JOHN S. ALLEY
508-693-2950
The weekend weather was just delightful. The beaches were pleasantly full and many cookouts were held as it was lovely to sit outside. The school playing field was busy as a beehive on Sunday. July was really warm and beautiful and we hope it is the same way this month. Although we do need some rain, hopefully it will fall in the evening (it did on Tuesday) and soak into the parched ground by morning.
The 150th Annual Agricultural Fair begins in just 12 days starting on Thursday, August 18, and runs until Sunday evening. The theme of the fair this year is Timeless Traditions. Fair books are available at the Agricultural Hall office on Panhandle Road, which has been open since Monday when preparations for the fair began in earnest. Fair manager Eleanor Neubert wants to remind each exhibitor of the policy regarding entry forms. All entry forms must be turned in to the staff by Monday, August 15 at 5 p.m. This policy has increased efficiency and eliminated the long lines of people waiting on Wednesday afternoon. At the 11th annual fiber tent exhibition there will be spinners weavers, knitters and an assortment of animals. The fair book gives a complete schedule of events, plus details on all the categories should you be planning to enter an exhibit and the necessary forms to make it easier.
On August 16 at 5 p.m. there will be a parade starting at the Grange Hall, the home of the fair for more than 135 years, that will travel down Music street to the fairgrounds. Eleanor reports that they have already organized floats, tractors, music and horses for the parade. If you have a suggestion please contact her at 508-693-9549.
Jane Newhall, who died last week, was instrumental and a key member of the Agricultural Fair for more than 30 years. To me she was “the glue” that made the show run smoothly. Jane was also instrumental in organizing and starting the summer book sale for the library. She will be missed by the older members of the community who were well aware of her devotion and dedication. Our condolences to Anita Guerra and her extended family. A private memorial service was held last Sunday at Old Parsonage Farm just across the way from where she lived for many summers.
We are pleased to report that the tax free weekend will take place August 13 and 14. It has been a boon to the state’s economy in past years and will afford you the opportunity buy a wide range of products without paying the sales tax.
Fred Barron, of Campbell Road, reports that his daughter, Maggie, will marry Jesse Birosiak next summer on the Vineyard.
Nicole Alley and her husband, Arsen Hambardozian, of East Taunton spent the weekend with her parents. We bought their Toyota truck, and Arsen used it as he had some surveying work to attend to in Vineyard Haven. Nicole received her first shower gift from Susan Block of Music street.
Geoff and Signe McCullough, of Hingham, and their kids, Geoff Jr., Nellie, Louisa and Henry, are staying in the Kansas section of town for the foreseeable future. The kids are looking forward to attending the fair. Geoff is looking into the possibility of renting parking spaces at his parent’s lot to finance the family vacation.
Carl Tack, of Waldron’s Bottom Road, returned home recently after an assignment in Dubai. He reports that they had a slew of houseguests last month and their schedule is largely open to relaxation this month.
Anna Carringer, of Courthouse Road, had a visit from her parents last month that she thoroughly enjoyed. She reports that she has a busy schedule at the museum this month.
Lee Revere, chairman of the book sale, reports that the 54th annual book sale held in the regional high school cafeteria last weekend was extremely successful. She would like to thank all of the people who helped make it possible.
Carey and Abby Rosenthal, of Rosemont, Pa., arrived yesterday for a midsummer visit. Abby’s sister, Kacey, and her son, Calvin, and girlfriend, Tess along with their daughter, Brin, and her boyfriend, Tom, will be staying at the State Road house.
Amanda Holmes, of Look’s Pond Road, reports that her family from Pleasantville, N.Y. are all here visiting with her.
Ben and Paddy Moore, of Alley Way, spent last weekend with their son Gus, his wife Dawn, and daughter, Mina, at their ap,artment in Manhattan. Their other son, Max, and his wife Berta, from Cambridge also stayed there. On Sunday those two couples plus nephew Loch Phillipps and Lee Scaife of Brooklyn and Phil Mercier of Edgartown all participated in a Triathlon at the north end of Central Park. Gus Moore finished second in his age group, while Loch and Lee finished third in their age groups. Some of them are looking forward to the Triathlon on the Vineyard in September.
