I am one happy and proud mama tonight, as I write this week’s column. After two weeks away at boot camp at Fort Devens for the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, my boy Riley is home, and I could not be happier. His father and I went to his graduation on Saturday morning, and as soon as we turned the corner into Fort Devens and I saw all the young men and women in their dress whites, I started to tear up, and I hadn’t even seen Riley yet. I knew I was in trouble.
Boot camp was run much like a ship is in the Navy. The entire group was split into five divisions. Other cadets who have gone through the training in the past return to train the new recruits each year, while adult Sea Cadet leaders, many of them veterans, oversee the two-week program. It was quite an experience that Riley loved, and he has not stopped talking about it since. He would have stayed several more weeks if it were possible. I’m most grateful that it was not possible. I’m very proud to share that Riley was named the Honor Graduate for his division for outstanding performance! As there was only one honor graduate from each division, this was a proud moment for us all. I’m very impressed with his perseverance and efforts, but mostly I’m just happy to have him home.
One of my favorite summer events, the All-Island Art Show, will again present its art on Monday, August 1, at the MVCMA Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs. The show has been operating since 1959, providing a venue for both professional and amateur Island artists to display and sell their works. It also provides a great outing for both Islanders and visitors to see and purchase some wonderful works of art at a reasonable price. Artist registration is on the morning of the show beginning at 8:30 am, while the show runs from 10 am to 3 pm. More information regarding the show may be found at allislandartshow.wordpress.com or at the MVCMA office.
Courtesy of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services Veterans Outreach Program, in collaboration with the Theater Alliance of Washington, D.C., and in association with Kicking Pig Productions, the awardwinning play “Occupied Territories” comes to Martha’s Vineyard from Washington on Friday, August 5, at 8 pm and and Saturday, August 6, at 2 pm and 6 pm at the Edgartown American Legion. Through exacting realism and blazing physicality, this play carries the audience from a suburban basement to a jungle a lifetime away. “Occupied Territories” wrestles with war and the unshakable bonds between family and between soldiers. Tickets are $35, and can be purchased at mvcommunityservices.ejoinme.org/OccupiedTerritories.
Interested in lunch and a show? Vineyard Sound performs tomorrow, Friday, July 22, at 12:30 at the Anchors. Call 508-627-4368 to sign up for lunch and performance.
Also coming up at the Anchors are appointments with elder law attorney Tom Kosman. Attorney Kosman will be available on Monday, August 1, for half-hour appointments starting at 10 am. Please call 508-627-4368 to make an appointment.
It has been a sad couple of weeks in Edgartown, to be sure, as we have had to say goodbye to Vern Jernegan, Marianne Thomas, and Jack Carbon. Losing such wonderful people within such a short time is so hard! Mr. Carbon always had a smile on his face and was full of good cheer. Mrs. Thomas was so smart and informed, and I’m grateful that I got to see her and say hello at the Edgartown graduation in June. And Vern. Words cannot express how special he was in my heart. I was lucky enough to work with him for 12 years, and I loved him with all my heart. All three of these dear people will be missed. My thoughts are with the families.
Mark your calendar! The Island Autism Group is hosting its 10th annual Tea and Silent Auction on the lawn at the Daniel Fisher House on Main Street in Edgartown on Thursday, July 28, from 3 to 5 pm. The auction features fine art, crafts, and jewelry made by local artisans, restaurant and hotel gift certificates, biplane rides, and more, all donated by our fantastic Island community. All proceeds go toward helping IAG fund services, therapy, and equipment directly for kids with ASD living on Martha’s Vineyard. This is a fun, free event for a worthy cause. There will be music, wine, and hors d’oeuvres! For more info: bit.ly/islandautismauction.
Happy birthday wishes go out to Paul Brewer, who celebrated on July 18, to my boy Riley, whose big day is July 21, and to Donna Swift, who celebrates on July 23.
I wish you all a quiet and peaceful week. It would so nice to have a quiet news week. Or better yet — maybe we could get have some really huge news stories this week that are happy and joyous! Have a great week.
