As I write this, Riley is finishing up packing his gear for two weeks of boot camp at Fort Devens. As part of his Naval Sea Cadet training, he must complete these two weeks of training to be promoted in rank. I’m terribly proud of him, but we all know, mothers worry. I’m looking forward to getting him back on July 17. Monday morning will be a hard letting-go moment for me, which I’ll probably be expected to accomplish with no tears and a good strong chuck on the shoulder. I’m more of a hugger and crier type, but I’ll do my best.
The First Congregational Church of West Tisbury’s fourth annual Blueberry Festival will be on Saturday, July 16, from noon to 4 pm. This delicious family and community event is a refreshing summer treat. The church welcomes all to enjoy many blueberry treats at tables and chairs on the front lawn: blueberry smoothies and blueberry peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream just like your grandmother used to make, fresh baked blueberry pies, blueberry/peach cobbler, blueberry muffins, scones, and jam. There will also be vintage jewelry, kid’s activities, African crafts, visiting puppets, fresh flowers, and a raffle for a blueberry bush that will be delivered to the winner. All proceeds of this fundraiser help support this historic church and our Island community. Look for the blueberry banner and bright balloons on the church fence in the center of town. For more information, call 508-693-2842. The blueberry festival will be hosted indoors in the event of inclement weather.
Happy birthday, wishes go out to Richard Stone, who celebrates his big day on July 10. Richard has continued the tradition started years ago with Corinne Hatt and their circle of friends, Felicia Cheney, Bob Fynbo, and Barbara and Ursula Prada of going out to dinner to celebrate each other’s birthdays. They even pass around the same birthday card, changing the date for each celebration. So if you see the gang out to eat at the Wharf on Sunday night, be sure to wish Richard a happy day!
Other happy birthday wishes go out to Katy Phelps, who celebrated on July 5, and Heidi Wild and Triva Emery, who celebrate on July 7.
What’s going on at the Anchors this month? SHINE appointments are available with Bill Glazier on Tuesdays, July 12 and 26. Appointments at 2 pm and 3 pm. On Monday, July 11, join the Island Bike Ride with Paul Mohair. Call Paul to sign up at 508-627-4368. This 16-mile ride leaves at 10 am from Morning Glory’s parking lot, stops at Plane View for lunch, and returns to Morning Glory around 1:30.
ECOA Men’s Book Group with Glenn Carpenter is reading “The Secret Life of Lobsters” by Trevor Corson, and meets Wednesday, July 20, at 3 pm. Discuss books on history, travel, nonfiction, and real life. Exchange thoughts, ideas, opinions, and insights with other knowledgeable readers. Exercise your mind, socialize with friendly people. There will be refreshments, and all are welcome.
ECOA Women’s Book Group meets Wednesday, July 27, from 3 to 4:30 pm (the fourth Wednesday of every month), led by Jill Jupen. July’s book is “Wonder Boys” by Michael Chabon. Please email Wendy at wbenedetto@edgartown-ma.us if you would like to be included on the book group email list.
On Monday, July 18, at 10 am at the Edgartown Fire Station, Eric Barnes, Syracuse University public health major, firefighter, and EMT hosts a Fire Safety Lesson. Keep your smoke alarms in working order, prevent fires, and learn what to do in a house fire. Eric is available to help change batteries in smoke detectors and check smoke alarms.
Abstract watercolors by Jeri Larson are on display at the Anchors during July. They will honor Jeri at lunch July 19 with a short question and answer session. And on Friday, July 22, Vineyard Sound will perform at 12:30.
Please call 508-627-4368 to register for any of the above events, or with any questions you have. You may also visit their website at edgartowncoa.com.
I hope you have a great week. Remember to slow down as we move forward into our busy season. Take a deep breath, and remember how lucky we are to live in a place that so many others only get to visit. Say a kind word. Let someone go ahead of you at the store. Let others out in traffic. Spread kindness, and pay it forward. It helps get through the craziness without losing your mind.
