JOHN S. ALLEY
508-693-2950
This past weekend automobile traffic seemed to increase everywhere and it appears busy all around town. We have passed the peak of the summer season as some college students will begin leaving to return to school or get ready for it by next weekend.
We received about four inches of much-needed rain Saturday night. You know it rained hard, along with thunder and lighting that did some damage to a few Makonikey homes. But did you notice a lack of puddles on Sunday morning?
A construction crew has been busy all week stripping old siding off the Congregational Church in phase one of the restoration project.
A warm and hearty hello to all of our new visitors.
Nicole Alley and her husband, Arsen Hambarezumian, and their son, Robbie, visited us last weekend. They enjoyed the beach and visiting friends and Arsen found time to do several septic inspections.
Rez Williams of Edgartown Road is showing his latest paintings at A gallery in Vineyard Haven. Rez is a popular artist and his show reportedly was one of busiest of the season.
Jean O’Reilly of Dublin, Ohio and her son Andrew are here visiting her sister Eleanor Neubert for two weeks. Jean reports that they have been having a wonderful time at the beach and enjoying the local lobsters, clams, swordfish and her sister’s pies. They will return to Ohio this weekend.
Pete Karman of State Road reports that he is a frequent guest on Will Monast’s weekly radio show down in Vineyard Haven. He enjoys taking part in the show and sharing his music so other Vineyarders can hear it.
Sig Van Rann of Music street reports that last week he and Susan celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary with a dinner and overnight stay at the Beach Plum Inn where they were married. They also celebrated with a dinner party this week at their home with old Vineyard friends and family. His daughter Zoe just left after a two-week visit from Santa Fe with granddaughter Zaya and Zoe’s betrothed, Maxine. At the dinner party Maxine and Zoe announced their engagement and the plan to have a wedding next summer here on the Vineyard. His son Jackson was visited by his friend Emily, who came from New York city. Susan’s daughter Willie, who was married this past spring, is here with her husband, Mike, and they are staying at the Van Raan Menemsha cottage for the week. Daughter Sofia is recuperating from Lyme disease and preparing for her big trip to Thailand, where she will be teaching English for the next six months.
Christopher Sousa, his wife Jody and their two children have returned to Dartmouth after a long weekend. They enjoyed the beaches, farmers’ market and long walks. They made some new friends and plan to return next year.
Author Jill Iscol will headline the Speakeasy Series on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Granary Gallery on Old County Road. The gallery and State Road Restaurant, in collaboration with the West Tisbury Library Foundation, continue the series of intimate evenings with noted authors to benefit the library’s capital campaign.
The 151st annual agricultural fair begins a week from next Thursday, August 16, and runs until Sunday evening. The theme of the fair this year is Display with Pride. Fair books are available at the agricultural hall office on Panhandle Road. The hall has been open as preparations for the fair began in earnest. Eleanor Neubert, fair manager, wants to remind us that all entry forms must be turned in to the staff by Monday, August 13 at 5 p.m. This policy has increased efficiency and eliminated the long lines of people waiting on Wednesday afternoon. The fair book gives a complete schedule of events, plus details on all the categories, should you be planning to enter an exhibit.
The Vineyard Transit Authority will be extending bus service to the fair again this year. These days it may be the most economical and efficient way for you to get there. A bus schedule will be posted on the front porch of the hall, or you can call the VTA at 508-693-9440.
Jenny Allen Feiffer of Lambert’s Cove reports that she will be hosting Meg Bowles and her daughter Greta next week. Meg is one of the producers of the Moth, a storytelling event in Oak Bluffs.
Leslie and Warren Simmons, of Ashville, N.C, will have Deborah Morgenthal visiting them next week.
Nancy Salzman reports that the whole Salzman family is gathering on Fulling Mill Hill to attend the burial of their father Dr. Edwin and son David, both of whom died last fall, this morning in the Jewish cemetery in Vineyard Haven. On Sunday all will attend the wedding of her son Jim to Heather Sanford. The ceremony will take place on Solviva Road. Our condolences and congratulations!
Beth Kramer over at the library reports that you can take a tour through the night sky with Lenny Schoenfeld and learn the constellations and the features of our heavenly dome on August 6, 13 and 20 at 9 p.m. at the library. These sessions are free and open to the public. Bring your blanket and flashlight. The event is weather permitting, so please call ahead.
Alberto de Almar has cancelled next Saturday’s flamenco performance at the library.
The paintings of mail carrier Annie Cummings will be on display alongside the work of the late Nancy C. Marshall for the month of August. Annie’s reception will be today at 4 p.m.
Town clerk Tara Whiting reports that absentee ballots for the primary election have arrived. If you are registered in a political party and know you will not be here on Sept. 6, you may come by town hall from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily to vote. The last day to register or change your party affiliation is August 17. Please note this primary election is on a Thursday; polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Colleen Garrett reports that the 22nd annual Rotary pancake breakfast takes place on Sunday from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. at The Anchors in Edgartown.
On Monday the Vineyard Playhouse will present My Mom Is Trying To Ruin My Life, a new musical for kids ages 6 and up and grown-ups. The play was written by MJ Bruder Munafo and Kate Feiffer, and is based on the children’s book by Kate.
Marian Irving reports that the church will be holding its fourth annual peach festival next Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. They will be serving fresh peaches all kinds of ways: shortcake, smoothies, peach ice cream from Mad Martha’s and luscious whole peaches to eat in hand.
Judith Churchill, Friederike and Jeremy Biggs and honorary co-host Bob Vila invite you to attend the 30th annual summer gala to benefit the Vineyard Playhouse at her home in Lambert’s Cove on Sunday, August 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. To RSVP, please contact Kristina no latter than tomorrow at 508-560-4101.
Happy birthday to: Nancy Gardella, Joel Weintraub, Laura Silber and Carole Hunter today; Ben Smith, Tricia Bergeron and Kristen Kinsler tomorrow; Janet Alley, John Kelleher and Lyn Gale on Sunday; Mary Donlavey, Patricia Kent, Donna Diaz and Colleen Barnett on Monday; Martha Moore, Elizabeth Goodell and Tonya Leonard on Tuesday; Helen Brown, Debbie Brew, Ken Child and Nettie Kent on Wednesday; Kim O’Connor, Robyn Hanover, Claire Gray and Kim Lawrence on Thursday. Belated birthday greetings to Goodie Stiller and anniversary wishes to Ed and Holly Eger. Happy anniversary to George and Andrea Hartman on Thursday. Jon and Genevieve Randall celebrate their 23rd tomorrow. Belated birthday greetings to Margaret Rose Hoff and Allen Whiting, also belated anniversary wishes to Ed and Holly Eger.
Well, that is all of the social news for this week’s column. If you have any news please e-mail or call me. Have a great week.
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