, to coincide with Hokule’a’s Island visit. Amy is the principal of the King William Lunalilo Elementary School, which has had its school mascot, a hawk, traveling aboard the Hawaiian vessel for the past two years, although not on this last leg of their journey. The school has incorporated the Hokule’a into its curriculum.
My niece and nephew have arrived from Berlin for their annual visit, and of course I want my 12-year-old nephew to be able to learn to sail. If you are interested in helping to promote up-Island sailing, join or support the Menemsha Yacht Club; they’re on Facebook and have a website, or for more info contact Charlie Shipway at 508-331-0218 or cshipway@verizon.net. If you missed the wonderful article about Charlie’s Olympic sailing career, read it here: bit.ly/shipway.
If you are heading to the Chilmark Flea on Saturdays, be sure to stop by Chilmark summer resident Ralinda Lurie’s “morsels” booth. Ralinda started her company last year, and won a blue ribbon at the Ag Fair for her lemon loaf in the Quick Bread category. She was formerly the executive director of the Permanent Endowment for Martha’s Vineyard, a job she did from her Lexington home. She works with private chefs, offers maple almond granola, savory shortbreads, and other assorted baked goods for events and privately. You can contact her on Facebook at facebook.com/bakedbymorsels, or go to bakedbymorsels.com. Did I mention I sampled everything they offered? Stop by and try for yourself, mmm, mmm good morsels.
Lobster Rolls to Go, every Tuesday, starts at 4:30 pm until they run out or 7 pm at the Chilmark Community Church.
Help Chilmark Town Clerk Jennifer Christy celebrate her painting exhibit opening at the Field Gallery on Sunday, July 10, from 5 to 7 pm; the show will be up through July 23.
Join philosophy professor and author Rebecca Gordon as she speaks about her new book “American Nuremberg” at the Chilmark Public Library on Wednesday, July 13, at 5 pm. Don’t forget Stories and Songs on Tuesday and Saturday at 10:30 am, all ages welcome.
Time for “Bliss!” at Captain Flanders House, on Wednesday, July 13, from 7:30 to 10 pm, when the Martha’s Vineyard Museum invites you to dance to your favorite ’80s, ’90s, and 21st century hits all night long while you indulge in your favorite comfort foods from Island food trucks. Reservations required. Admission of $50 includes drink tickets and unlimited food. Call 508-627- 4441, ext. 123.
Head to the Aquinnah Town Hall to hear Chilmark Writing Workshop’s Nancy Aronie’s talk on “The Stories We Tell Ourselves (About Ourselves)” on Thursday, July 14, from 5 to 6:30 pm, free.
It’s time for the Forager’s Potluck, Thursday, July 14, 6:30 to 9 pm at Native Earth Teaching Farm. There will be a half-hour weed walk for beginners, and your dish to share need not be foraged. Otherwise, visitors are welcome Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm through Sept. 11. For more information, call 508-645-3304.
Meanwhile the Crossroads, Grey Barn, Mermaid Farm, and North Tabor Farm stands are all open for business. Beetlebung Farm Stand will not be in operation this summer as Chris Fischer turns his attention to Edgartown’s newest restaurant, the Covington. The Grey Barn offers tours every Thursday at 10 am, $5 per per person, kids under 12 are free; cheese tastings every Friday at 1:30 pm are $15 per person. Meet at their farm stand; for more info, call 508-645-4854.
Check for ticks, drive cautiously, and have a great week.
