As I do my weekly research for this column, I’ve come across a lot of fish. Starting with the fall art initiative from the Edgartown Board of Trade, back for its ninth year. I’m talking about the Bass in the Grass Fundraiser, which kicks off this week on the 25th with the showcase at the Carnegie Heritage Center. The auction is going live online on its site, bassinthegrassmv.com. Edgartown’s Bass in the Grass 2026 is brought to you by presenting sponsors E.C. Cottle and Edgartown Meat & Fish Market.
And you can’t talk about fish in September without talking about the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby. One thing I want to showcase is the Derby’s fillet program, which allows anglers to donate their catch to provide fresh, locally caught fish to the Island’s elderly. The program ensures that thousands of pounds of high-quality fish are processed and distributed in coordination with the local senior centers. They partner with the Martha’s Vineyard Seafood Collaborative to quickly process and deliver a quality product, so if you’re fishing the Derby, make sure to ice your catch, as only fish that are properly cared for will be accepted for the senior center fillet program.
On to events this week: The Erica Wilson shop on 21 Kelly St. hosts a “Sip ‘n Stitch” free event every Thursday night from 6 to 7:30 pm. All are welcome to join this fun night to socialize and share needlepoint tips and tricks! On Saturday the 26th, meet the friendly Icelandic horses and enjoy a special opportunity to take a ride around Slough Farm! Children ages 4 and up will be accompanied by their equine manager, Sam Cooperrider, and guided through a gentle 15-minute ride. Preregistration is required; it cannot accommodate drop-ins. Full details and registration can be found at bit.ly/SF_IcelandicRides.
Next up, Sunday the 27th is the last Sunday to take advantage of the “Family Flower You Pick” event, also at Slough Farm, where you can bring friends and family to pick flowers, arrange them, and take them home. For more details and to register ($10), go to bit.ly/SF_FamilyFlowerpicking
Heading into downtown again, the Carnegie Heritage Center is hosting an exhibit by lifelong Edgartown resident, businessman, craftsman, and community figure Leo Convery, who has spent more than nine decades carving out a remarkable life on Martha’s Vineyard. Later in life, Leo found his true artistic calling: woodcarving. Inspired by the Island around him, he transforms wood into striped bass, tuna, shorebirds, and other familiar creatures of Vineyard waters and skies. His work has earned numerous blue ribbons and first-place honors at the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair, including two first-place awards this year. My condolences go out to the entire family, as Leo’s wife, Alison Convery, who shared a life deeply rooted in creativity, craftsmanship, family, and Island community with him, passed away at the age of 92 this past week.
Losing a loved one is one of life’s biggest trials, and that’s why Hospice & Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard has organized a free, one-day grief camp for children in grades K-8 and their families at Slough Farm on Sept. 27 from 9 to 5 pm. Applications have been accepted, and continue to be on a rolling basis, until capacity is reached. To apply or learn more, email campbythesea@hospiceofmv.org.
May we all continue to celebrate life, so birthday congratulations are in order. Cheers to Melissa Norton Vincent on Sept. 24, Susie Wallo on Sept. 26, Andrea McGroarty, Mariko Kawaguchi, Kathy Ivory, and Nathan Briggs on Sept. 27; and Sofia Tejeda on Sept. 29! May your days be filled with joy; happy birthday!
