“Summer — the time when parents realize how underpaid teachers are.” –Unknown
I’m sure some parents are feeling summer fatigue, as fun as it all can be! Juggling camps, work, summer guests, traffic, and beach sand can feel like a lot. September is coming!
A big shout-out to the Ag Fair staff for a wonderful event! I, for one, was so happy it was earlier in August — it felt so calming to attend a welcoming, inclusive, community-based event in the middle of a month that has felt very overwhelming.
Come to the Art Stroll on Dukes County Avenue on Saturday, August 22, and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Alison Shaw Gallery! It does not seem possible that it has been 20 years since Alison and Sue opened their beautiful gallery in the old Firehouse building. We are lucky to have our own “artists’ row,” including Michael Blanchard Gallery, Judith Schubert studio, and Galaxy Arts, which will host an ART Yard Sale. Enjoy an evening of art, inspiration, and Island spirit from 4 to 7 pm. See you there!
Time to clean the bookshelves! The Library Friends of Oak Bluffs are holding a book drive on Saturday, August 23, from 11 am to 2 pm at the library. They are accepting fiction and nonfiction for adults, teens, and children. All books must be in good to excellent condition with no odor or damage. Bring donations into the meeting room, please. All donations support free, year-round programming at the public library. More info at libraryfriendsob@gmail.com.
The Sunset Concert series at the Tabernacle continues Friday, featuring the Jon Bates Band on August 21 at 6 pm.
Featherstone Musical Mondays will present Jodie Trealor and her band, Sneakytown — which is a very sneaky band, as you never know who will show up! The music starts at 6 pm. And don’t forget to get your tickets to see the Delanie Pickering band, which includes members of the infamous Bluetones on August 27 (also at Featherstone).
A few summers ago, I met a very interesting young man, Jeff Burnett. He was working on research into the history and archaeology of the Oak Bluffs Highlands. Through interviews and scientific research, he has completed the project, which includes the Baptist Temple and East Chop neighborhood. He will have a discussion of his work and next steps at the Oak Bluffs library on Wednesday, August 26, from 11 to 12:30 pm. It is truly a fascinating look at the roots of this historic neighborhood; don’t miss it.
Another inclusive community event in August was Built on Stilts — kudos to Abby Bender and crew on their 30th year! To help ensure that it can continue, there will be a fundraiser party on August 28 at the P.A. Club. Come enjoy an evening of fun, performances, dancing, food, and silent auction. Tickets at builtonstilts.org.
Happy birthday to Alyssa DaSilva, Robin Davies, and Jay LaVoie on August 20!
Erin deBettencourt celebrates on August 23. Birthday balloons go to Rob Oslyn on August 26 (I won’t mention how many).
Stay kind out there! Send me your news!
