“You must think for yourself, or others will do your thinking for you.” –Henry David Thoreau
Indigenous Peoples’ Day will be celebrated on Monday, Oct. 9. This holiday was recognized and made official in 2021 to honor the legacy, impact, and contributions of native people throughout the U.S. Here on this Island we know as Martha’s Vineyard, it feels especially fitting that we honor the indigenous people who first settled here, and still call Noepe their home.
I celebrated the beginning of October by driving up to Aquinnah, walking on the beach and visiting the Cliff shops. It was great to see Del Araujo at Aquila, and sit on their gorgeous deck to take in the view with a delicious iced tea. It was busy up there; the sun was out, the 10k race had just ended, the lighthouse was open, and lots of sightseers were exploring and taking pictures.
Bravo to Island Theatre Workshop on their production of “Little Shop of Horrors”! It was fabulous, hilarious, and terrifying. The singing “urchins” (Leandra Seward, Lauren Scheffer, and Cassidy Look Jackson) practically stole the show, Augie Padua was absolutely frightening as the sadistic dentist, and Ken Romero was endearing as the lovestruck Seymour — but I will never forget watching Brad Austin being devoured by the giant plant. I hope he has recovered, and kudos to everyone involved in the show!
Congratulations to Laurel Redington on her new position with the M.V. Museum! Laurel is now director of programming and community outreach, and she is very happy with her new position and the team she is working with at the museum. Laurel and Ray have also welcomed a new family member, a German shepherd puppy named Caruso. Lucky puppy!
Laurel, I just read that dog trainer Jeremy Jones is offering a six-week puppy training course at the Animal Shelter. Jeremy is the best — I can vouch for that because of my two perfectly behaved grand-puppies! The Sunday classes at 9:30 am started on Oct. 1. Call the Animal Shelter for more info: 508-627-8662.
Did you know that there is a lot of dancing going on at our library? Hannah is teaching “Tap Dance” on Saturdays from 10:30 to 11:30 am, and then at noon it is “Salsa Suelta” with Christina Montoya. This Saturday, Christina will be joined by a Boston-based dance company to teach salsa partnering. If you prefer hiking outdoors, join “Trails and Ales” on Saturday afternoon. On Oct. 7, the hike will be at Sepiessa Point Reserve; meet at the trailhead at 2 pm for a hike with friends, and then meet at Offshore Ale afterward to quench your thirst. Each Saturday in October, hike a different trail to watch autumn unfold in the woods and along the shorelines of the Island.
Martha’s Vineyard was featured in the N.Y. Times last Sunday, with a story about Island weddings and the people who work them. It was a refreshing slant, focusing on the year-round businesses that set up, decorate, and cater the lavish weddings, and the staff who work their second or third jobs at these weekend events. Locals like Willy Nevin (works catering on the weekends after a full week at the bank) and Eva Faber (owns Goldie’s Rotisserie with her partner Lexi Roth) were interviewed for their perspectives. It was a good article, highlighting the talent we have here to create beautiful events, and also the challenges of living here.
This Sunday, Oct. 8, the film “Martha’s Vineyard v. DeSantis” will be aired on MSNBC and Peacock at 10 pm — a chance to see the film if you (like me) missed the showing here last month.
Sundays in the Park this week offers John O’Toole at the Ocean Park bandstand from 5 to 7 pm.
Washington Park Open Market is also on Sunday, from 10 to 2. There are always some great finds there, and maybe this is the last one for the season, so get a jump on your Christmas shopping.
Happy birthday on Oct. 5 to Madame President of the MV NAACP, Toni Kaufman! Sweet Charlotte Goeckel will blow out nine candles on Oct. 6. Happy anniversary to Grace and Albie Robinson on Oct. 7! Dan Henry celebrates on Oct. 8, along with Donna Joyce and Ben Biron. On Oct. 9, big birthday hugs go to Iris Albert, who was born the day before her mom Rhonda’s birthday, on Oct.10. Hope you ladies celebrate in style! Leigh Ann Yuen and Todd Rebello also celebrate birthdays on the 9th. On the 10th, along with Rhonda Albert, we celebrate Anita Billings, and we remember our dear Leah Mercaldo, while sending birthday love to her twin, Deirdre O’Connor.
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If you have any Oak Bluffs Town Column suggestions, email Joanne Lambert, joannelamber@gmail.com.