Events and programs late in July and August reminds me of the oft-used phrase attributed to brides assembling their wardrobe as they prepare for their wedding, “something olde, something new, something borrowed and something blue.”

The Gingerbread Cottage Tour in it’s 23rd year will be held on August 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Five of the six cottages are made of multiple cottages joined together over time. As in the past, a sumptuous buffet of sweets and sandwiches is included in the price of the ticket.

In its 12th year, the Gospel Fest will be returning to Union Chapel on August 3 and 4 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday will feature piano/organ virtuoso Quennel Gaskin along with renowned saxophonist Michael Gayle. Saturday night is a tribute to Negro spirituals. I can hear Shearer Cottage icon Harry Burleigh singing now!

Skip Finley and 105.5 Radio, WYOB will host their second annual Taste of Jamaica Dinner at Atria in Edgartown on Monday, August 6. The fete will be hosted by Chef Christian Thornton as they prepare a multi-course meal under the tent for 50 guests. Local Jamaican food expert chefs Ralston Francis, Newton Waite, Anthony Foster and celebrity chef Deon Thomas will also be collaborating on the dinner.

Speaking of new and chefs, Deon Thomas has completed his book entitled, Chef Deon’s Island Conch Cookery featuring Vineyard and Jamaican recipes. Deon left Circuit ave. several years ago and his family business has grown and flourished both at the restaurant and with Island-wide catering. His book roll out will be at the restaurant next to the VFW at 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 5. Readings, tastings and book signings!

Pop-up events are traditionally identified with food vendors, clothing, jewelry and the like. But Valerie Sonnenthal has curated a pop-up Experimental Sound series adding yet another feature to the ever-expanding program at Featherstone. August 2 will feature composer Dean Rosenthal who will lead a group on a soundwalk through the grounds of the Featherstone campus. Dean is an American composer of contemporary and experimental music, field recordings, digital pastiche, sound collage and installations.

On August 9, patrons can experience three wind players with Jan Julka on a selection of bamboo flutes and fujara, Ed Merck playing historic recordings called sweet flutes in Europe and finally Carole Vandal playing the Native American flute. All performances begin at 7 p.m.. Congrats to Valerie!

Cecile Richards is known to many on the Island because, as then president of Planned Parenthood, she spoke at the funeral services of our beloved Dr. Kenneth Edelin’s memorial service held at Boston University’s Marsh Chapel in 2014. Ken served as chair of the board of Planned Parenthood in the late ‘80s. Cecile has written an inspiring memoir, Make Trouble, covering her remarkable life and work focused on social justice and women’s rights. She will be sharing on August 5 at the Chilmark Community Center beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Many in Oak Bluffs will be raising a cheer to Al and Thelma Johnson as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this weekend. Children Brent, Dirk, April and Michelle have all joined them at the family cottage for the occasion. Longtime summer residents Phil Hart, Flash Wiley and L. Duane Jackson are working closely with the Martha’s Vineyard Museum staff on developing an exhibit for next August entitled, Basketball as Metaphor for Life: The Vineyard Years. It will cover the basketball persons and places featured in the book by Bijan Bayne, Martha’s Vineyard Basketball, Regional High School teams, the Soul Cup Championship games and the Audacity of Hoop by Alex Wolff, covering basketball during the Age of Obama. Much more to follow.

The family of longtime East Chop stalwart Joan Potter, who died this past June, will host a memorial service for her on August 12 at the East Chop Beach Club at 6 p.m. Many remember her business All Things Oriental where she sold furniture, clothes and so much more gathered from her many trips to places around the world. She and her late husband John Stauffer Potter, Jr. were bigger than life on the Island. They will be missed in many ways.

“Something olde, something new, something borrowed and something blue.”

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

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