BETTYE FOSTER BAKER
508-696-9983
There were so many days during June and early July when a weather makeover of this little piece of paradise became an unshakable obsession. Some of us wished we were the Olympic gods with the power in our mortal hands to change things. In spite of thousands of Island wishes to stop the rain dances, high winds, clouds, hail the size of marbles fell unashamedly out of season on porches and lawns, golf courses and ponds until nagging doubts took hold that the sun would ever be seen again in this summer’s lifetime.
Then as it is with all miracles, powder-blue skies unexpectedly appeared from behind those dark storm clouds just in time for July 4. When the rain stopped, and the sun shone, announcing summer’s official beginning, it ushered in a perfect day for a parade, picnicking, beachcombing, sunbathing and yes, the annual Edgartown fireworks which exploded over Nantucket Sound in a beautiful display, seen here in Oak Bluffs. At the end of the day, we knew life on the Island would be just fine from now on, at least we hoped so.
This weekend I ventured into an almost hidden, but intensely interesting shop, Aequinox Vintage Clothing and Jewelry at 22 Kennebec. This is Aequinox’s second season in Oak Bluffs, and what a find. Sarah Goodhart, the proprietor, sells and buys vintage clothing, jewelry and accessories from all over the world, including the Middle and Far East. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of historical clothing, and her shop is like a gigantic closet filled with the most interesting clothing and jewelry from the Victorian period through the early nineties which generally falls into a class called “retro.”
Clothing here is immediately recognizable by anyone over 50 and has great appeal to those fashionable avant garde types around the Island who wear unique, funky clothing that tends to place them at the center of attention wherever they wander. If you can fit into a five or six, dig spaghetti strap dresses of the fifties, or yearn for a Broadway or historical stage outfit, or a 1920s flapper number, fringes and all — this is your spot. There were 10s and 12s as well, even a 16 and 18. By the way, these sizes are the real sizes; I learned that that twenty-one-and-a-half-inch-waistline I owned at 21, which was a size 10 to 12 then, would be a size 4 now! Really? I actually saw one of those sheer, see-through blouses of the fifties and was amused when my six-year-old granddaughter asked me if you could see the stomach of the person who wore it. I did remember to tell her that this was the age of lacy under-slips that were worn under those blouses, and as I think back, they were pretty risqué then and even more so today when under-slips are no longer in our lexicon, let alone our lingerie drawers.
This store has some serious fashion statements hanging inside, as serious as several Shakespearian-style jackets (costume pieces), one from a theatre that opened in 1890 and closed in 1955. Several are adorned with metal fringe, brass buttons and frilly collars. Sarah has carried some that have long tails as well and a piece original to the 1915 Chicago Opera House. Hannah, a delightfully helpful salesperson, was working the day I happened in and she has a terrific knowledge of the store items. By the way, if you’re one of those people who were too afraid to have your ears pierced, Sarah probably has a collection of fancy, dramatic clip-on earrings that will fill any bill!
Oak Bluffs artist Eva Gallant will be featured with other Island artists in a new show at the Shaw Cramer Gallery in Vineyard Haven. Artists in the show contributed to a new book titled Vineyard Artists in the Kitchen, which showcases their work as well as a favorite recipe. Eva specializes in knitted wire, a very unusual transparent, highly textural medium that will surely captivate the imagination of visitors to the gallery. Of particular interest is a work titled Wire and Beads, a knitted wire and bead dress! Eva is donating a smaller piece to the gallery, Doll Baby, which is a knitted wire baby’s dress. A reception will be held at the gallery on Friday, July 10, 6 to 8 p.m. where artists’ work and the book will be available for sale.
Speaking of displays, the Oak Bluffs library had a spectacular opening for its summer reading program. Children’s author Kate Feiffer was the catalyst, which created much excitement as she explained the main characters and read excerpts from her latest book, The Problem with the Puddles. The book tells the story of a couple, with two children, who simply can’t agree on anything including what to name their dog. Dr. Roger Morris was there with his granddaughter, five-year-old Cydni Morris, who, along with 40 other anxious faces, was ready to participate in the summer reading program, Starship Adventure.
The children’s faces lit up as they listened to the author and learned of the many awards to be given for reading books over the summer. Some children played a floor game of jumping puddles, and everyone enjoyed a piece of the huge puddle cake which was served to promote the book’s title. Julianne Walker of Washington, D.C., who is spending much of this summer with her grandparents, the Bakers, was determined to plow through the book though she’s only in first grade. It is her newest companion, along with Addy Walker, her American Girl doll. In 30 days the children will return to the library to share their reading of The Problem with the Puddles, with the author, Kate Feiffer.
