Tisbury: August Already?

This is opening night, Thursday, August 11, for “Red,” a play about artist Mark Rothko, which runs through Sept. 3. Curtains open at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse at 7:30 pm. This is also the last weekend for the Tisbury Amphitheatre and the Fabulists. Where has summer gone?

The Vineyard Haven Public Library monthly mini book sale is Saturday morning, August 13, from 10 am to noon. Note the time. The sale is now in the morning, which I find much more convenient. Proceeds from the book sales always benefit children’s programs at our library.

Today, August 11, at 4 pm all children age five and up are invited for crafts with Kathy Forrester at our library. Kathy does storytime for little ones on Tuesday morning, August 16, at the regular times. Next Thursday, August 18, ages five and up are invited to take a break from the fair and play games with Ms. Felicia at 4 pm at the Vineyard Haven Public Library.

I haven’t seen the First Family yet but several who appeared to be very athletic and good swimmers were in evidence at the YMCA. We guessed they may be Secret Service. They were certainly impressing us.

Meditations of Peace takes place in the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital chapel tomorrow, Friday, August 12, from 4 to 5 pm, with interfaith prayers, poetry, song, and silence. I think this is a good idea and hope this will be an ongoing program.

This is the time of year that Islanders can feel overwhelmed. Everyone from away wants to visit. And we ourselves want to do everything and go to all the terrific fundraisers. Sometimes I bemoan the fact that two good events that interest me are scheduled at the same time. On the other hand, you never have to accept an invitation in the summer. Simply say you are busy. Because nearly everyone is.

We should all thank the wonderful people who volunteer to help in all these events. There are several folks you cannot help but recognize often giving their time and effort in so many places.

The West Tisbury Congregational Church invites you to the Peach Festival from noon to 4 on Saturday, August 13. Enjoy fresh peaches in any form, from pies to smoothies. Does it only seem that this church has the best cooks?

Have you been enjoying the Olympics? So many outstanding men and women are doing so splendidly in the segments we have viewed. The variety seems more balanced this year with more emphasis on the action and much less time spent on stories about the people. The stories are always interesting, but last time I thought the TV people took too much time away from the what we wanted to see.

Martha’s Vineyard Community Services supports all of us on the Island as well as our families. The Chicken Alley Art and Collectibles Sale of special treasures is Sunday, August 14, from 1 to 4 pm. The Chicken Alley Peep Show is Friday evening, August 12, from 5 to 8 at the thrift shop. This one evening features designer and vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories and is your chance to buy these and benefit MVCS.

Another benefit for MVCS and the Joseph Jerome Memorial Fund is “An Evening with Patrick Kennedy” at the Old Whaling Church on Friday evening, August 12, from 7 to 9. Patrick Kennedy, former congressman and youngest child of Ted Kennedy, will detail his personal battle with addiction and his family’s private struggles. Tickets are $25.

Welcome to my son and his family and all those coming next week for the Agricultural Fair and, of course, to our president and his family. Our granddaughters, at ages 9 and 11, are very excited. They love the carnival best. I think my favorite is the veggie art created by kids as well as the wonderful drawings. But it isn’t the Fair if you don’t visit all the animals. The Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair is the Island party. I hope you will tell me if you see something that should be highlighted.

It is our misfortune that our Sen. Dan Wolf and Rep. Tim Madden have both decided to retire. There are now 12 candidates for these two vacant seats. The League of Women Voters of Martha’s Vineyard invites you to meet them at a candidate forum next Wednesday, August 17, at 4:30 pm in the Grange Hall in West Tisbury. Mingle afterwards and learn about their priorities. This is your chance to make sure the Vineyard is well represented at the State House.

Congratulations to Skip and Carol Bailey who will celebrate their anniversary on Sunday.

Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out to Goodie Stiller Corriveau on Saturday. Monday belongs to Braden Kuehne.

Heard on Main Street: See you at the Fair.