Continuing with the book recommendations from last week, let me draw your attention to Oak Bluffs writer and poet Jennifer Smith Turner. Her third book , Child Bride, is historical fiction and is a lyrical story about the coming of age journey of a young girl from the South who finds her way through challenges and unforeseen obstacles to womanhood in her new home in the North.

Alexander Weinstein, director of the Martha’s Vineyard Institute for Creative Writing observes: “A gorgeous novel , filled with lush description, powerful characters, and the triumph of a young woman fighting oppression in all its myriad forms.”

Many students across the nation have been denied the much anticipated and long awaited graduation ceremony this spring. Walking across the stage picking up your diploma and being cheered by family, friends, teachers and your peers floods one with a lifetime of memories. But I have shared with many that as significant an experience as “the walk” is, what follows is far more important. Let’s congratulate those who have done amazing things in the classroom, and whose educational achievements give us promise for the future.

Oak Bluffs Inn owners Erik and Rhonda Liddell Albert salute their daughter Iris Albert who graduated from University Massachusetts at Amherst.

Selma Alves is the proud mother of Marcelle Alves is graduating from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in political science and pre-law with a minor in African Studies.

Kevin Davenport, Jr. grandson of Bill and Brenda Davenport, is graduating from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. with a degree in industrial and systems engineering. Young Kevin whose father is vice president and chief financial Officer at Virginia State University is proud to announce that Kevin has been hired by Lockheed Martin in Baltimore.

Maia McGregory is the daughter of Leah McGregory. Maia is graduating from Spelman College with a bachelor of arts in art history and curatorial studies. Celia Laskowaski, daughter of Kathy and Robert Laskowaski of Oak Bluffs , is receiving a master’s degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.

Langston Sheppard studied at Lincoln University where his mother Dr. Lenetta Lee serves as college dean and vice president for student success. Langston is headed to law school with an interest in the dual JD/MBA degrees.

Deidre Diodati, guesthouse owner on Sea View avenue, is the proud mother of son Lucas who is graduating from Collier H.S. in Naples, Fla.

Quincy Anglin Eutsay, son of Stephen Anglin is an athletic chip off the old block. Stephen and his brother Scott were outstanding basketball players back in the day. Young Quincy is a terrific student athlete at Catholic Memorial where he plays linebacker and tight end. He has received scholarship interest from several colleges including Fordham, Sacred Heart in Connecticut, Merrimack College and Yale University. Just mention Quincy’s name to grandparents Millie and Gus Anglin and your will see smiles and elation.

Morehouse College has hosted a series of events on the Vineyard for several years celebrating their rich history of education and service. Part of their weekend of activities includes a time for high school students to ask questions and learn more about the alma mater of men such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. , theologian Howard Thurman, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. and OM3 and our own Dr. Louis Sullivan. One such young man, Jackson Savoy, has come to Oak Bluffs for several summers to participate in the events. Word has reached me that Jackson has just received a baseball scholarship to Morehouse. Proud parents, Kim and Jonathan Savoy are beaming with pride and great expectations.

Sunday I had the pleasure of delivering flowers to one of my favorite families with amazing mothers. Mary Hill Tucker, the matriarch of this historic family, along with daughter Gretchen and granddaughter Gretchen Mary represent three generations of mothers in public service, civic engagement and pride in what the Vineyard represents. When I arrived, they were sharing a social-distancing brunch with nephew, cousin and grandson Peter Wharton on this sunny but brisk Mother’s Day. Their Melrose 2 cottage was full of life, warmth and appreciation.

Long ago, Cindy Carter received the magic recipe for gumbo from her Louisiana-born father Al Carter. Friends and family usually have to wait until Christmas Eve to feast on this family delicacy. But she decided that this windy Mother’s Day chill on the Vineyard was the perfect time to stir the pot. Dr. Al was the longtime president of the Union Chapel Trustee Board. Dr. Cindy is following in his footsteps as she recently joined the trustee board. Glad my porch was a lucky drop-off spot for some of that spicy family roux-based gumbo. Delicious.

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