Grove street and Kennebec converge at Union Chapel and their paths connect three historical markers — the Flying Horses, Ocean Park and Union Chapel. Big kids, little kids, history enthusiasts, educators, tourists, weekend warriors and many from Oak Bluffs traversed these streets in majestic celebration this past Saturday. The Flying Horses celebrated their 150th anniversary, Della Hardman Day was celebrating its 21st year at Ocean Park, and Union Chapel was still glowing from the major renovations on the chapel grounds in preparation of its largest Sunday service so far this season featuring Bishop William Barber.

The Flying Horses party started at the carousel with free rides and classic popcorn. Then they moved the excitement to the new sod grass at Union Chapel. Those who made the walk up Kennebec were surrounded by red pin-striped circus tent stations with shirt collages for every participant, face paintings, ice cream and a host of candies. Yes, my favorite cotton candy was on the menu. Inside the chapel the floor area was reconfigured into a disco with a DJ playing all old school tunes.

If you were thirsting for some intellectual stimulation once you left the chapel you need only walk up the short block from Grove street (really too short to be a street), to Ocean Park. The family of Della Hardman were celebrating their 21st year with an energetic crowd of 200 or more. Grandson Wole Coaxum greeted all present and spoke of the life of service to the community that was the central focus of his dear Della’s life. The audience was treated to a splendid commentary by Deon Alley,chair of the Oak Bluffs select board. Deon reminded us of the days when Oak Bluffs embraced a culture of Inkwell swims, porch conversations, listening to concerts from the Gazebo and a much more relaxing family and community time. All felt a sense of belonging. He was contrasting today where there is much more focus on commercial ventures, political fundraisers, large parties and corporate events. Many present resonated with the nostalgia of the past.

The Hardman family was joined by Boston University as program sponsors this past Saturday. The family has at last count 10 Boston University degrees. The academic relationship began in the 1930 and 40’s when southern states did not allow Black students to matriculate at their colleges but would pay their tuition if you enrolled in a northern school. The family was from West Virginia and selected Boston University as their northern school during segregation. Family members have followed ever since. How about that policy?!

The program was driven by Dr. Margarita Guillory, director of African American and Black Diaspora Studies at Boston University, tracing its history from its beginnings, when Island favorite Dr. Adelaide Cromwell started the program. The final portion of the afternoon was a conversation with Dr. Farah Jasmine Griffin and author Mara Brock Akil, discussing her whose debut novel, The Revelations of Dionne Daphne. See you next year.

Many returned to Union Chapel on Sunday to hear the dynamic Bishop William Barber challenge all to engage in the fight to secure voting rights for all in the upcoming 2026 elections. He works to maintain the coalition of poor people, inclusive faiths, grassroots organizations and the traditional civil rights organizations to address a myriad of issues, including food insecurity, health equity, housing costs, daycare and more. The church service was followed by a fireside chat with Rev. Cathlin Baker from West Tisbury, Caroline Hunter and Reverend Barber. More than 150 people attended the talk-back. The Island has been providing multiple forums for Bishop Barber to share his message of love, action and coalition building. Rev. Dr. Aliya Browne and husband Reggie hosted a reception upon his arrival and Greg and Lauren Jones will join others in hosting a salon for the messenger from North Carolina later this week. We wish him the very best.

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley was feted at a congressional update and fundraiser after Bishop Barber’s events, hosted by Bennie Wiley and Pratt Wiley. Over 100 people attended this event, learning about her work on the Financial Services Committee and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Last Friday, Peter DeFeo and Alicia Hesse hosted an informative evening at their waterfront home on Edgartown harbor in support of the Environmental League of Massachusetts. They were joined by co-hosts and longtime Vineyard residents former WBUR managing director Sam Fleming, author James Hester, and Pam Kohlberg in a discussion with ELM president Elizabeth Turnbull Henry and state representative Thomas Moakley. An engaging and comprehensive discussion was held on making Massachusetts a national leader on climate change and affordable clean energy. Congrats to all.

Back in the day basketball players Flash Wiley, L. Duane Jackson, Mike Brown, Phil Hart, Ed Redd and yours truly played in the soul cup. We have given way due to age and feeble bodies to a new group of ballers. Mark Allen Couch, Austin and Hudson Jackson are now our grandsons and nephews playing at “the Courts” in Oak Bluffs. It was special watching them take up the game and play as we could only reminisce!

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

Rest in Peace, Randall Edward Taylor