The Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living held the first in a series of five cultural luncheons, this one featuring the Contributions and Influence of the Wampanoag, on Nov. 13 at the Grill on Main in Edgartown, with a meal including traditional foods carefully selected and prepared by chef Anthony Saccoccia and his staff to represent a traditional meal of the Wampanoag.

Tables were decorated with a floral arrangement by Ellen O’Brien. Those sitting at specially marked seats each won a bouquet at the end of the day.

Tribal elder, historian and genealogist June Manning gave an historical overview of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) and noted its members’ many accomplishments, contributions and influence across the Vineyard. She was accompanied by Chantal Booker and Faith Smalley, who both noted their involvement as members of the tribal youth group, their accomplishments as dancers at powwows across New England, and their personally designed regalia.

Board members present included president Diane Jetmund, vice-president Karen Achille, treasurer Shirley Dewing, and Eleanor Bates, Olga Church, Charles Cotnoir, Ginger Duarte, Barbara Harnen and Ms. Manning. Former board members there were Anne Deitrich and Connie Teixeira. The center’s director Leslie Clapp, staff members Eileen Murphy and Francine James, former staff member Elsie Baer and valued volunteer Jean Bishop also attended.

Raffle tickets — for an airplane tour around the Vineyard by David Stein, a scenic watercolor by Joseph Palermo, a designer floral bag by Sylvie, two autographed books by Alison Shaw, and wampum jewelry — will be sold over the next six months, with the drawing at the last luncheon.

The center is looking for board members, alternates, and members at large to represent each town, and any motivated individuals to help provide a permanent home for the Supportive Day Program.

Anyone interested should call Ms. Clapp at 508-939-9440, send a note to mailing address Box 1729, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 or e-mail mvcenter 4living@gmail.com. There are always openings for valued volunteers who would like to assist with short-term projects.

Future luncheons will include the Contributions and Influence of the AfricanAmerican community, the Jewish community, the Portuguese community, and women of the whaling days. The next luncheon is scheduled for the end of January.