Being kind is something we should all strive to be, but the week after a heatwave during Fourth of July weekend on Martha’s Vineyard might be the week to be the kindest ever — to family, friends, and every single person that works in the hospitality industry on-Island. A round of applause to everyone from the VTA bus drivers moving hundreds of people from town to town, to the cooks on the line at your favorite Edgartown restaurants standing side by side with steaming-hot ovens, and everyone in between — you all are truly the heroes, surviving while serving. Here’s what’s coming up this week:
Join Thomas Dresser on July 9 for an author talk about his latest book, “Vineyard Vanguards: Historic Trailblazers and Their Legacies,” at the Edgartown library, from 6 to 7 pm. This book chronicles the Islanders, off-Islanders, and immigrants throughout history who have contributed to the unique community of Martha’s Vineyard. From Wampanoag leaders, whaling captains, and U.S. presidents to writers, farmers, and business owners, generations of Vineyard men and women are recognized for their achievements.
On July 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the FARM Institute, join Good Pierogi for a delicious lesson in culture and community.This hands-on workshop will explore the art of pierogi making, where you’ll create both sweet and savory fillings from scratch. Each participant will make a dozen handmade pierogi to take home. You’ll culminate the class with a delicious shared meal on the farm porch, rounded out with fresh produce from the educational garden. Every event I’ve attended at the FARM Institute has always been delicious, so you’ll be in for a treat! Register on its site; price for the class is $64 for members, $80 for nonmembers.
On Fridays (4-7 pm) and Sundays (10 am to noon), Slough Farm has a ceramics open studio, designed for makers of all experience levels who want space, tools, and community to work on personal projects, or explore clay at their own pace. Participants will have access to wheels, hand-building tools, worktables, and shared glazes, with a facilitator on hand for light guidance and support. It’s $15 per session, and you do have to register on the website.
If you’re looking for dining in Edgartown in July, parking seems to be the biggest issue at times when choosing a location. Here are some delicious options that also have seemingly accessible parking: Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery, Black Sheep Mercantile, Cozy Corner Cafe, Dunes at the Winnetu, Edgartown Meat and Fish Market, Fish House Market, Indigo Indian Restaurant, Katama Kitchen, Lucky Hank’s, Morning Glory Farm, Town Bar & Grill, Wicked Burger, and Wolf’s Den Pizzeria. I list these as someone who is a passenger princess and is not in possession of a driver’s license, so take this advice with that warning, but in general, most of these spots have designated parking areas, and won’t have you looping Main Street 17 times before finding a spot. Either way you choose, may the parking luck be forever in your favor this summer!
Last but not least, activities are in full swing at the Chappy Community Center. Last two Mondays (July 6 and 13) for Donuts on the Deck from 8 to 9 am. Yoga on Mondays and Wednesdays at 8:30 am. Mahjong at 1 pm on Mondays. Ice cream window on Wednesdays at 3 pm, and much more! Check out the CCC website at chappycommcenter.org for full details!
Birthday shout-outs go out to Adam Darach and Amanda Murtha (July 11); Sarah Banks and Tina Miller (July 14); Margot Datz and Raphael Shai (July 16). Cheers to summer birthdays!