Congratulations to Fred Lowery and Tony Teat for their recent launch of the porch.com website, introducing all Vineyarders to programs, events, forums, movies, book gatherings and all flavors of Island goings on.

These two brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. began to formulate this information platform while sitting on “the porch” of the Jenning’s cottage on Narragansett over the past two summers. Their porch has become a place for scores of people to come talk, reminisce and find out about activities on the Island. Fred and Tony noticed that many events overlapped and saw the need for a more comprehensive information portal. Wishing them the best of luck in this new venture.

The irreplaceable Linsey Lee at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum is curating her latest edition of oral history with Vineyard Voices. This time she is featuring 12 short videos from a broad range of Vineyarders describing a variety of experiences that have shaped their lives. Henry Smith tells of the active eel fisheries; Capt. Charles Vanderhoop of his great-grandmother Beulah Vanderhoop’s involvement with the Underground Railroad; Helen Lamb shares the backstory of starting Camp Jabberwocky. Those and so many more stories will be available on Monday, July 1 at 5:30 at the museum.

Speaking of the museum, Heather Seger and Savannah Berryman have been working hard to make sure that Saturday’s Evening of Discovery will be a sensation.

Jeff Burnett of Michigan State continues to make progress on his archaeological project in the Highlands. You may recall that he is creating a digital, historic property map of the Highlands from 1870-1950 and mapping important locations such as the Baptist Campgrounds. Jeff is organizing update sessions this summer; please stay tuned.

July 4 is of course Independence Day where we celebrate the birth of our nation. I have always enjoyed the children’s parade at the Campgrounds over the years. Parades, family cookouts, spirited discussions and upbeat music combine to create an atmosphere of appreciation of our birth and evolving democracy.

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

Randall Edward Taylor, Rest in Peace.