The Vineyard has become a major place for elected officials to host a range of fundraisers for Congress and other positions. It was gratifying to see that at least two events featured those at the state legislative level. It was good to hear from Rep. Don Scott the speaker of the house in Virginia and Rep. Joanna McClinton Speaker of the house in Pennsylvania underscore the significance of winning elections in state legislatures.

Congratulations to Cong. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina for sharing his new book, The First Eight, with us this summer. His tale of eight pioneering congressmen from South Carolina who were elected after the Civil War is riveting.

Moving from the political to the corporate world, attorney Elliott Hall shares his stories from the corridors of the business world in his new book, From Begole Street to Ford’s C Suite. Both books are a must read this summer.

Oak Bluffs has become a center of gravity for art and artist to discuss and share their creative work. Numerous Oak Bluffs galleries took part in an informative discussion on The Art of Collecting Art, held at the Oak Bluffs Library this past week. This standing-room-only forum promised information for those that were curious about the world of art, seasoned collectors and those focused on investing in art. The event was curated by Clinee Hedspeth, formerly a modern art specialist at Phillips Auction House in New York and London, former director of cultural affairs and exhibitions at the DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago and former Commissioner of Cultural Affairs and Events for the City of Chicago. She has designed and carefully curated her fourth event on the Vineyard, determined to expose art education, acquisition strategies and collectors preservation models for all.

She recruited Diane Dinkins Carr and Syndra Grymes, both seasoned professionals in the world of art. Diane is the grand dame of appraising as an accredited senior appraiser within the American Society of Appraisers and a mentee of Dr. Margaret Burroughs. She was joined by our own Sandra Grymes of Oak Bluffs. Sandra has always had a love for art and music. While on the Vineyard, the Featherstone Center of the Arts has been the focal point of her artistic and curatorial practice. She is also a trustee of the Studio Museum of Harlem. Congratulations to Clinee; many are looking forward to what you have planned for your fifth year.

Oak Bluffs author and playwright Kathleen McGhee-Anderson is hosting several Twin Garden salons. Island authors Shelley Christensen, John Hough, Robin Rivera along with Wally Bullock shared early drafts of their most recent books for comment and helpful critiques. Looking forward to reactions to a new round of author presentations on August 27 and 28.

Greek Fest joined Vibe Fest last Saturday on Waban Park where music, food, health screenings, pop-up entrepreneurs and more came together to provide fun in the sun for all. The Divine 9 of fraternity and sorority organizations had a visible presence supporting the vendors and discussing voter registration strategies.

The Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. organized a massive celebration saluting immediate past Grand Basileus Ricky Lewis, thanking him for leading the fraternity to growth in membership and presiding over the largest national conclave this past July. Most importantly, he managed the approval process for establishing Rho Xi Nu Chapter of the Omega fraternity on Martha’s Vineyard. He was saluted by hundreds in Oak Bluffs. Thanks to Brother Fred Lowery for arranging the venue and refreshments.

Debra Lee, formerly of BET, organized a women’s pop-up at the Dagget House in Edgartown this past week. In addition to sister fellowship shared by over 200 women, a defining gesture of love was the lipstick love note exchange. Anyone who wrote a note of appreciation to a friend or family member and placed it in the provided stamped envelope received a complimentary tube of lipstick of YSL brand. Love on!

The Boston Chapter of Girl Friends, Inc. hosted their 20th annual Vineyard luncheon at the Edgartown Yacht Club this week. Over 150 women gathered by the harbor for great food, reunion and sisterhood. Karen James, Angela Motley and Michelle Carroll were given great marks for the creative fun and thoughtful programming by Boston president Michelle Courton Brown. See you next year.

Black Joy restaurant is usually the place where many come to feast on good food and soothing libations. Last week it opened its doors to introduce Boston’s very first community birthing center and their executive director Nashira Baril. This Sips and Scones event was hosted by Chef Ting and Juli Vanderhoop. The new center supported by Boston Medical Center, the Boston Foundation and The New Commonwealth Fund will open in 2027.

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

Randall Edward Taylor, rest in peace.