“Your problem isn’t the problem, it’s your attitude about the problem.“ Ann Brashares
Oak Bluffs will celebrate the arrival of the first ferry of the 2026 season in style this year! On May 14, the ferry will dock to a welcome ceremony, followed by a celebration with coffee, doughnuts, and live music by the Mike Benjamin Band. The lucky passengers will receive “keys to Oak Bluffs,” plus discount coupons and informational flyers to make their visit more informed and fun. This is a wonderful new tradition planned by the town of Oak Bluffs and the Oak Bluffs Economic Development Council.
I love it! I think that we should keep it up — how about if we greet every first boat on Thursdays like this! I mean, imagine how we could turn attitudes around this way, especially in August!
Save the date: The P.A. Club is hosting the MDW Craft Fair on Saturday, May 23, from 11 to 4. Vineyard Artisans will fill the space with their art, clothing, jewelry, and goodies. Great time to shop local!
Featherstone Center for the Arts opened its annual “Art of Flowers” exhibit on May 3. This gorgeous and inspiring show will be up through May 24, so don’t miss it. The gallery is open daily from noon to 4 pm. While you are there, check out the companion exhibit by the children of Garden Gate Preschool, “The Art of Flowers Through the Eyes of Children,” in the Schule Chapel Gallery.
Featherstone has also published the schedule for its summer 2026 concerts on the lawn, one of my favorite summer activities! If you like to plan ahead, check the schedule at featherstoneart.org. It’s all happening!
Porchfest Edgartown is happening on Saturday, May 16. I know this is all the way over in Edgartown, but if you love our local live music like I do, don’t miss this chance to see just about everybody perform in one day. Starting at 1 pm, the musicians play throughout the town on various porches and squares, right though 6 pm with the Dock Dance band at Memorial Wharf. Check out the schedule at visitedgartown.org. And remember, the VTA bus is still free, making it easy to get there!
Tom Dresser has published his newest book, “Historic Storms of Martha’s Vineyard.” Tom describes his book as “not just an historical tome but a warning,” as bigger and stronger hurricanes are likely in the future. This fascinating book chronicles storms battering the Vineyard dating back to the 1600s. It’s available at local bookstores and through Tom’s website, tomdresser.com.
Happy birthday to Kelli Pecararo on May 14! Marie Doubleday celebrates her day on May 17. Birthday hugs and dragonflies to Angella Henry on the 19th. Henry Diodati blows out his candles on the 20th. He shares the day with Annie Parsons — shout-out across the pond! Sending heavenly birthday wishes on the 20th to a woman who knew how to celebrate, my dear friend Dee Moyer.
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