I’ve lived on the Vineyard 16 years and have never seen the likes of last weekend’s traffic. Lines snaking in every direction while backed up cars try to get into the flea, the farmers market, down the hill to Menemsha. It was a bustling fourth, with an ever changing parade of clouds.
Flanders Field softball season opened with a crowd of all ages, see my story about opening day here: bit.ly/2SPjYTx. Games begin at 8 am, all are welcome.
The other week I stopped by North Tabor Farm, admiring their newly planted farmstand garden bed, when Rebecca Miller and Tabor, a farmhand living with the family, emerged from replenishing goods for sale. They’ve increased their pantry stock, and if there’s something you’re looking for and they don’t have it, let them know.
I’m still adjusting to that August feeling when on a nice day every parking space, including Home Port’s, is taken in Menemsha. It does feel good to see the world return to a summer rhythm, even if it’s just a bit faster than I’m ready for.
Register now for the Chilmark Road Race, scheduled for Saturday, August 14, at bit.ly/3wftgpG.
The M.V. Museum, aiming to complete their Island phone book collection, needs any prior to 1975. Please contact Dan or Bow Van Riper (MVM librarian) at the museum to donate.
If you missed the recent book signing, get a copy of Laurie David’s new book “Imagine It! A Handbook for a Happier Planet” at Bunch of Grapes or Edgartown Books, Morrice Florist, and Grey Barn Farm.
Kate Taylor, last week’s hybrid MVBLM Beetlebung Corner Vigil speaker, told the story of Marcellis Stinnette, a 19-year-old black man murdered by a Waukegan policeman in October 2020. Dana Nunes led everyone in a rousing chorus of “America the Beautiful.” In-person/Zoom Sunday vigils at Beetlebung Corner (on the library lawn) are at 10:30 am. All are welcome. Stay informed, write to mvyblm@gmail.com.
Learn about Native Earth Teaching Farm’s summer offerings from the Community Garden to Goat Happy Hour at bit.ly/2TiIoVH.
The Chilmark Community Church services are on Sundays at 9 am and are held outdoors on the patio behind the main church building and on Zoom, connect at bit.ly/2QOaWp1.
Island Folk Pottery’s Sculpture Trail and Shop are open: Trail hours are 9 am to 5 pm daily, and the shop is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 2 to 5 pm. See islandfolkpottery.com for more info.
The Chilmark library now has appointment hours from 11 am to 1 pm and walk-ins (ages 12 and up) from 1 to 4 pm (not available Fridays or Sundays). Hold pickups are during walk-in hours and are available on a cart next to the self checkout. Porch pickup is by request only. Bring your library card and check yourself out. Mechanic Shop Femme’s Chaya Milchtein explains the Whys and Whens of Car Maintenance on Thursday, July 8, at 7 pm. Join the Writing for Young People Group on Saturday, July 10, at 2 pm to share a work in progress or be inspired, from picture book to YA. Want to learn more about Libby eBooks and eAudio? Join the patrons’ virtual training on Monday, July 12, at 10 am. Register at bit.ly/vineyardhaventrain. Missis Biskis returns for Patio Music on Wednesday, July 14, at 6 pm; bring a blanket or folding chair. No Thursday Take and Make Crafts on July 8, but continuing thereafter. STEAM Saturday craft bags every other week starting July 10 (best for ages 7 and older, or younger with adult help). Email tthorpe@clamsnet.org for information and the Zoom invite. Sign up for the Summer reading Program online or contact the library at 508-645-3360.
Thistle Jemison, composer, singer, and harpist leads the neo-classical harp trio Thistle in an outdoor concert of original music inspired by the writings of Victorian poets Andersen and Poe at the CCC’s outdoor tent on Saturday, July 10, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door; see chilmarkcommunitycenter.org/memberships/thistle.
If you wanted to see filmmaker Ken Burns sneak-peek screening of his new docuseries “Muhammad Ali” on Tuesday, July 13, you’ll have to join MVFF’s waitlist here tmvff.org/special-events-waitlist.
Pathways continues Open Writing & Poetry Tuesdays on Zoom from 7 to 9 pm; you can read or just listen. Link is bit.ly/3uL2eGo. Watch “Nightlife in Reverse,” John Baer’s video animation of the world of Richard Lee projected onto the M.V. Museum building from 9 to 10 pm on Saturday, July 10. On Sunday, July 11, from 7 to 9 pm, head to the Tisbury Water Works for free live music with Tristan Israel, Nancy Jepcote, and Paul Thurlow, also Andy Herr and friends. Keep up on all Pathways Arts offerings at pathwaysmv.org.
In-person Kaiut Yoga at Peaked Hill Studio on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 9 am. Also Tuesday, 11 am, offers a Foot Work class. Register at peakedhillstudio.com. Mollie Doyle Yoga at the Beach Plum Inn on Wednesdays at 8 am and Saturdays at 9 am, register at MollieYoga.com.
Check It’s a Chilmark Thing on Facebook for up-to-date information about our town and Island.
Have a good week.
If you have any Chilmark Town Column suggestions, email Valerie Sonnenthal, vsonnenthal@gmail.com.
