The League of Women Voters is sponsoring a forum for local candidates from Oak Bluffs on Thursday, March 28 at 7 p.m. to be held at the Oak Bluffs Library. All candidates have been invited and the public is encouraged to come out here the speeches, ask questions and discuss the vexing issues of local government.

Speaking of voting, summer visitor Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley from the Seventh District of Boston introduced an amendment to H.R. 1 Legislation last week to lower the voting age in federal elections from 18 to 16. While the matter did not receive a positive vote it has begun the national conversation. Ms. Pressley made her case: “across this nation, young people are leading the way— from gun violence, to climate change, to the future of work—they are organizing , mobilizing and calling us to action. I believe that those who will inherit the nation...should have a say in who represents them.”

Come out and engage those running for public office next Thursday.

Cottagers president Joanne Edey-Rhodes is looking for “housing support” for vendors that will be participating in the August 10 and 11 Black Doll Show fundraiser to be held by the organization this summer. The project is the brainchild of Cottager Lorraine Thomas who gave a very well received talk last summer at their African American Cultural Festival on the history of Black dolls. In particular, she spoke about Richard Henry Boyd ( 1843-1922 ), who built the first Black doll factory for manufacturing the dolls for his children, friends and neighbors. His National Negro Doll Company began its manufacturing in 1911.

Ms. Rhodes and Ms. Thomas expect a large number of Black doll vendors but would like to increase the number by assisting with lodging. Those who can help should reach out to them through the Cottagers website.

Union Chapel trustee Al Johnson has been working from Naples this winter on organizing the Union Chapel Fundraising Campaign 150. The chapel will celebrate 150 years in 2020. It will be using this occasion to build a new organ, increase its funding for noon concerts, improve its internal acoustics and sound system and to continue its public forums that began three years ago. He has tapped trustees Polly Patterson and Louise Johnson to lead the “pew naming” portion of the fundraising. The main sanctuary of the chapel has 31 pews and represents a great opportunity to remember loved ones past and present. Interested parties can reach out to Louise( lsj1195@gmail.com) and Polly ( pspatter@verizon.net) for details.

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