The West Tisbury School gave the eighth graders a wonderful send off last Thursday. It was held at the Ag Hall which had been decorated by parents the day before. It was a lovely evening, and each student was dressed carefully according to their own style, lots of white dresses for the girls and some funky mirrored shades on many of the boys. Some eighth graders gave speeches about their time at the West Tisbury School, including Josie Powers, Broden Vincent and Rodeo Purves-Langer. The band performed two songs very well and Josie Powers and Elliot Stead did a wonderful rendition of “Stand by Me.” It was hard not to cry throughout the whole evening, but I did my best. And now these wonderful students are off to high school, how quickly it goes by.
At the library this week, the book group will be meeting on Thursday, June 17, at 3 pm to discuss Tillie Olsen’s “Tell Me a Riddle,” email aq_mail@clamsnet.org to attend. On Saturday, June 19, there will be a talk on mushroom growing at 10 am and a watercolor workshop at 2 pm, email jmatecjek@clamsnet.org to participate in either of those workshops.
The Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club is happy to announce that their Blooming Art show is back this year at the Old Mill in West Tisbury. It starts on Friday, June 18, and runs through Sunday, June 20. This celebration of fine art and floral design is the Garden Club’s major fundraiser of the year. They will be exhibiting the work of 34 Vineyard artists along with floral designs created by Garden Club members. All artworks will be for sale with a percentage of sales going to the club. The hours are 10 am to 6 pm on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm, admission fee is $10 to be paid at the door. Lots of up-Island artists will be part of the show including Jay Lagemann, Wendy Weldon, and Marianne Neill. The Old Mill is located at 690 Edgartown West Tisbury Road in West Tisbury, across from the Mill Pond. The Old Mill has been owned and maintained by Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club since 1942.
The M.V. Film Festival drive-in at the Ice Arena is back. On Friday, June 18, “Moana” will be shown preceded by a family sing-along. “The Greatest Showman” will be on Saturday, June 19. June finishes off with a “Star Wars” fest. They will screen all three original “Star Wars” films from June 24 to 26. Go to tmvff.org to reserve tickets.
I’m happy to report that Neva Goldstein will be teaching yoga in Aquinnah again. Classes will be Vinyasa style, Monday, and Wednesday mornings at 9 am, starting June 21, at the Aquinnah town hall. Masks will not be required for those who are fully vaccinated. All students must bring their own mats and props. Class fee is $20. Neva is a wonderful teacher and welcomes students of different abilities.
Kara Taylor opens her gallery on June 25 with lots of new work.
On Saturday, June 19, at 2 pm (just before town meeting), join members of the Aquinnah Parks and Recreation Committee and Housing Committee for a tour of the town-owned land behind town hall to discuss plans for a new playground, affordable housing, and a food forest. Meet at town hall to walk the site, look at designs, ask questions and share ideas. There will be a vote at the town meeting to support these plans. The annual town meeting will take place at 3 pm in front of the fire station.
Happy Birthday to Ava Castro who celebrates on June 17, and to Faith Smalley who celebrates June 20.
Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 20. Happy Father’s Day to C.J., Jed, Curtis, Peter, Jim N., Jim W., Adam, Mike, Jay B., Jay S., Taylor, Jimmy S., Jimmy B., Lang, Leigh, Jeffery, Jason, Jerry, Spa, Vern, Bruce I., Todd, Eddie, Phil, Steve, Bruce E., Shawn, Isaac, Hugh, Paul, Derrill, Jim V., Vernon, Spencer, Darrin, Jay T., Eric, Nick, Len, Phil, Francis, Elliott, Frank, Patrick, Alan, Tom, Seth, Woody, Chip, Buddy, David, and Cully, and in loving memory of Luther and Ricky. My apologies to any dads that I forgot, if you let me know they will get a shout out next week.
If you have any Aquinnah Town Column suggestions, email Molly Purves, mlpurves@yahoo.com.
