Bob and Liz Posen hosted more than 75 friends and family on their sprawling lawn in Vineyard Haven last Monday night to celebrate their 75th birthdays.

Bob noted his outstanding legal career at Fidelity and his work at MFS, a mutual fund company. He was effusive about his bride, Liz. She is known around the Island as a painter and writer. She read several special poems before introducing What Ifs, her recent book for children. It was a gift to all in attendance.

The Posens have two children and four grandkids. The new pool at the rear of their cottage, overlooking the harbor, was installed recently for the youngsters.

The guests were treated to delightful tunes by a local band playing a variety of genres. Bob was joined by several friends in singing the last song, Georgia on My Mind. At the party, many also congratulated Ed Swann, as he just turned 80!

Auntie Cindy Carter hosted a baby shower for Laura Casselberry and her husband Kris at her cottage in Oak Bluffs. Guests included Gale Monk, Carla Diggs Smith, Merele Williams Adkins and Gail Johnson. Proud grandfather and longtime Vineyard summer resident Jim Casselberry beamed as presents were opened for his soon-to-arrive granddaughter, Lex Korrine.

Those attending the Vineyard NAACP meeting this week to hear Camp Meeting president Andrew Patch share his research on the early history of African Americans were not disappointed. Photos, Camp Meeting resolutions, street maps and testimony were among the evidence of the mid-1800s, clearly showing a substantial presence of African Americans in the Campgrounds.

But the bombshell was the commentary about the removal of cottages owned by black residents around Dukes County and School streets. Almost all of this area, now occupied by parking spaces for buses and current residents, was an African-American enclave.

Thanks to President Patch for taking the time to do the research and the courage to share it with the public.

Shawna Diggs from Detroit spent time in the Highlands with her daughters before the girls returned to school. Jacqueline recently graduated from Columbia University and is headed to University of Michigan Law School. Youngest daughter, Alexandra, was grabbing some fun in the sun before returning to Cambridge for her junior year at Harvard. These gifted young ladies are the daughters of the late Doug Diggs and the granddaughters of legendary businessman, lawyer and politician, Congressman Charles Diggs.

Ronald and Charleen Carroll christened the new deck, patio and landscaping that were recently completed in their back yard. Friends were treated to a fabulous spread of lobster tails, steak, salad and fresh vegetables.

It was a mini-reunion for Omar and Rayna Simmonds and Beverly and James Williams. These two couples lamented their inability to attend live church services at their Boston home church of Bethel AME in Jamaica Plain.

The Carrolls missed their granddaughter Morgan Bordley, who is on the mend from a bike accident a few weeks ago. Hugs and kisses to Morgan.

The trustees of Union Chapel would like to thank those who attended services this past season, showing vaccine cards and wearing masks each Sunday. The chapel hosted hundreds of congregants without any Covid impact. The 2021 season concludes this Sunday.

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