Our town is looking its best and every way into the town is pleasing and abundant, with colorful flowers and shrubs, but the long lines of traffic we face as we try to get to our destinations are overwhelming. It seems as if every year we have to change our “best times to shop times” and change our strategies to try to avoid the bottlenecks. What helps to survive these frustrating moments is realizing that it isn’t forever, and I have to say most of the times, motorists wave me through intersections and let me out of side roads. Thank you to these thoughtful drivers. Not only does it bring a smile but it also results in a smoother traffic flow.
Speaking of traffic, another thank you to the Oak Bluffs Police Department for their increasing presence in my neighborhood of Alpine and Hudson Avenues. Now they have placed a lighted speed warning sign along the roadside to nudge drivers to obey the 25 mph speed limits in these areas.
For a very peaceful, enjoyable evening, head to Ocean Park, relax on a bench or sit in your car and listen to the Sunday night band concerts. The next dates for the concerts are July 22 and 29. The music, performed by the Vineyard Haven Band, starts at 8 pm. The band also plays at Vineyard Haven’s Owen Park when not playing at Oak Bluffs. On August 9 they will have a concert celebrating 150 years of continuous performing.That celebratory concert will be held in the tabernacle in the Camp Grounds starting at 8 pm.
Another musical event will take place on Sunday evening, July 22 at 7 pm at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown. The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society will present favorites from opera and Broadway with seven singers, four pianists and one impresario. All of the performers are graciously donating their time and talent so all of the evening’s proceeds directly benefit the MVCMs. Tickets available online at mvcms.org.
Dee Stevens, Artistic director of the MVCMS, will be honored with the 2018 Inspiration Award, presented by Wendy Taucher Dance Opera Theater. The award will be presented on Friday, July 27, at 6 pm at the gala opening night of Opera at Featherstone in Oak Bluffs. The event, which includes opera performance award ceremony and supper, will be held rain or shine.
The Martha’s Vineyard Author Series continues on Sunday, July 22, when veteran Pulitzer prizewinning journalist Seymour Hersh discusses his memoir “Reporter.” Hersh’s fearless reporting has made him the investigative journalist of a generation. From Washington to Vietnam to the Middle East, Hersh broke some of the major stories of the last half-century, starting with the My Lai massacre in 1969, and has never stopped challenging the official narratives of those in power. Hersh will speak at the Chilmark Community Center at 7:30 pm. Geraldine Brooks will interview Mr. Hersh. Go to mvbookfestival.com for full details and tickets.
Here is another chance to shop the book sale to benefit our Oak Bluffs Public Library, as this annual sale sponsored by the Library Friends of Oak Bluffs, continues this Friday, July 20, from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Saturday, July 21 from 10 am to 2 pm.
Kids of all ages will enjoy the Rock Party on Saturday, July 21, from 10 to 11;30 am. Enjoy the party at our library where families can explore fossils, make rock candy, and rock out to music.
All paths lead to the P.A. Club in Oak Bluffs this Saturday and Sunday, as the Annual Feast of The Holy Ghost is celebrated. Music, auction, dancing, and a parade and crowning take place during these two days of celebrations.
First Congregational Church of West Tisbury’s annual Blueberry Festival will also be held this Saturday, July 21, from noon to 4 pm. Enjoy numerous blueberry treats at tables and chairs on the front lawn, bouquets, fun activities for the kids, and even a chance to win a blueberry bush. All proceeds from this fundraiser support this historic church and our Island community. For more information call 508-693-2842. The festival will be held indoors in the event of inclement weather.
We send birthday smiles to Charlene Alley on July 22;Aiden and Logan Araujo, and Richard Cage on July 24; and Paul Robinson on the 26. Happy Anniversary wishes to Anthony and Marylou Piland on July 20.
Enjoy you week. Peace
