The conversation with Valerie Jarrett, first friend to the Obama family, at Union Chapel on Thursday drew over 500 attendees and they were not disappointed. Her shared experiences, relationships, narratives and perspectives were poignant.

She shared many things but I was struck by her interest in both Michelle Robinson and her boyfriend at the time. After offering Michelle a job to work with her in Chicago City Hall, Michelle said that Barack was not sure that she should take the job. He was a community organizer at the time, which often put him and his causes at odds with the city’s political leadership. So, Valerie was invited to join the two of them for dinner to discuss the situation. Imagine that she said, "here I am being interviewed by her boyfriend after offering her a job.”

As we now know, Valerie Jarrett made a big bet on both of them and introduced them to her powerful network of political and business Chicagoans, launching them to the United States Senate and ultimately to the White House.

Valerie remained in the White House for the entire eight years and called it an experience of a lifetime. Surprise guest, former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick introduced Ms. Jarrett and spoke eloquently about the significance of the Obama administration and the legacy that they left the nation. Valerie was accompanied by her mother and her daughter at the event and spoke fondly of their collective love of the village of Oak Bluffs.

Pittsburgh royalty, Judy and Ron Davenport, hosted a book party this past week at their breathtaking cottage overlooking Vineyard Sound for author Mark Whitaker as he told the backstory to his newly released book, Smoketown!

Whitaker, the former Washington D.C. bureau chief for Newsweek wrote about the untold story of black Pittsburgh in the 1940 and 50s era and beyond. He was pleasantly surprised to see former bureau chief colleagues Alison Bethel and Jacqueline Thomas who also served in D.C. for the Detroit News. Whitaker reminded those in attendance that, back in the day, Pittsburgh rivaled New York’s Harlem Renaissance producing a strong list of entertainment and cultural icons over the years. This list would include Earl “Fatha” Hines, Mary Lou Williams, the dazzling Errol Garner, Billy Eckstine and Billy Strahorn. The power of the Pittsburgh Courier spreading the national community news was only rivaled by the Chicago Defender. And the brilliant playwright August Wilson immortalized the city’s Hill District with his 10-play series.

The books were donated and contributions were made to the Oak Bluffs Library as Trustee Kathy Taylor was on hand to accept the proceeds for the library.

Rev. Calvin Butts of New York’s Abyssinian Church was feted with a reception by his church leadership the night before he spoke at Union Chapel, drawing about 100 guests. Trustee Dr. Aliya Brown gave a special recognition to retired Lt. Col. William Baker. Bill, who has been suffering from Multiple Myeloma since 2012, served in the Pentagon and was assigned the task of re-investigating the 1906 punishment of 16 African-American soldiers who were dishonorably discharged by President Roosevelt. The charges related to shootings and mayhem in Brownsville, Texas. Because of the deep research and report that flowed from his work, the United States Army reversed its course and honorably discharged these soldiers.

Members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority held their annual AKA and Friends Martha’s Vineyard Charity Luncheon at the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown this past week. The event received support from dozens of Oak Bluffs businesses that gave door prizes for the program designed to support deserving organizations on the Island. Committee Chair Olivia Baxter was joined by her sisters Thelma Baxter, Lynn Bolles, Johnnie Marshall and Sheila Harley-Washington in organizing this event that hosted 330 members. The luncheon presented contributions to the Oak Bluffs Library, Martha’s Vineyard Food Bank, the Oak Bluffs Senior Center, Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum and to Union Chapel. A grand time was had by all.

Enjoy these fast-moving days of August and, when you think the humidity is a bit much, remember that the sweaters and light coats will be worn in a few short weeks.

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

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