JUNE D. MANNING

508-645-2574

(lthslnks@gis.net)

All of the shops at the Cliffs will be open for the summer season with Howwasswee Trading Post, Faith’s Seafood, Dreamcatcher, HatMarChar, On the Cliffs, Stony Creek and the Aquinnah Shop all ready to welcome the influx of the season. Down the road a bit, the Outermost Inn is open for the season and neighbors Paul, Louise and Jenna Petersiel have once again opened the Chilmark Tavern.

All across Aquinnah, lawns have been mowed, the shad and beach plum bushes are in full bloom, daffodils have blossomed and the trees have finally greened. Boats are making their way to their moorings following winter storage. Seasonal residents are opening their homes and are arriving daily. Summer is just three weeks away.

Thank you to Arthur and Priscilla Dickson for their decorating the cemetery with flags for Memorial Day in honor of our veterans. Years ago it was known as Decoration Day and we thank the Dicksons for their loyalty in placing flags at the grave of every veteran in Aquinnah.

The Aquinnah Cultural Center presents Wampanoag Traditional Games Day on Saturday, May 28 at the Aquinnah Circle from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The games are for pre-K through grade 12. Rain date will be on May 29. The day will be fun for Wampanoag and nontribal Aquinnah children to play traditional games while learning their cultural meaning and context. The goal is to foster a cooperative relationship through understanding and respect for cultural differences and values. Lunch will be provided for participating children. Parents may bring a picnic lunch or purchase food at the shops on the Cliffs. Games will include hubbub, football, hoop and spear, foot races, double ball, toss and catch. Games rules, instructions and materials will be provided by the cultural center staff. For further information, please call 508-645-7900.

Memorial Day will be celebrated on Monday with 425 flags raised at the avenue of flags in Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven. Your assistance would be welcomed to raise the flags at 7:30 a.m. and to take them down at 3 p.m. The Memorial Day Parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. from the American Legion in Vineyard Haven which is always a nice way to honor those who have served to protect our freedom.

Anna Duarte has regretfully retired from her duties of 16 years as “Poppy Girl Annie” while she sold poppies for the benefit of the American Legion. Anna recently observed her 86th birthday and was honored with a soup luncheon and at the present time is not feeling well enough to carry on her duties. Her presence will be missed as there is no one to carry on.

The annual Tisbury Memorial Day Picnic will be held at Tisbury Water Works on Monday afternoon from noon to 4 p.m. The VTA bus will drop you off and pick you up at the Tashmoo overlook. A nice way to celebrate the day with a family picnic, rowing, and lots of ice cream (bring your own grillables). All are welcome to participate in the family fun throughout the afternoon.

There will be a series of educational classes related to postnatal support for Island families, Nurturing Our Babies and Ourselves. Classes are free and all are welcome to attend. The first will be held on June 2 at the Family Center at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School from noon to 1 p.m. For further information, please call 508-693-7900.

The West Tisbury Bell Choir is honored to host a 17-member handbell choir from the Merrimack Valley area for a concert on June 3 at 7 p.m. at the West Tisbury Congregational Church. There will be a potluck dinner at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend and there will be a freewill donation.

Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Kohlberg for their wonderful open house on May 20 at the Vineyard Gazette. It was encouraging to see so many Vineyarders from every corner of the Island after a long winter. A wonderful way to welcome the season.

Sincerest condolences to the families of Charles Conroy, Phyllis Jardin, Florence Lavelle and Arthur Railton, who have all been a vital part of Vineyard life over the decades.

Congratulations to Nina P. Butler, daughter of Lenny and Mallory Butler, who graduates today from Wellesley College. Her paternal grandmother has arrived from Kentucky to spend time with the Butler family during this joyous occasion.

Noah James Manning returned home on Monday afternoon after attending graduation ceremonies for his cousin, Stephanie Kistner, who graduated from Hofstra University on Sunday afternoon and already has an internship in Manhattan. Her sister, Alison, graduated from Hofstra in January and is pursuing her career in early childhood education. Ali and Stephanie are the daughters of Michael Kistner and their late mother, Barbara, and the grandchildren of Bill and Joan Kistner all of Poughkeepsie. Noah was accompanied on his journey by his parents, Paul and Theresa, but not before he enjoyed the Vineyard Gazette open house.

Congratulations to Noah Mayrand, son of Michael and Carol, who graduated from the Museum of Fine Arts School in Boston. If you are in the Boston area, please stop by and see the graduating students exhibition through May 31 at the school.

Welcome to Aquinnah police officer Michael Nardi, who has returned for his second summer in Aquinnah. Michael arrived over the weekend and had anticipated his return since his departure in October.

Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. Be mindful of those who served in the Armed Forces to protect our rights and our freedom.

Happy 29th anniversary wishes to Michael and Eleanor Hebert as they celebrate on May 29.

Happy fourth anniversary wishes to Isaac and Noli Taylor as they celebrate on June 2.

Happy fourth anniversary wishes to Richard and Jennifer Randolph as they celebrate on June 2.

Happy 64th anniversary wishes to Av and Dora Morrow, who observe their special day on June 3.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Wenonah Madison, Christy Moreis and Russell Peters, who all share the day on May 28. Nancy Benoit will celebrate a major milestone on May 29 and shares the day with Aquinnah neighbor Fan Ogilvie (no, I am not their Seven Gates neighbor) and Michael Francis. Michael Gilman shares the day with Warren “WoWo” Webber-Gebb, who will be five years old on May 30. Roxane Ackerman and Jasmine Devine will party on May 31.

June DeFeo and June Rosebud Vanderhoop share the day on June 1.