The tension is building at home these days, as we are into the final countdown for moving into college. Riley is currently scheduled to leave next week, while Kiana will head out later in the month. I remember the jitters well from when I first went to school. I can remember sitting in the Florida room in my parent’s house, crying because I didn’t want to go. It was so scary. But Buzzy convinced me to go for one semester to try it.
I’m pretty sure she knew that would be enough to keep me there. I’ve been reassuring Riley just as my mom did. But who is reassuring me?
Happy anniversary wishes go out to Chad and Pati Nelson, who celebrated 40 years of marital bliss on July 29. And happy birthday wishes go out to Vera Dello Russo on July 28.
The library’s Strategic Planning Community Survey is up and running. Input from this survey will be incorporated into the library’s new five-year Strategic Plan. The survey will be open from July 25 through August 31. Printed copies are available at the library, the Town Clerk’s office at town hall, and at the Anchors. The survey is available in both English and Portuguese. There is a link at the end of the survey for participants to sign up to win a chance for a $100 gift certificate to the Seafood Shanty. Paper entry forms are also available at the above locations for those who prefer to do it that way. The direct link to take the survey is surveyhero.com/c/eplsurvey. There is also a link to the survey on the home page of the library’s website, edgartownlibrary.org.
Have you had a fall recently, or know someone who has? Or do you have concerns about falling? Register for “A Matter of Balance,” an eight-week program at Howes House from August 7 through Sept. 25, which is funded in part by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Federal Administration for Community Living, and offered in collaboration with the Falls Prevention Coalition of HAMV. 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, and start some easy beginner exercises to increase strength and balance slowly. Preregistration is required. Call or email 508-627-5797, ext. 114, or infoMVPH@ihimv.org.
Don’t forget that the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, in collaboration with the Cottagers and the Camp Meeting Association, is welcoming filmmaker, producer, and director Salem Mekuria to the Tabernacle to present “Our Place in the Sun,” a retrospective documentary on the Island’s African American community, in honor of the documentary’s 30th anniversary. A panel discussion will follow, which will highlight how the Vineyard’s black community first evolved and has changed over the past three decades.
The highly anticipated 11th annual Edgartown House Tour and Tea will take place on Tuesday, August 7, at 1:30 pm, with historian Mary Jane Carpenter’s presentation at the Federated Church Meetinghouse about the historical importance of the homes on tour. Then we will tour three classic New England homes (North Water Street, Morse Street, and Cottage Street), have a private viewing of the Carnegie, and tea will be served in a backyard waterfront garden overlooking Edgartown Harbor and Chappaquiddick. Tickets are available in advance at Ticketsmv.com/tour, or tickets may be purchased the day of the event for $40 each, beginning at 1 pm at the Federated Church Meetinghouse on 45 South Summer St., and the Carnegie, on 58 North Water St. Parking is available at the Edgartown School parking lot. This event benefits the Preservation of the Historic 1828 Federated Church Meetinghouse, and will be held rain or shine. For more information call 508-627-4421, or email officefederatedchurchmv@gmail.com.
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,” and on August 9, acclaimed comedy writer Nell Scovell join us to discuss her memoir, ‘Just the Funny Parts.’
In “Make Trouble,” Richards tells the story of her lifetime fighting for women’s rights and making change. Daughter of Governor Ann Richards, Cecile has followed in her mother’s footsteps, challenging authority and fighting for social justice and women’s rights. As president of Planned Parenthood for more than a decade, she navigated major challenges to reproductive rights and the organization’s ability to serve its clients. Richards will speak at the Chilmark Community Center at 7:30 pm on August 5. Author Alexandra Styron will interview Richards.
Another pioneering woman in her field, Nell Scovell has a new book, “Just the Funny Parts,” that details her 30-year career in a male-dominated comedy industry. As a television writer, producer, and director, Scovell has worked behind the scenes on some of TV’s most iconic shows, including “The Simpsons,” “Late Night with David Letterman,” “Murphy Brown,” “Monk,” “NCIS,” and “The Muppets.” On many of these shows, she was the only female writer. Scovell has been at the forefront of identifying the gender disparity in the comedy field and working to reverse it. She was only the second woman to write for “The David Letterman Show,” and when his sex scandal broke, Scovell used the moment to publicly call out the lack of gender diversity in late-night TV writers’ rooms. Her criticisms fueled a cultural debate. Two years later, Scovell collaborated with Sheryl Sandberg on the No. 1 national bestseller, “Lean In.” Scovell will speak at the Chilmark Community Center at 7:30 pm on August 9. Screenwriter Clyde Phillips will interview Scovell. Go to mvbookfestival.com for full details and tickets.
The fifth annual “Islanders Write” event will be on Sunday, August 5, at 7:30 pm and Monday, August 6, from 8 am to 5 pm. There will be workshops and lectures and other activities at this fun event. It takes place at the Grange Hall and West Tisbury library. “Islanders Write” 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.
Have a wonderful week ahead. August is here. Let’s all try to keep our cool while the summer heats up.
