Come see exquisite and moving paintings and drawings celebrating Chilmark’s people, culture, landscapes, and history at the Chilmark library. “The Chilmark Community Art Show,” curated by Virginia Stone, is on display in the meeting room of the Chilmark library till August 23. All are invited to the artists’ reception Saturday, August 8, 2 to 4 pm.
This is also the week before the before the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society’s Fair opens August 13 through the 16th.
The fair runs on volunteers, and could use more help in security and waste management. Those who volunteer at the fair are terrific humans and friends. Perks of volunteering include entry, a volunteer T shirt, and good food and beverages.
Books listing the schedule and entries are available on the front porch of the Ag Hall in West Tisbury, and registrations to enter are due by Thursday, August 6, at 7 pm. Be sure to check out the criteria for the special awards; they are worth competing for.
This weekend, nonperishable entries can be dropped off Saturday and Sunday between 1 and 6 pm. All of these deadlines can sneak up on you, and are firm.
It is with profound sorrow I note the death of the beloved, kind, generous, musical, funny, and faithful John Freeman. On June 22, he was recognized as a lay speaker. His 177 “Daily Thoughts and Prayers,” regularly posted through Apri 4, 2025, on the United Methodist Church of Martha’s Vineyard’s Facebook page, are profound and encouraging. They would make a wonderful book. His memory is a blessing, and the grief of loss is real. Holding his family and all who loved him in the light. The United Methodist Church of Martha’s Vineyard is located in Trinity Park, next to the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs.
The bread and veggies at Beetlebung Farm on Middle Road continue to delight.
Tuesday night at the church, it’s lobster rolls and Judy Mayhew’s cookies, and the Chilmark Flea Market is on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 am to 2 pm.
I’m so pleased to offer the Mighty Sisters Club, welcoming all to tea, conversation, and craft supplies, Wednesdays at Stillpoint, 11 am to noon. Sign up at stillpointmv.org.
While sharing one of the wonderful tree round tables and seats at Iggy’s, the couple that arrived first, in response to Mum’s “Is this seat taken?” remarked, “It’s interesting, only the women ask. Men just take the seat.” I wonder what it would take for everyone to pause and check in with one another when joining a table. Clear communication is kindness.
Wishing Susanne Cronin a very happy birthday this week and next. She is the manager of the entries and the Exhibit Hall at the Ag Fair. Kate Taylor said with wishes for the coming year, “You’re going to love this one.” Let’s carry this forward.
Sig van Raan writes, “It’s definitely August Sunday morning softball, as 25 players showed up to play two very well-played games. The usual mammoth home runs by Junior Farrel — over the trees in left field — and Ed Egers patterned Kerouacs on the road over right field.
“A great mix of older players and younger players — some great fielding by some of the younger guys, clutch hitting by the older guys: Chilmark Softball at its best.”
