Last Saturday we were treated to what promises to be the first of what may become the annual Aquinnah Summer Solstice celebration. Shops on the Cliffs were crowded with visitors, as they are every summer weekend. Food was available up there, and crowds of people could be seen sitting at the picnic tables happily munching, while the seagulls hovered hopefully above. Meanwhile, on the Aquinnah Cultural Center lawn, a parade of musicians entertained and uplifted an audience of locals and visitors alike. The backdrop was a beautiful sunny day, sparkling sea, blue skies, and puffy clouds. The magic of drumming, of harmony, of kindness and community filled the air. A huge thank-you goes to the staff of the Aquinnah Cultural Center and to the Wampanoag people for their welcoming spirit, and to the musicians for sharing their neighborly joy.
The advent of summer is marked on our property by the noted absence of our teenage grandchildren. Emmett is off in Wyoming mountaineering and rock climbing, while Tillie is off at the beach, happily reunited with returned summer friends. It is also marked by life now lived mostly outside on our porch. There, two catbirds trustingly and forcefully hop close to us daily, searching for cracker bits. There we tend to dozens of pots of herb, flower, and tomato plants. And there we spend long, lazy evenings as we admire flowers and trees and watch light changing in the sky. We are filled with gratitude for it all.
While growing up, every year our kids looked forward to the library summer reading program that offered small prizes in recognition of books read. Vineyard libraries are kicking off the summer reading program this Saturday, June 27, at the M.V. Regional High School from 3 to 5 pm. There will be music, face painting, hair tinsel, a bounce house, and games. Children can sign up for the reading program there, or at our own Aquinnah library.
The libraries are looking out for the adults as well with their “One Book, One Island” program. This year, in a salute to the 250th anniversary of our country, everyone Island-wide is invited to read “1776,” by David McCullough, and then join a discussion of the book on July 11 at 3 pm at the West Tisbury library. The discussion will be led by Jack Fruchtman, and promises to be lively and germane.
This week marks the beginning of the Aquinnah Flea Market. Happening every Thursday, from 10 am to 4 pm, at the Baptist Church, it is an opportunity for artisans and vendors to display and sell their goods, and for all of us to partake of the bounty. Those who wish to sell should contact Pastor Mike at 508-560-4726 or gilmanjeffers@gmail.com. Vendors are asked to pitch in $10 weekly if they’re over 18, but it’s only $5 for anyone under 18. Buyers and browsers enter for free, of course.
The prolific Thomas Dresser has another book out. This one, “Vineyard Vanguards,” is a collection of dozens of short biographies of Vineyarders who left their mark on the Island over the past four centuries. You’ll recognize the names of most of them, including current Islanders. With a foreword by Guinevere Cramer and sharp images by Joyce Dresser, it has a lot to offer. On Tuesday, June 30, from 1 to 3 pm, Tom is hosting a launch party for the book at his home, with all welcome. If you wish to attend, please RSVP or text 508-627-2393.
Let’s honor the birthdays of Lyle Vanderhoop on June 30, and Diotima Vanderhoop and Meg Bodnar on July 1.