BETTYE FOSTER BAKER
508-696-9983
One of the coolest spots to hang out in Oak Bluffs is our street mall off Circuit avenue. There are regulars who take their dogs to the gourmet bakery for insatiable doggie treats; other regulars who cruise down in their savvy convertibles to get the mail and meet friends for fancy coffees and “bird-watching” (the human species, of course); and then there are our many tourists who watch the action in utter amazement that folks talk to each other in public places. Most people don’t talk to strangers in our mainland malls, though many yearn to do so, but hang back out of cultural fear or possible rejection. But let’s face it; Oak Bluffs is not like other places. We are unique in so many ways and “people talking” is one of those comfort zones in which we engage enthusiastically.
Our mall has to be an extension of the chamber of commerce, with the Polar Bears claiming that top distinction after the official office on Circuit avenue. Where else can you talk with Faye and our other distinguished postal clerks located on the mall who have the patience of Job and are not only helpful but friendly? They actually remember you and remind you that they do. Where else do you know so many people by first name and routinely stop to “chew the fat?”
Our mall is quite attractive with its beautiful raised flower beds set in brick walls with comfortable benches, just perfect for sitting and hearing the latest. Yes, people do care about the latest news and this is just the spot for updates. If you get bored, or just need something a bit different to occupy your time beyond the mail pick-up, I recommend you take your dog down, (cats are welcome too) or come alone and check out the “something for everybody” shops, and restaurants neatly tucked in the mall corners and across the street. Unsure of what to do for dinner tonight? Check-out the outdoor posted restaurant menus for some delicious offerings. How can you go wrong engaging in social communion, seeing your neighbors, an occasional celebrity or simply sitting quietly reading the newspaper?
The performances of Arleigh Prelow and Jim Thompson at the Tabernacle last week were inspiring. Mr. Thompson’s work on the U.S. Slave Project, which he created, represents years of research and work on slave songs, their meaning and implication for the slave’s escape to freedom. His work, the time and attention he has devoted to this effort deserves commendation. The opening song, Oh, Freedom, provided an opportunity to distinguish between the spiritual and gospel which are often confused as the same. The gospel came later. Mr. Thompson connected the Underground Railroad to the spirituals and the codes within those songs that guided the slaves to freedom. Once a slave made up his mind to escape, he knew he could not turn back – thus the spiritual, “I made my vow to the Lord and I never will turn back. . .” tells of the slave’s recognition that there was no turning back. The spirituals belie the notion that slaves were happy and didn’t care about freedom. The saddest part of escape was leaving behind beloved family, so he ended his presentations with the song, Fare You Well. The music was rich in both content and musicality within a powerful historical context so important to expanding our understanding of the genesis and importance of this musical heritage, and his memorable performance adds to our knowledge of this deep, historical repertoire many are learning about for the first time.
Arleigh Prelow’s segue from Jim Thompson’s slave song presentation to her discussion of Howard Thurman was brilliant as she connected the slave song to the musical score in her film. In her words: “A musical score infused with traditional African American spirituals illuminates Thurman’s personal struggle of spirit as he persists to inspire the soul of America.” Her quote from Howard Thurman was equally illuminating: “The word that love is stronger than hate and goes beyond death is the great disclosure to one who has found that when he keeps open the door of his heart, it matters not how many doors are closed against him.” Arleigh Prelow is an expert on the life and times of Howard Thurman and the depth of her knowledge based on years of research was astounding. We look forward to seeing her new film based on this phenomenal spiritual leader.
Mr. and Mrs. Philip Chapman are looking forward to the arrival of their newest granddaughter, Emily Fay Chapman, to their home on Hartford Park in Oak Bluffs. Emily was born April 18 to her proud parents, Drew and Michele Chapman of West Chester, Pa. Both will join Michele’s sister Morgan for the usual summer fun.
Many of Pauline Robinson-Paris’s family and friends will be on the Island to celebrate her special birthday on July 19 at their summer home on New York avenue in Oak Bluffs. Guests are coming from New York, Florida, and as far away as London and Berlin to honor Pauline and make this birthday an especially happy one in that it is special in so many ways. Pauline and her husband Calvin Paris will be making the most of it. Pauline is from Jamaica, West Indies. She and Calvin winter in Delray Beach, Fla., on Lake Ida — Estates Mango De Paris. Happy birthday, Pauline.
Books! Books! Books! Betty Daniels wants everyone to come out to the Library Friends of Oak Bluffs annual Summer Book Sale this weekend at the Methodist Parish House in the Camp Ground (not at the library). Thousands of hard cover, paperback, children’s and Vineyard books, along with some video and audio selections, will be offered at great prices. The sale runs three days: Friday, July 18, from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, July 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, July 20, from noon to 2 p.m. All proceeds help support the Oak Bluffs Public Library programs. Don’t miss this worthwhile fundraiser.
The Vineyard Nursing Association’s Annual Clambake fundraiser will be held on Wednesday, July 23 at the Field Gallery in West Tisbury. There will be a live and silent auction. There will be acoustic bluegrass music with Don Groover and his band, Train Wreck. Vineyard Sound will also be performing. The clambake is provided compliments of Martha’s Vineyard Clambake Company. The activity begins at 6 p.m. Tickets and information available at vineyardnursing.org or by calling Kristin Buck, director of development at the association, at 508-696-0785.
Planning a wedding, anniversary, family reunion, special tribute? Have guests coming? Let me know. This column shares memories, coming events and all that’s new and exciting in Oak Bluffs. And by the way, don’t forget to open your gifts.
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