Nine years ago the Oak Bluffs selectmen designated the last Saturday in July as Della Hardman Day to commemorate Mrs. Hardman’s work as a scholar, volunteer and an outstanding Islander. This year’s celebration included a speech by Charlayne Hunter-Gault about the 50th anniversary of the civil rights march on Washington, D.C. where Ms. Hardman brought her entire family.

The following day Jim Thomas led his spiritual choir in a sunset performance at the East Chop Lighthouse.