Congratulations to Sophia Welch and Kyle Colter! Their daughter was born this past Saturday morning; she was unnamed at the time of writing, which makes her mysterious and cool along with all the other regular wonderful baby qualities. Sophia’s aunt, Carla, reported that the baby is fine and healthy, and everyone is doing well. Welcome back to Adam Gebb and his wife, Gretchen, and their children. They have spent the past year living in Ecuador, where they will return after spending the month of August here. I saw Adam and his son Warren on Philbin (the only other place I see people aside from work) this past week. I also saw Nina Butler, who was visiting her family; she is thriving in Boston, and seems quite happy.
Built on Stilts, the “down-Island dance festival,” begins this Thursday, August 8, at Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs. There will be amazing talent from all over the Island and beyond in dance and theater pieces that they’ve created themselves. Performances run Thursday through Sunday, August 11, and then Thursday, August 15, to Sunday, August 18. Doors open at 7:30 pm, and all performances are free.
The Aquinnah Cultural Center has two fabulous events this week. On Thursday they are co-presenting the film “Eating Up Easter” with the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival. The film is about the indigenous people of Easter Island and how tourism to their island is both helping and hurting them (sound familiar?). The film is free and begins at 8 pm. Then the incredible author and professor Robin Wall Kimmerer will be at the ACC this Friday at 4 pm. She will speak on her latest book, “Braiding Sweetgrass.” She will also be available to sign copies of her books. Noli Taylor said that Dr. Kimmerer is one of her idols for her perspective on nature and our connection to it. This talk is a joint effort between the ACC and Island Grown Initiative.
The Aquinnah Artisans Fair will be at the Old Town Hall on Saturday from noon to 4 pm. There will be many beautiful things to purchase (great gifts for hostesses or guests) and baked goods. Artisans at the last fair included Gabbi Camilleri, who makes wonderful casual yet elegant clothes, Eva Weinstein and Charlie Olsen, who are both talented potters, wampum jewelry maker Joan LeLacheur, and Maureen Williams, who paints beautiful still lifes. Stop by and support your local artists.
The Speaker Series at the library continues tonight at 5 pm with Liz Witham, who will speak on her current documentary about right whales. Next week Herb Foster will discuss his latest book. The series is held at the Old Town Hall and is open to everyone, and refreshments are served. Also, at the library this week, Story Time on Thursday at 3:30 pm and Saturday at 10:30 am, Kids Craft on Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm, Music on the Deck Tuesday at 5 pm, and Mid-Week Slowdown Yoga (at the Old Town Hall) on Wednesday at 4 pm.
The First Congregational Church of West Tisbury will present its annual Peach Festival at the church this Saturday, August 10 from noon to 4 pm. They will be serving fresh peaches, smoothies, lemonade, peaches with ice cream, and peach shortcake, and Mad Martha’s special peach ice cream. Take home something delicious from the baked goods table, pick up something fabulous from the vintage jewelry table, and relax on the church lawn with lemonade sold by the Sunday school kids. All proceeds of this fundraiser help support the church.
Martha’s Vineyard Community Services Chicken Alley Thrift Shop will host its 16th annual Art and Collectibles Sale on Sunday, August 11, from 1 to 5 pm on the corner of Church and Main streets in Vineyard Haven. Line placeholder numbers will be handed out starting at 7 am, and the sale will begin promptly at 1 pm. All proceeds from the sale benefit the programs and services of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. This is a much-beloved event; please note the new location due to the Beach Road Weekend. Donations to the art show can be made to the Chicken Alley Thrift Shop at 38 Lagoon Pond Rd. until Thursday, August 8, between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm. For more information, visit mvcommunityservices.org/artsale.
On Monday, August 12, the Outermost Inn will host a fashion show fundraiser to benefit the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School’s annual eighth grade trip to Italy. Next spring, the Charter School will send off its 18th group of kids to Italy for an incredible 10-day adventure. The trip is an amazing experience for all involved (ask Lily Crowell, who was one of the parent chaperones on the trip this year). This fundraiser will make the cost more feasible for the families involved. The show is from 4 to 8 pm and features designs from Kenworthy in Edgartown and Roy Swim. Tickets are $150, and are available at the Outermost Inn, Kenworthy in Edgartown, and at kenworthydesign.com.
Happy birthday to Maureen Williams, who celebrates on Saturday!
