There has been so much violence in our country, always, but especially the past week; it is hard to believe it and understand it when we live in a place that is remarkably peaceful. I sometimes feel blessed to live here, and sometimes I feel cut off and removed (as we are physically) from the rest of the country. That is disturbing to me at times, like when I have a desire to connect in a larger way with fellow citizens and also to see what’s going on in the streets. There has been some movement here; the NAACP held a vigil this past Monday morning for all those slain, and the Black Lives Matter movement also held a rally. These are two important organizations to support right now. You can get information on upcoming events at marthasvineyardnaacp.org, but I heard about both of them through word of mouth and Facebook.
The Aquinnah Public Library has events every day. Remember to sign your child up for summer reading; they can get treats and gifts with each book they read, and a T shirt. This Thursday, July 14, Story Time is at 3:30 pm. Also on Thursday at 5 pm, Chilmark writing teacher extraordinaire Nancy Aronie will speak as part of the Summer Speaker Series. The title of the talk is, “The Stories We Tell Ourselves (About Ourselves).” The series is held at the Old Town Hall, and refreshments will be served. This Saturday, July 16, at 10:30 am, Piggie and Elephant from the Mo Willems books will visit. There will be stories and treats, and kids can get their pictures taken with the characters. The Kids Summer Club will be every Tuesday at 4 pm, and there will also be music on the deck from 5 to 6 pm.
At the Aquinnah Cultural Center this week you can come and see the exhibit “Visit of the Little People,” an exhibit of Native dolls handmade by people from the Aquinnah and Mashpee Wampanoag communities. The center is open from 11 am to 4 pm Wednesday through Saturday. During open hours, you can always get a tour of the homestead. Regular admission prices are $5 adults, $3 children and seniors. Please call them at 508-645-7900 or email at aquinnahcc@gmail.com for information on all of their events.
The Sargent Gallery (formerly the Gay Head Gallery) is now open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 to 5 pm. You can also call to schedule an appointment, 508-645-2776. Megan had her opening this past Sunday. As always, she has amazing artists, including Liz Taft, Jeanette Vanderhoop, and Barbara Norfleet. It is always worth stopping by and taking a peek.
Emily Phillips is teaching a 7:45 am barre class at the Old Town Hall on Tuesday mornings. It costs $199 for six classes. You can email her at emily@epyoga.com for more information.
The First Congregational Church of West Tisbury will host a Blueberry Festival this Saturday from noon to 4 pm. There will be smoothies and cobbler and pie! How can you go wrong with any of that?
The Aquinnah selectmen’s Summer Resident’s Meeting will be Tuesday, August 9, at 5 pm at the Old Town Hall. Refreshments will be served.
I hope everyone got a chance to see the Hokule’a when it was docked here two weeks ago. It is a 60-foot native Polynesian vessel that has no modern navigational equipment — the crew uses the stars for navigation. There was a welcoming ceremony in Menemsha and then again in Vineyard Haven. Some members of the Wampanoag tribe made a mishoon and rowed out to meet the boat singing Wampanoag songs. I heard it was lovely. I did not see the ceremony, but I did make it to see the boat, and it was beautiful and the crew was very welcoming. The Hokule’a is continuing a tour up the East Coast.