The Island is definitely winding up for summer, isn’t it? Crazy weather, crazy traffic, lots of unfamiliar faces, bikes, runners, and the dreaded mopeds have all had a surging presence in the past week. For me, the Fourth of July always seems to sneak up on me. This year, with school getting out a little earlier than it has for the past few years, I feel like I’m getting a little more prepared every day for the chaos of the Fourth. This year, however, I’ll be working in a restaurant for the first time. And I’ve already seen some pretty busy nights there. I hope this old dog has learned enough new tricks to succeed.
On Tuesday, July 2, at 12 pm, the sixth annual Reading of the Frederick Douglass 1852 speech will take place at the Federated Church Meetinghouse. This program is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library and Federated Church. Douglass presented his speech “The Meaning of the Fourth of July for the Negro” on July 5, 1852, to the Rochester Anti-Slavery and Sewing Society. These words still resonate today, 167 years after the speech was originally given. Last year, the African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard unveiled a special plaque, listing the Federated Church, as site 29 on the African American Heritage Trail, honoring Frederick Douglass. All are welcome.
The Federated Church also wanted us to remind folks of their summer schedule. From July 7 to Sept.1, they will hold a brief service with Communion from 8 am until 8:30 am. Their regular summer service will be at 9:30 am. Both services will be with the Rev. Dr. Charlotte Wright. For more information, call 508-627-4421, email officefederatedchurchmv@gmail.com, or visit the website at federatedchurchmv.org.
Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Doug Pease, who celebrated on June 24, Jack O’Callaghan on June 25, Heylayne Cohen on June 27, and Amy Baldino on June 28. Extra-special wishes go out to my big brother, who also celebrated on June 25.
The Red Cross announced that they will be having a blood drive at the P.A. Club on July 2 from 11:30 am until 2:30 pm. If saving lives isn’t enough of an incentive to donate on Tuesday, they will have T shirts available to donors that day. To schedule an appointment online, visit their site, redcross.org/give-blood.
The Red Cross also wanted to share that they will be doing a blood drive every month from now until December, as long as they get the minimum requirement of 38 pints at each event. The only problem is that they need a site for the September drive. They are looking for a space that is about 1000 square feet, has no more than seven stairs, bathrooms on the same floor, at least three outlets, and air conditioning and/or heat. The space would need to be available for eight hours. The date is not set, and could be somewhat flexible. Given troubles getting boats on Fridays and Saturdays, they would prefer to do the drive any day between Monday and Thursday. Got a space that fits the bill? Contact Ilona Metell at ilona.metell@redcross.org or at 561-985-3668.
Finally, the Red Cross wants to remind us all that it is officially hurricane season. To that end, they want people to be prepared. To find out the best precautions to take, visit their website nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php.
The Katama Association will be holding its annual Meeting and Brunch on Sunday, July 7, at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort. In addition to updates from local organizations, the association will thank Tom Juster for his term as president and welcome in president-elect Steve Steinberg. Coffee and registration begins at 10:30 am, with local speakers starting at 11 am. The meeting is open and free to all current members. If you are interested in joining the Katama Association, please visit katamamv.org. The Katama Association is a nonprofit membership group dedicated to the preservation of the iconic rustic charm and natural beauty of the Katama section of Edgartown.
The official unveiling ceremony for the new entry to the Edgartown library was on Sunday. As you may recall, Doris Ward, former Edgartown teacher, collected some of the bricks from the old school in an effort to design an entry in honor of the school that was torn down. She made a public appeal for donations, and this week organized a thank-you event for all the donors, catered by Espresso Love. The design is a compass rose, using the old bricks and other materials, and if I’m not mistaken, created by Alex Morrison. Doris is most grateful for all the support for this wonderful project. I can’t wait to see it.
The Edgartown eighth grade is trying a new fundraiser this year to support their trip to D.C. This year, you can buy raffle tickets for the chance to win a reserved parking space in downtown Edgartown on the Fourth of July. Tickets are $10 each, or six for $50. The winning ticket will be drawn on July 3. Tickets may be purchased at Stop & Shop between June 29 and July 1 from 1 pm until 4 pm.
I wish you all a wonderful week ahead. I hope everyone gets some time to relax before the big push starts next week.