Those calling the Steamship Authority for reservations this past week were disappointed because they could not be booked. Problems with equipment on one boat and the use of only one dock have hampered reservations. Callers were told that no new reservations could be available until after May 10. This created a substantial stand-by line at Wood’s Hole. Eventually the block was lifted on Tuesday, May 7, a few days earlier than expected.

Often times there is a silver lining in what is a cloudy situation. The local bakery, restaurant and bar adjacent to the parking lot enjoyed the increase in business as patrons stopped by to kill the time while waiting for space on the ferry.

Invitations are out for summer celebrations for three of the most important cultural and historic institutions on the Island: The Vineyard Preservation Trust, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum and Featherstone Center for the Arts.

The Vineyard Preservation Trust is sponsoring their Taste of the Vineyard on June 15 at the Daniel Fisher House in Edgartown. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will be dedicated to restoring portions of the venerable Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs. This years Patron’s Party is chaired by trustee Debi Crews and she has promised some exciting surprises.

Just a few weeks after this event, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum will host their Evening of Discovery on June 29. Executive director Heather Seger invites us to celebrate and expand the ways the museum shares the Island’s unique story and captures history in the making.

Linsey Lee, the oral history curator at the museum, is not waiting for the fundraiser to kick off the early summer activities at the museum. Vineyard Voices of Land and Sea will be presented on Tuesday, May 14 at 5:30 p.m. Linsey will feature 12 short videos from Vineyarders talking about their connectivity with the land and sea.

The Featherstone Center for The Arts will host its annual gala on Saturday, July 20 with attendees enjoying cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dinner along with the silent auction on their sprawling campus. Come out and see what special auction items will be there for bidding.

Right around the corner is the Juneteenth Jubilee Fest from June 21 to June 23, organized and curated in part by hospitality maven Kahina Van Dyke. A documentary screening will be held at 5 p.m. on June 21. The Space Race with visiting astronauts will held at 1 p.m., and Art as Resistance with award-winning painter Charly Palmer will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday’s programs will end with a jubilee music jam featuring Malik Yoba and special guests. ALL events will be held at Union Chapel.

On Sunday, June 23 the visiting preacher at Union Chapel will be Rev. Dr. Frederick Haynes, followed by the Walk to the Water ceremony conducted by Island royalty Dr. Jessica Harris. This is the third year of the Jubilee celebration. Come one come all.

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

Rest In Peace, Randall Edward Taylor.