People lined up over one hour in advance at Union Chapel this past Sunday to hear Lawrence O’Donnell, the very popular television program host of The Last Word on MSNBC. and they were not disappointed. He first connected his family to the Vineyard by noting that his parents brought the family to a cottage in Falmouth during summers long ago and they would pop over to the Island. This experience established a bond that has lasted a lifetime. Now he and his brothers have a boat and they can be found in Vineyard Haven harbor at various points over the summer season.

Reflecting on this bond he observed that his mother would have been 100 years old this July 1. Patriotic music, recognition of veterans and an overview of the historical significance of 2018 framed his remarks. This year is the 50th anniversary of the deaths of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Sen. Robert F Kennedy as well as the passing of the Fair Housing Bill sponsored by our own Sen. Edward Brooke.

The Union Chapel trustees also recognized trustee Joann Kidd who volunteered to go to Alabama 53 years ago to help prepare food for those who had come for the first march from Selma to Montgomery.

Mr. O’Donnell weaved these and other events into a tapestry of national struggle as the nation continues to become what was envisioned at the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1776. He declared emphatically that the “press and media “ are not the enemy of the people but rather a very important part of keeping the people informed.

Many others gathered to hear the speaker but also to renew communications with friends old and new. Recently elected mayor of Atlanta Keisha Lance Bottoms was present with her husband and received a prolonged applause when introduced. Welcome to Oak Bluffs for some richly deserved family relaxation.

Shelley Steward Jr. and family are long time supporters of the chapel and many were seen congratulating him on his recent appointment to the Trustee Board of Howard University this past spring. This is all in recognition of his brilliant corporate career now at the Dupont Corporation and previously at Tyco. Howard University is fortunate to have the benefit of his services.

Jeff and Ardell are ecstatic over the arrival of their first grandchild to the Vineyard. Xyla Skye Otten will be travelling from San Clemente, Calif. to touch our sand and sea for the first time. Ronald and Charlene Carroll from the hospital district have a cottage full of grandkids to hug as well with Peyton, Paula, Morgan, Warren, Cameron, RJ and Zara running on the Inkwell beach and playing games on Circuit avenue. Leon and Ann Haley up from Pennsylvania have their grandson Tyler joining the fun in the sun. Eva Hornsby from Oakland has her three grandsons, Jackson, Ronan and Walker skipping with her through Waban Park and flying kites on Ocean Park. Oh, to be young again!

The 2018 season for The Cottagers has begun. They held an open house on July 3 and their first meeting under the leadership of new president Joanne Eddy-Rhodes was convened on July 5. We look forward to a series of dynamic programs from this legendary community centered organization.

Congratulations to Ava Danielle Goldson and Nicholas Buford Crews on taking their wedding vows on June 29 in Oak Bluffs at a family ceremony performed by attorney Fletcher Wiley!

Paradise on earth is the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it as life is fleeting!

Oak Bluffs news can be sent to rtaylor@mvgazette.com.