I loved learning from my friend Alison that Squibnocket is an Algonquin word meaning “at the place of the red cliff bank.” It sure was hot, but compared with so many other places, I can’t help but feel lucky to be here. You may have noticed that a farm stand stands again at Beetlebung Corner, where Krishana Collins flowers plus fresh vegetables like leeks, onions, and potatoes are now available. Also the farm stand on Menemsha Crossing is once again offering vegetables beside their beautiful flowers. On Monday my family managed a window seat and enjoyed dinner at the Galley as cool air began to finally circulate. And then the rain came.
Congratulations to Chilmark Chocolates store co-owners Mary Beth Grady and Allison Berger, plus the Chilmark Chocolates team, for being one of three 2019 recipients of the Martha’s Vineyard Medal, awarded by the M.V. Museum in recognition of “their outstanding commitment to preserving the history, arts, and culture of Martha’s Vineyard.”
Kate Taylor’s “Paintings” exhibit at the Chilmark branch of the M.V. Bank will be up through July 31; be sure to stop by.
You can still join Nancy Aronie’s “Jumpstart Your Memoir” Chilmark Writing From the Heart Workshop for either August 5-7 or August 26-28. They run three mornings, Monday through Wednesday, from 9 am to noon. Sign up at Chilmarkwritingworkshop.com or call Nancy at 508-274-4286.
Sig Van Raan reports “a peak Sunday on Peaked Hill, amassing a turnout of nearly 30 players, with the first game trying to beat the heat by starting at 7:37 am. Both games were close, tight, and well played, as Joel Bleir’s team barely got by Hans Solmssen’s team 13-12. The game wasn’t decided until the final out. A similar but lower-scoring game followed, with Jim Feiner’s team barely getting by Jim Kethcum’s team 8-7. Great defense and power hitting is ongoing by the younger players, although superannuated outfielder Joel Bleir blasted two drives to deep left field in the second game. Rabbi Josh Plaut showed up with his son, Jonas. Plaut hadn’t played in 20 years, and played valiantly in the always tricky right field while son Jonas, a skilled athlete, proved a welcome addition. Arlan Roth, who’s moving from the Island soon, came by to say adios to his fellow players of the past 20 years. Arlen hasn’t been able to play this summer due to a bum knee. Whether you live in Chilmark or anywhere else you are welcome to join in the fun, 7:30-8 am at Flanders Field on Pasture Road off Tabor House.”
The CCC’s final MVY Concert Series closes with Andy Herr and Friends on Friday, July 28, at 7:30pm. On Tuesday, July 30, from 7 to 9 pm, hear the M.V. Commission Report Card on Chilmark, Menemsha, and Squibnocket ponds; learn what has been done and can be done to restore water quality to our beautiful estuaries, and how you can get involved. On Thursday, August 1, from 7 to 8 pm, hear ethno-ecologist and wildlife migration specialist Adam Gebb, currently working in Ecuador. He will highlight the “ancient relationship between the Andes Mountains, the Amazon, and the indigenous people that still live in roadless rainforests today” with video, photos, and stories about his work, and a project to conserve millions of acres of ancient forests that stretch from the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon up to the 17,000-foot spine of the Andes. Talks are free for members and $5 for nonmembers. A full list of happenings at the CCC are on chilmarkcommunitycenter.org.
The M.V. Film Festival plays in Chilmark at the CCC on Monday and Wednesday at 8 pm, with dinner and music beginning at 6:30 pm. Check the schedule and buy tickets at tmvff.org. Don’t forget Cinema Circus on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 pm, free for all ages.
The Chilmark Flea Markets are ongoing on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm at 142 North Rd. More info at bit.ly/ChilFM.
Enjoy David Rhoderick on organ and Ed Merck on bass recorder playing Handel and Bach to accompany the 9 am Sunday, July 28, service at the Chilmark Community Church. On Tuesdays at 7 pm, hear Vineyard Sound weekly through August 20.
Stop by M.V. Playhouse through August 1 to enjoy Carol Brown Goldberg’s fun painting exhibit, “Mirror Universe,” open during box office hours, 24 Church St., in Vineyard Haven.
Not to be missed is “Benton’s Martha’s Vineyard” exhibit and Lindsey Lee’s “Vineyard Voices” (be sure to check out her new book), both up through August 11 at the new M.V. Museum in Tisbury. Remember Tuesday evenings are free, and the Art Cliff food truck is cooking (last week it was cash only, $8 for main dishes).
The Yard has brought the remarkable Malpaso Dance Company accompanied by Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble back to MVPAC on Thursday, August 1, at 7 pm; plus two other performances on Saturday, August 3 — one for families at 11 am and the other at 7 pm. Check out the Yard’s summer creative dance and choreography program running through August 9 for children ages 6 to 11, adult dance classes, upcoming performances, and memberships at dancetheyard.org. If you’re ready for a night of dancing, the Yard’s annual Benefit will celebrate “Evening Songs of the Malecón: A Cuban Sunset in Menemsha,” tickets available online.
Always lots happening at the Chilmark Public Library. There’s a Lego Free-Build at noon on Wednesday, July 31. Guest poets Matt Hart and Eric Hyett are joined by local poets Spencer Thurlow and Island poet laureate Jill Jupen for a pop-up Poetry Reading on Wednesday, July 31, at 5pm. It’s Pizza and a family movie at 12:30pm on Thursday, August 1. See Heather Sommers newest work, “Centaur Chronicle,” 16 archival prints of politically satirical ceramic sculpture. Stories and Songs with Rizwan continues on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10:30am.
Be sure to mark your calendar for Meet the Fleet on Thursday, August 1, 3 – 7 pm, at the Menemsha docks, where you can enjoy tours on the historic fishing vessel Roann plus on Environmental and Coast Guard vessels, see a helicopter rescue demo; net mending and sea scallop shucking competitions; music by Brothers Rye; crab races and fish printing; silent auction, raw bar, and more. For more info see mvfishermenspreservationtrust.org/copy-of-our-news.
If you’re interested in participating in the All-Island Art Show at the M.V. Campground, artist registration is on the morning of the show, Monday, August 5, at 8:30 am, while the show runs from 10 am to 3 pm, with an August 6 raindate. More information at allislandartshow.wordpress.com or at the MVCMA Office.
Have a great week.
