East Chop Capital was founded in 2018 by Hampton University graduates Calvin Butts, Jr. and Carrington Carter who saw the need to create opportunities for individual investors to own real estate in selected resort communities around the world, including, of course, the Vineyard. They epitomize the drive, zeal, vision, innovation and stamina of former Hampton presidents Booker T. Washington and Bill Harvey.

Their initial effort at raising their first fund took four years, reflecting the trajectory of most start ups that were raising money and simultaneously demonstrating experience. But they now are onto a $10 million fund, have provided returns to their early investors and developed a robust portfolio of properties. These two serial entrepreneurs attracted some 75 interested participants at Farm Neck last week not only to share new property opportunities but to showcase two start-up companies from TechStars in Tulsa, OK. The surprise for the afternoon was a stirring presentation by Fawn Weaver, the owner of Uncle Nearest Distilleries in Tennessee. Calvin and Carrington represent a new generation of focused, innovative, accomplished and savvy entrepreneurs that we should support and encourage.

Fidelity Charitable, the Schott Foundation and The United Negro College Fund hosted the Charles Ogletree Public Forum on Black Philanthropy last week. The purpose of this session — led by Jacob Pruitt, Michael Lomax and John Jackson ­— was to demystify charitable giving so that all can appreciate that giving to one’s preferred nonprofit, church or other charity of choice provides the opportunity to leverage small donations as well as tax benefits. Small donations can be as impactful as large donations.

The Diversity Equity and Inclusion panel was led by Dani Monroe founder of the National DEI Conference that convened on the Vineyard this year for the third time. The panel included Cong. Ayanna Pressley, professor Karida Brown of Emory University and Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League. Recounting the Supreme Court cases that affirmed then gutted the use of race in higher education admissions, the panel made a strong case for continuing the fight for the next decade to ensure that equal opportunity remains in place in higher education and the business environment.

BK Boyle and Tamara Roy were fabulous hosts on Illumination Night for some 20 friends and family at their Montgomery Square cottage adjacent to the Tabernacle. All were treated to creative lighting adorning their cottage, Italian sausages with fixings and Island favorite peach, rhubarb, blueberry, apple and key lime pie from Eileen Blake’s bakery.

Oak Bluffs was the site of Oscar awards history when Raynya and Omar Simmons hosted a cocktail reception for the Boston Arts Academy last Saturday. Four-time Academy Awards nominee and two-time Oscar winner Ruth Carter greeted an enthusiastic audience. The program was organized by Denella Clark, the enormously successful president and CEO of the Boston Arts Academy Foundation.

While the Vineyard has been a platform for forums, book readings, parties, conferences, film festivals, art shows, teen parties, beach parties, porch gatherings and so much more, they pale in comparison to the enjoyment that is seen on the faces of grandparents when the next generation lights up the house for several weeks during the summer. Oak Bluffs remains the center of much of this activity and as the summer recedes and our little ones prepare for the coming school year we are grateful for the workers, wait staff, cook staff, managers, entrepreneurs and others that made the summer of 2024 fulfilling.

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

Rest in Peace , Randall Edward Taylor