Well, it is that time of year again when there are far too many movies, plays, and events, and not enough time to attend them all. Not to mention trying to squeeze in some socializing while most of us who work on Martha’s Vineyard are flat-out through the month of August. There are many great events happening up-Island in the coming week; hopefully you can take a night off and get to something.
The Aquinnah Wampanoag Indian Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm. This Thursday, August 2, at 3 pm, the museum welcomes Lisa Brooks, Abenaki, who will speak on her book “Our Beloved Kin,” and Christine DeLucia, who will speak on “Memory Lands.” Both books cover King Philip’s War from the Native American’s perspective. This should prove to be an enlightening talk. On Friday, August 3, the exhibit “Our Story: 400 Years of Wampanoag History” is back for the fourth year, with its newest section, “Powwow.” This exhibit is sponsored by Plymouth 400 and developed by the Wampanoag people. It will run through Sept. 8. The official opening party for the exhibit will be on Saturday from 4 to 6 pm. On August 11, the museum will host its annual Wampanoag Fundraiser. Tickets are $100 for adults and $40 for children. For more information, call 508-645-7900 or email at aquinnahcc@gmail.com.
At the Aquinnah Public Library this week, Phil Weinstein will speak on Thursday, August 2, at 5 pm at the Old Town Hall on his latest project. Refreshments are served. Story time is on Thursday at 3:30 pm and Saturday at 10:30 am. Kids’ Craft will be on Saturday at 11 am. The Book Group will meet on Saturday, August 4, at 1:30 to discuss Jodi Piccoult’s “Leaving Time.” Music on the Deck will be on Tuesday at 5 pm.
The Martha’s Vineyard Author Series continues this week on Sunday, August 5, and Thursday, August 9, for discussions with two leading women in the fight for women’s equality. On August 5, former president of Planned Parenthood Cecile Richards discusses her best-selling memoir, “Make Trouble.” Author Alexandra Styron will interview Ms. Richards. on August 9, acclaimed comedy writer Nell Scovell will discuss her memoir, “Just the Funny Parts.” Ms. Scovell’s book covers her 30 years as a television writer, producer, and director. She worked on “Late Night with David Letterman,” “Murphy Brown,” and “The Muppets.” Screenwriter Clyde Phillips will interview Ms. Scovell. Both events take place at the Chilmark Community Center at 7:30 pm. Go to mvbookfestival.com for full details and tickets.
“Islanders Write” is back! This Sunday, August 5, at 7:30 pm and Monday, August 6, from 8 am to 5 pm at the Grange Hall and West Tisbury library. The event is free and open to the public. No advance reservations necessary. Come for an hour, or stay the day. First come, first seated. Find the complete schedule online at islanderswrite.com.
There was a fantastic premiere for “Keepers of the Light” a couple of weeks ago at the Aquinnah Circle. Hundreds of people came out for the film’s first screening, and the support and positive response filmmakers Liz Witham and Ken Wentworth have received has been incredible. If you weren’t able to make it, book your tickets now for the special National Lighthouse Day screening at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center on Tuesday, August 7, at 7:30 pm.
The Aquinnah/Gay Head Community Association (AGHCA) will host a reception on Tuesday, August 7, from 5 to 7 pm at the Old Town Hall. The topic of discussion is improvements and plans for the Aquinnah Circle. Everyone is welcome to attend, and refreshments will be served.
The eight-week class “A Matter of Balance” is back. Sponsored by the Up-Island Council on Aging, the two-hour-long classes are at Howe’s House in West Tisbury. Many older adults experience falls or concerns about falling, and restrict their activities due to worry. Learn to manage falls and increase activity. Begin to view falls as controllable, set goals to increase activity, make in-home changes to reduce fall risks, start some easy beginner exercises to increase strength and balance slowly. Classes start August 7 and run through Sept. 25, from 11 am to 1 pm. Call 508-627-5797, ext. 114, or email infoMVPH@ihimv.org to register.
