“Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity.” –Herbert Hoover
July Fourth is upon us, and the summer schedule is officially full. It’s that time of year to pay attention to the calendar and plan ahead so you don’t miss out! Sometimes the best plan is to stay on your porch, and that’s O.K. too!
The Martha’s Vineyard Polar Bears are celebrating 80 years this summer with joy, music, and community. The Trumpet Chics from Camden, N.J. are on-Island for a few performances. You can catch their show at the Strand on July 2 and 3 at 2 pm. This is a fun and fabulous show for all ages.
July 3 at 6 pm, Cousen Rose Gallery will present a special exhibit of art inspired by the Polar Bears. Attend the opening and meet some of the 20-plus artists who have captured the spirit of the Polar Bears experience.
July 4 is the official summer kick-off for Polar Bears’ daily water exercise and fellowship at 7:30 am. There are swimmers, there are aerobics, there is meditation, and most of all there is joy. Later that day, the Trumpet Chics will perform a concert for the community at Ocean Park at 2 pm.
The MVCMA “Sunset Concert Series” begins on July 3 with the music of Seán MacMahon from 6 to 7:30 pm. Bring your chairs to the lawn in front of the Tabernacle to enjoy this free concert. Please leave your dogs at home.
July Fourth is a busy day in the Campground. The children’s parade is at 9 am, and at noon the Tabernacle will host the reading of Frederick Douglas’s powerful speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” At 7 pm, the Tabernacle will be filled with music to celebrate America by the Island Community Chorus.
The Gingerbread Cottage Tour is back for the 26th year. Thursday, July 9, is the day six cottages will be open for tours from 10 am to 3 pm. See the interesting details and learn the history of each unique home. Tickets in advance are $50, with the proceeds benefiting the community programs of the MVCMA. Tickets, details and other events are at mvcma.org.
On Sunday, July 5, Concerts in the Park presents Rose-Coloured Glasses at the Bandstand, 5:30 to 7:30 pm. We have another chance to hear Darby Patterson sing when she plays with her band at Featherstone on Monday, July 6, at 6:30 pm.
Happy July birthday to Lexi Loyott on July 2! I hope Richard Michelson makes it back to his Island home to celebrate his day on the 3rd; Jeannie Delguidice celebrates on the 3rd also. On the Fourth of July, two famous songwriters were born in different eras: Stephen Foster, 1826 (“Oh! Susanna”) and Bill Withers, 1938 (“Lean on Me”).
Nick Diodati celebrates on July 5. He shares the day with Suzanne Rollins. Happy anniversary to Kim and Larry Jones on the 6th! Birthday balloons go to Phil daRosa, Barbara Puciul, Erin Pacheco, and Roger Maxfield on July 7.
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