My latest piece for the Grapevine was titled “The Last Supper of Summer,” in which I’m listing what a finale weekend would look like as I try to tackle all the seasonal restaurants that will be closing after Labor Day. It got me thinking about how important these seasonal restaurants — the ones open solely from May through September/October — are to the makeup of our Island community. At times it seems that all we want to do is “support local,” with the caveat that it not only has to be locally owned, but also year-round. It’s good to remember that not every single business on Island can be year-round and profitable. With that, I implore you to use this September as a month to check out these locally owned, seasonal spots — whether it’s for a coffee, a baked good, a lunch with friends, or a dinner with a loved one. Once you do that, make sure to write them a review on Google, I’m sure they’ll appreciate it. Now that my “shop local” plea is out of the way, let me tell you what’s happening this week in Edgartown:
On Sept. 3, you can register for a class on beach plum picking and jam making with the FARM Institute, starting at 5:30 pm. It’s priced between $40 and $50; this hands-on experience is a great way to learn how to make your own beach plum jam. If you would like to attend but are unable to pay, please reach out to lbrown@thetrustees.org for more information. You can find out more information on the website: thetrustees.org/event/448824.
Continuing with the food news, Geraldine Romano recently wrote a romance novel based on the Island, titled “This Time on Martha’s Vineyard,” and I had the honor of writing the back cover blurb. Here’s what I said: “A true Vineyard love story, baked with Island living all the way through. After a decade on Martha’s Vineyard, I know what it takes to build something of your own here. This story gets it right: the sense that everyone’s business is a little bit everyone’s business, and the small-town tangle of old love and new beginnings.” I think it might be in local bookstores soon, so make sure to check it out! Maybe we can get the Edgartown library to also carry a copy? I know just who to call about that, thankfully!
The 81st M.V. Derby kicks off on the 13th, and maybe this is the year that someone takes me out fishing? Not that I’ve ever been interested in being in open water for longer than the 45 minutes I’m on the Steamship, but I hear you can also fish from the shore, and that’s what I’d like to try my hand at. The rituals, camaraderie, and general community energy around the Derby are things I truly admire, and I’d love to learn more about. If you’re that person, email me at marnely@gmail.com — I promise I’ll bring snacks!
If you haven’t bought a ticket for the MVY Chamber’s $10,000 Raffle, now is the time — tickets will be sold only through Sept. 6, and they are only selling 500 tickets, so your odds of winning are great! To buy tickets, you can go online at mvy.com/10000-raffle, or get your tickets in person at 24 Beach St., Vineyard Haven. This is an all-Island raffle, and a portion of the proceeds go to Harbor Homes and Vineyard Havens, two great nonprofits on the island.
Last but certainly not least, a little bird alerted me that on Sept. 5 it’s Marlene Parker’s birthday, so I want to make sure to send her all the love! May your day be filled with joy, good times, and a delicious slice of your favorite cake!
