JUNE D. MANNING

508-645-2574

(lthslnks2004@yahoo.com)

The torrential rains of Monday night and Tuesday have certainly created more blooms and blossoms around Aquinnah. There are many beautiful birds to be found as well, as evidenced by a recent sighting of a very handsome woodpecker and beautiful chickadee. Of course the squirrels are in abundance in and around the bird feeders. Dreamcatcher opened this week and the Howwosswee Trading Post will be open by the end of the month.

The Aquinnah Public Library will present Lions, Tigers and Horses—Oh My! with Judi Shunk, author and retired children’s librarian who has served on many educational and community boards. She will talk about the history of carousels in America, including our own Flying Horses in Oak Bluffs on Tuesday, May 22 at 5 p.m. at the Aquinnah town hall. On Thursday, May 24 at 5 p.m., Rusty Shunk of Carlisle, Pa. and Aquinnah will discuss Anxious About Speaking in Public? He is the former dean of admissions for Dickinson College. Rusty will be conducting an hour-long workshop for people who are nervous about public speaking. There is no charge for the workshop and refreshments will be served. On Tuesday, May 29 at 5 p.m., Thomas Dresser will talk about his latest book about the sinking of the City of Columbus off Martha’s Vineyard.

As we travel through Chilmark, the Chilmark Store is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p,m. and closed on Sunday until Memorial Day weekend. Jenna Petersiel will be opening the Chilmark Tavern on May 23. Coco Adams will have a flea market at the Chilmark Community Center on May 19 from 9:30 to 2 p.m. Always lots of treasures to find at the flea with the variety of antiques, books, jewelry, linens, furniture, artwork and more. Luncheon and beverages will be available.

Farther down Island, welcome back to Chris and Celeste Arcudi, who will be opening Biscuits today and will be open every day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 25 Lake avenue in Oak Bluffs.

And welcome back to Josh Aronie who will be opening at Saltwater for breakfast and lunch daily with his famous Menemsha Cafe delights.

The Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living cultural luncheon will be held tomorrow at the Grill on Main from noon to 2 p.m. Guests will learn of the influence and contributions of the agriculturists on the Vineyard from Elisha Smith, Jim and Debbie Athearn, and Melinda Rabbitt DeFeo. Music will be provided by Amalie Tinus and Anna Yukevich.

Luncheon will be another gastronomic delight prepared by Chef Anthony Saccoccia and his staff. For tickets, please call director Leslie Clapp at 508-939-9440. Tickets are $25 per person.

The Minnesingers will observe their 45th anniversary this weekend at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School Performing Arts Center with a concert at 7 p.m. on Saturday evening and a matinee at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and elders. Jan Wightman, a resident of Aquinnah, is director of the Minnesingers. Former Minnesingers from Aquinnah include Todd Araujo a member for three years who traveled to Germany on two occasions, Jeffie Butler, a member from 1985 to 1988, and her sister, Nina Butler, a member from 2004 to 2007, Jeffrey Duarte, Elsie Fantasia and her brother, Thomas Fantasia, Chelsea Ives, Matthew Scott, Faith Vanderhoop and her sisters, Julianne Vanderhoop and Naushon Vanderhoop, and Jesse Wiener.

AceMV will sponsor one class with a mini course with Alice Robinson on Food Safety Sanitation on Wednesday, May 23 at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School from 5 to 9 p.m. The course is offered in English and in Portuguese for a fee of $60. Scholarships are available by calling 774-310-1131 or 508-693-1033, extension 240 or online at acemv.org; you must pre-register.

Dear friend Jim Barrett has recently returned from the most fantastic trip to Italy with his traveling companion Karen Russillo. Karens daughter Alexi is studying in Italy and is therefore fluent in Italian, which made their travels much easier. It was first class all the way from their flight on Lufthansa to their five days in Venice, a stay in Florence and a gondola on the Grand Canal. They enjoyed themselves immensely, each bringing back wonderful keepsakes from Italy. For now, Jim is planning his next adventure.

Edward Fantasia has been moved from Children’s Hospital to the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston. He is progressing well and would appreciate a card.

Elsie Fantasia has arrived home from her freshman year at Mount Ida College. She will be working at Menemsha Blues once again.

Thank you to Kristina Hook-Leslie for a delightful Mother’s Day brunch at the Hob Knob Inn, where we were greeted by the inimitable Anthony Masi and his coworker Paul. Kristina and I were joined by Bonnie Chalifoux and Andrea McGee for a wonderful time together. We ended the Edgartown Pink and Green weekend with appropriately decorated cookies for dessert.

Congratulations to Kate Murphy Kausch, daughter of Tom and Christine Murphy, who has recently accepted a position as program director and is thrilled to be a part of the ASUU team providing quality and developmentally appropriate care for every child and family in the program.

Kate received her master’s degree in early childhood education and early intervention from Wheelock College and her bachelor of science degree in psychology and sociology from Wheaton College.

Her passion for early education seems to grow with every new experience and she believes that the first years of any child’s life should be the most valued and cared for. Every child deserves the opportunity to be able to explore creatively, in a safe environment, where they are able to develop the necessary life skills and relationships to thrive in each stage of their development.

Kate loves living in Utah but looks forward to her time in Aquinnah.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Joseph Leonard who died on Tuesday. Joe and I were cardiac rehabilitation companions during our 1998 class. It was Joe and Louis Larsen senior’s constant encouragement that guided me through those grueling times and would not allow me to drop out.

Gladys Widdiss enjoyed a Mother’s Day visit from her daughter, Dawn Widdiss of Framingham and from her grandson, Heath Widdiss of Southboro. She received many lovely bouquets and a lilac bush for her front yard.

Bartholomew Gosnold discovered Martha’s Vineyard on May 22, 1602!

The best anniversary this week was that of the Vineyard Gazette, now in its 166th year and never missing a copy.

Happy 17th anniversary wishes to Robert MacDiarmid and his wife Beverly Wright as they celebrate on May 20. Happy 12th anniversary wishes to Troy and Marcia Vanderhoop on May 20.

Belated happy birthday wishes to Kathy Kendrick and Leigh Moreis, who observed their special day on May 16.

A very happy birthday wish to Joan Kistner, who will be observing her special day on May 19 and will enjoy the day even more with our grandson Noah.

Meredith Trimmer and Captain Bob Kinnecom will celebrate on May 20. Elsie Fantasia will party on May 21.

A very special major milestone wish to Jean Entine on May 21.

Bridget Tobin, Maureen Dolby Stanus, Matt Hayden, and Jailynn Hill will all celebrate on May 22.

Mia Rae Jeffers will be nine years old on May 23. Down-Island cousin Kay Manning will celebrate her special day on May 24 and shares the day with Jon Mayhew and Nick Wallen.