“In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes, and every sunset is different.” –John Steinbeck
Memorial Day weekend was rainy, which was too bad for the many folks visiting and trying to sightsee — but hopefully it was good for the shops and restaurants. And we really needed the rain!
The highlight of my weekend was getting over to the VFW to hear Gordon Healy sing the blues with the incomparable band of Don Groover, Barbara Puciul, Buck Shank, and Tess Walsh on drums. Most people know Gordon from the Animal Shelter, but if you have ever heard him sing, you know that is his true calling! The VFW is such a hidden gem in O.B., a real hometown gathering place where everyone knows your name. The Honorary Tavern serves delicious home cooking, and the music in the canteen is the best.
You can support the wonderful work of our Animal Shelter by attending its grand Garden Party fundraiser on June 28. Tickets are at animalshelterofmv.org
Now June is coming, and it’s such a delicious month! We get to enjoy the early summer weather without the big crowds. The weather keeps getting better, the beach roses are blooming, and the gray landscape has turned to green. Take a moment to look around and enjoy!
MV Sound Series continues on Thursday, May 28, with Delanie Pickering, Honey and Gravel, Wolftrap, and Meredith Sheldon. It’s at the Strand in Oak Bluffs, the music starts at 8 pm, and tickets are at mvsoundfest.com.
Town flags were lowered this month to honor Steve Durkee, who passed away too soon in May. Steve will be sorely missed by our Island community. My condolences to his wife Liz and their family.
“Preparing for Extreme Weather Together” is the Community Climate Discussion on May 30 at the O.B. library, 1:30 to 3 pm. Be part of the solution as all Island towns work toward being better prepared for winter storms and hurricane season. See details and how to join via Zoom at oakbluffslibrary.org.
Tom Dresser will also be at the library, before the climate discussion, to talk about his new book, “Historic Storms of Martha’s Vineyard,” which chronicles some of the dangerous storms the Island has experienced, with photos and stories. That talk is at 12:30 pm.
Sundays in the Park will feature the Dukes Duo on May 31 — bring your chairs and enjoy the music from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
Last week I congratulated Don and Pam Herman on the birth of a grandson, and then I found out there were two — daughter Gail added Eli Douglas Rutherford to the family on May 1! Big congratulations also to Anna and Bobby Perry on the birth of a daughter; welcome to Maeve Louise Perry!
Happy birthday to Patti DeFelice on June 28! Also celebrating are Mary Yancey, Sheryl Dagostino, and Mattie Long. Stacey Porterfield celebrates on May 29. May 31 brings birthday balloons for Melanie Bilodeau, Sarah Shaw Dawson, and Lacey Dinning. Happy birthday on June 2 to Eddie Pacheco, Mia Rebello, and Mary Johnson!
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