Cheer leaders Ben, Paddy and Susan Mercier got plenty of exercise cheering on the swimmers, bikers and runners at the beginning and end of each event at the bottom of a steep grassy bank, also cheering on the runners and bikers.
There will be an artist’s reception today at 5 p.m. for Paul Karasik, nationally known cartoonist, at the library. Paul’s cartoons have appeared in The New Yorker and for the month of August they will appear on the walls of the library. The public is welcome and refreshments will be served.
Colleen Garrett reports that the Rotary Club is having their annual pancake breakfast on Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Anchors, across from Memorial Wharf, in Edgartown. It’s their 20th Anniversary. The cost is a reasonable $8 for adults, and $4 for children, and includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, bacon, sausage, juice and coffee. This is their big fund-raising event.
Nancy Tutko, associate editor of the Martha’s Vineyard Magazine reports that the latest issue of the magazine has stories including theses local residents. Bob Woodruff discusses training oxen; Jim O’Connor’s south shore photograph receives honorable mention in the magazine’s photo contest and Eleanor Neubert, fire Chief Manny Estrella, and Fred and Betsy Fisher talk about their love of the Agricultural Fair. Fred’s father said more than once that the horse pull event that he helped establish was like Christmas to him.
Carole and Jim Early report that the 28th COMSOG David Crohan Top Hat Concert will be held Sunday at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown. David will be performing with Jenny Friedman. A potluck reception follows. The admission fee is $25 per person. The money raised will benefit the Top Hat Fund (a new roof for the greenhouse).
Marsha Winsryg, reports that Adult and Community Education Program (ACE MV) in collaboration with Haiti Peace Quilts Project and African Artists’ Community Development Project (AACDP) will be honored to host an evening with Joseph Sebarenzi, author of God Sleeps in Rwanda, on Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Howes House. The event is free and open to the public.
Tomorrow from 3 to 8 p.m. Featherstone Center for the Arts in Oak Bluffs will be celebrating 15 years of arts and community! Please join them for great art activities, fun, food, music, dancing, and cake!
The Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival will have a stellar lineup of authors at the Chilmark Community Center on Sunday. Authors include both local favorites and those who are traveling from off-Island to participate. The lineup is designed to appeal to readers both young and old with diverse tastes. Among the authors participating are Siddhartha Mukherjee, Kostya Kennedy, Geraldine Brooks. and Steve Rattner to mention just a few. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature 25 authors speaking in tents during the course of the day. The event is free, books are available for sale by Edgartown Books, and authors will be signing their books following their discussions. Food will be provided by the ArtCliff Diner Truck.
Brie Bingham, over at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, reports that on Monday at 5 p.m. in the Federated Church the museum staff and board will hold their annual meeting and medal ceremony. On Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the church, Bill Schustik will offer a Civil War concert, Lincoln and the songs he loved. He promises to weave an enchanting fabric of recollection, folklore and songs for everyone to enjoy.
Representative Bill Keating, our congressman, will be holding a summer cocktail reception to benefit his reelection campaign with special guest Congressman Sandy Levin, ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee, on Tuesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Edgartown. If you are interested in supporting the Congressman please call 617-505-5335 for more details.
Happy birthday to: Janet Alley, who celebrates a milestone birthday, Patricia Cliggott, Susan Klein, another milestone, Mary Donlavey, Donna Diaz and Colleen Barnett today; Warren Morse, Martha Moore, Danguole Gabis and Alice Hopkins tomorrow; Debbie Brew, Keston Smith, Tom Hodgson and Helen Brown on Sunday; Claire Gray, Kim O’Connor, and Robyn Hanover on Monday; Jim Pritchard, Erik Lowe, and Matthew Bradley on Tuesday; Rosemary Bechtold, Linda Carroll, Diana Waring and J.C. Murphy on Wednesday; and Susan Fieldsmith, Joe Schroeder and Sam Stevenson on Thursday. Belated birthday greetings to Goodie Stiller and anniversary wishes to Ed and Holly Eger. Wedding anniversary wishes to George and Andrea Hartman today, and to Rosemary and Nick Van Nes on Tuesday. Jon and Genevieve Randall celebrate their 22nd on Monday.
Well, that is all of the news for this week’s column. If you have any news please call or e-mail me. Have a good week.
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