The weather has been very strange lately, but stranger still is what it seems to have done to my computer and column. Although I emailed it to the Times before I lost power for four or five hours, it was never received, and I did not receive their emails informing me of that fact. So Thursday, when I did not see it online or in the print edition, between the editors at The Times and myself, we finally got it up on the online edition. So this week I have included all the still-pertinent information from last week, and my apologies to those who had sent in items of events that have now passed by.
In spite of the overpowering heat of the last weekend, the Holy Ghost Feast and parade did happen. Hundreds flocked to the Portuguese-American Club in Oak Bluffs on Saturday night and enjoyed the many food offerings, including the sopa, which I am sure warmed them up even more. The high temperatures did not stop couples from dancing and enjoying the bands and music. Sunday morning the parade was delayed a bit due to the heat, and for the first time in anyone’s memory, the marchers were transported to the feast by buses, trucks, and cars because it was not safe to be walking in the heat. But the siren sounds of fire trucks, police cars, EMS from all over the Island and other vehicles echoed throughout the streets, and the parade slowly made its way to its destination. The authentic Portugese dancers still mesmerized observers, the auction went on, delicious food was consumed, many games were played, and the heat did not stop tradition from continuing in our town and Island.
There have been so many wedding and baby showers in the news these past two months that it must be April instead of summer. This time the honored couple were David and Erica Stamus. Bill and Doreen Anderson, David’s parents, hosted the shower at Farm Neck Café, where 20 friends and relatives raised their glasses to the couple in celebration of the upcoming birth of their baby boy. A delicious meal was enjoyed, and thanks to technology, the entire celebration was viewed by the couple, who were in Boston, on FaceTime as the iPhone was placed on the table with everyone speaking their good wishes to the soon-to-be parents. Doreen reminded everyone that I was the hostess at her baby shower, for her son Billy back in the day. And so the cycle continues.
We send get-well wishes to Tony Rebello, as he is still a patient in Boston, and hope to see him up and about again soon.
On August 3, from 9 am to 3 pm, rain or shine, there will be a craft show at the Tabernacle with many hand-knit items, jewelry, shell ornaments, and much more.
The All-Island annual Art Show will be opening at the Martha’s Vineyard Campground Association Tabernacle on Monday, August 5, running from 10 am to 3 pm. This art show has been operating since 1958, and provides a venue for both amateur and professional Island artists to display and sell their works. It is a great outing for both Islanders and visitors to see and purchase some wonderful works of art at reasonable prices. Registration is the morning of the show beginning at 8:30 am. In case of rain, the show will be moved to August 6. More information regarding the show may be found at allislandartshow.wordpress.com or at the MVCMA office.
Author Tom Dresser will speak at the Carnegie in Edgartown about his book “Travel History of Martha’s Vineyard” on Saturday, August 3, at 2 pm. And for a very interesting experience, join Tom as he leads a tour of Oak Grove Cemetery, across from the Oak Bluffs library on Saturday, August 15, at 10 am. The tour covers some history, some genealogy, and some questions. All are welcome, and there is no charge.
Just because Joe Sollitto has retired after 40 years as clerk to superior court, do not expect him to be sitting around in a recliner watching television. Joe will be the new facilitator at the Friday Conversations program at the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging. He will have some wonderful tales to tell, and be a great source of Island information to all who attend. So come and spend an enjoyable hour with Joe at 10 am on Fridays, August 2 and 23, at 10 am at the center. There is no charge for this program, and you will come away with a wealth of knowledge and be greatly entertained at the same time.
Have you ever wanted to see the inside of a Gingerbread cottage? Mark your calendars for August 7 to attend the annual Gingerbread Cottage Tour. The tour provides an opportunity to view the interiors of six Campground cottages on the grounds of the celebrated Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association. The tour this year includes the iconic Pink House as well as five neighboring cottages. They all include fascinating stories and beautiful architectural details. In addition to the six cottages, the $30 price of admission includes entry to the Cottage Museum and delicious refreshments. Tickets can be purchased at the Tabernacle on the day of the event from 10 am to 3 pm (last ticket will be sold at 2 pm). They are also available in advance at mvcma.org and at the Cottage Museum. All proceeds benefit the Tabernacle Restoration Fund.
We send belated birthday smiles to Paul Robinson on July 26, Travis Bernard, Rachel Barrett, and Denise Alwardt on the 29th, Heather White, Ashley Medeiros, and Luke dePriest on the 30th, and Bernie Crossland on July 31.
Smiles to the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging Birthday Club members who celebrate their special day during August. Members are: Jackie Robinson on the 5th, Sue Streeter, August 15, Jacquie Callahan on the 17th, Alfred Badger on the 18th, Rupert Huges on the 27th, and Nancy Giordano on the 31st.
We send smiles to Sofhia Sampaio and Garrett Brown on August 1, Tricia Bergeron on the 3rd, Joann DeBettencourt and Susan Klein share the 5th, Ben deBettencourt the 7th, and Ken Debettencourt and Bob Gatchell on August 8.
Enjoy your week. Peace.
