This past weekend, the Vineyard was hopping with music and stage drama created by Oak Bluffs residents.

Congrats to the gifted Kathleen McGhee-Anderson who wrote the play Miss Maybelline’s Nocturnal Flights of Fancy, which was shown at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse in Vineyard Haven. Her two weekend shows were sold out early and had a waiting list. Kathleen lives between Hollywood and her cottage in the School street district. Her outstanding reputation enabled her to garner the award-winning actress S. Epatha Merkerson to play the leading role in the show. Hope to see more of Kathleen’s genius this summer!

Also last Friday night, the Strand Theatre was lit up with Nicole Henry singing a wonderful medley of Whitney Houston songs. Her full-ranged voice combined with her stage presence was a fabulous treat for the audience. Ms. Henry was introduced to promoter Steve Capers by Oak Bluffs resident Dorria Ball. Those who planned ahead like Lynne and David Edmonds went to the Strand on Friday and the playhouse on Saturday!

Oak Bluffs residents UMASS chancellor emeritus Keith Motley and Angela Motley were honored by the UMASS Boston trustees who voted to name a residence hall after this amazing couple who dedicated many decades to educating those from underserved communities. The celebration was held at the Boston campus on April 28 to an overflowing crowd of 200 enthusiastic family, friends and colleagues from the academy.

Earlier this year Fidelity Investments announced a $250 million dollar commitment of scholarships and mentorship programs for up to 50,000 underserved minority students over the next five years. Pamela Everhart, an Oak Bluffs resident and Fidelity’s head of regional public affairs and community relations, announced the program.

Corey Thomas is another Oak Bluffs resident making headline news. This chief executive officer of the publicly-traded cloud company Rapid 7 has recently become the board chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.

In early May, the Massachusetts State House was the location for a program saluting 200 Black women who have worked tirelessly to make the greater Boston area a better place. Dorothy West and Lani Guinier led a bevy of Vineyard women who were honored, including Charlene Carroll, Debbie Jackson, Gail Snowden, Joyce Ferriabough Bolling, Kim Budd, Karen Holmes Ward, Benaree Pratt Wiley and Margaret Burnham.

Hairstylist Charlene Carroll was also featured in The Root recently for creating the “Doobie” wrap. A master stylist and Oak Bluffs resident, Charlene created the famous wrap in the 1970s to protect her own hair from moisture and frizz. As she traveled all over the country and Europe, other stylists adopted this style and it became popular.

Congrats to those who were lucky to get a ticket to hear the fabulous voice of Oak Bluffs singing legend Vivian Male. She’ll be performing at the Strand Theatre on Sunday, May 28.

Paradise on earth is living the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it as life is fleeting. Randall Edward Taylor, rest in peace.