The library’s Starship Adventure Summer Reading Program goes from July 1 to August 29. There are eight planets or destination levels to complete the program. For every documented one hour a child reads (or four picture books read or read to the child), he or she earns a planet destination level. Children can complete all or some of the eight destinations levels (planets) at any pace as long as they are completed by August 29. Those who complete the program will earn a summer reading program 2009 T-shirt as long as they last.
How lucky we are to have such a wonderful children’s department in our library. Research tells us that children involved in summer reading programs retain prior skills learned during the regular school year, and those who do not participate in these programs lose prior gains and often fall behind in their reading, thus creating learning problems and issues of self-esteem. It’s not too late to join in this fun reading program.
Police chief Erik Blake and former police chief Major General Joseph C. Carter, now adjutant general of the Massachusetts National Guard, and his daughter, were present for the Polar Bears’ 62nd opening of the swim season at Town Beach (Inkwell) on July 4. About 40 Polar Bears, family members and friends, many new to the Island, enjoyed the camaraderie and delicious smorgasbord. As it is each summer, it turned out to be a reunion. The swimming Bears were there early to take their first dip and emerged cold and ready for another swimmingly fun summer.
Claire Hargrave, president, and Jim Kaplan, vice president, of the Island bridge club are seeking new members who enjoy playing duplicate bridge. The club meets every Saturday morning from now through Sept. 2, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A continental breakfast is served and the play of hand begins at 9:30. Humphrey’s donates donuts and Stop & Shop donates pastries. The club meets at the senior center in Tisbury on Pine Tree Road. Cost is $4 per session. Give Clara Hargrave a call if you’re interested: 508-627-5463.
Norma Kilson, who was an avid bridge player, secretary of the bridge club and a longtime Island resident, passed this past spring. She was also a member of the book club, and Women Reaching. Ms. Kilson lived in the subrubs of Boston. She will be missed by friends, family and bridge club cohorts.
Here is a sampling of activities in our town this week.
Saturday, July 11, 7 p.m.: The Tabernacle will present the Millennium Gospel Choir in Concert. This is the fourth year that these 50 wonderfully gifted singers who perform songs of faith and praise have been in concert on the Island. They are considered to be a highlight of the season. The group is affiliated with the New England Conservatory of Music.
Sunday, July 12: Union Chapel Services: The Rev. Susan Sparks, senior minister at the Madison Avenue Baptist Church, New York, N.Y., is the only female comedian in the country with a pulpit. A former trial lawyer, Rev. Sparks is a pioneer in the area of spirituality and humor. The first woman pastor of the historic church in New York city will speak on Laughing Your Way to Grace, based on scripture. Union Chapel is located at the south end of Kennebec and Circuit avenues in Oak Bluffs. The service prelude begins at 9:45 a.m. and services at 10 a.m. The Chapel welcomes everyone to its nondenominational service. Informal summer attire is acceptable.
Sunday, July 12, 9:30 a.m.: Tabernacle interdenominational Sunday Worship Service, Robert Raines, retired United Church of Christ Minister, from Guilford, Conn., will preach. On Monday, July 12, 9 a.m. to noon, Rev. Raines will present a workshop, Spirituality for the Later Years.
Tuesday, July 14, 7 p.m.: Tuesday Lecture Series at Featherstone Center for the Arts will explore another interesting topic, Breathing in the Buddha, with Alan Brigish. Admission free.
Tuesday, July 14, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m: The Oak Bluffs library will present Sabrina Buehler from Ng’ombe in Lusaka, Zambia, who will show slides and talk about the Chikumbuso Project, an African Women and Orphans Community Development Project. Begun in January 2005 with one widow and her seven children, the program works to improve women’s education and develop skills to create and sustain small businesses based on microeconomics. The program continues to grow and welcomes support. A benefit concert will be held on July 16 at Union Chapel, Oak Bluffs.
Thursday, July 16, 7 to 10 p.m., Union Chapel, Oak Bluffs, The Chikumbuso Project benefit concert will feature the music of seventies great Aztec Two-Step. Meet the band and the founders of the project at the pre-concert reception and silent auction. Admission is $25.
Thursday, July 16, 6 to 8 p.m.: The Oak Bluffs library will present the Hon. Marie Laurence Joceyln Lassegue, Haiti’s Minister of Women’s Affairs and Rights, who will be here from July 15 to 19, as the guest of the volunteers of Martha’s Vineyard Fish Farm, which supports the Haiti and PeaceQuilts projects. The minister will be accompanied by a small delegation, and is here to support the Island to Island Solidarity initiative.
Friday, Sunday, July 17 to 19: Friends of the Oak Bluffs Library will host their annual book sale at the Methodist Parish House on the Camp Ground. The proceeds support the library. Friday, noon to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; on Sunday, noon to 2 p.m., books are free with donation.
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