For most of the summer, there was much conversation, public and private, about the anticipated transition in ownership of the people’s restaurant and bar, Lola’s. Sometimes, when a business is sold, the customers, patrons and guests feel a personal loss.

Kathy Lola Domitrovich and her late husband, Paul, turned their business into a major part of the Island culture. Their personalities, personal charisma and insistence on fun made everybody feel like we were all shareholders in their enterprise.

And the farewell party last Friday demonstrated this Island-wide love affair with these two ambassadors of humankind that the public worshiped the past 25 years. The band in the front of the restaurant rocked all night with a series of songs that took us back to the age of Motown, the age of disco, the civil rights movement, hippies, Woodstock and free love. Singer Joanne Cassidy took the crowd to a heightened frenzy. Lola’s allowed us all to escape the troubles of the world night after night.

Much has been said about the inclusive nature in which they ran the business. A recent Gazette editorial noted, “For African American Islanders, summer and year-round alike, Lola’s has been a singular destination for entertainment and socializing as well as meals.” Twenty-five years is not a hobby or a fling; it is an institutional lifetime. The Mardi Gras colors, ever present at Lola’s, are purple, green and gold representing Justice, Faith and Power. For Kathy and Paul, these colors portrayed their life. Justice and fair play for all, harboring only good will. Faith in the notion that if you treat people right they will give it back to you tenfold. The privilege of owning a business establishment in a place like the Vineyard gives you the power to transform the culture for good or just maintain the status quo. They understood the difference.

Now comes the new owner, Mr. Horacio Taveres of New Bedford, who has purchased much more than a business establishment but a culture that welcomes all. Many are anxious to meet and greet him and to understand his operational vision and to share more about the past. There is a heavy expectation that the culture that he purchased will be nourished. Welcome to Lola’s!

Retired Lieut. Col. William Baker, US Army, lost his battle with Multiple Myeloma cancer which he fought since 2012. Among his significant contributions to military and civilian life was his outstanding research on the so-called Brownsville, Texas incident of 1906. While serving in the Pentagon he was asked to re-investigate the discharge without honor of 167 African American soldiers by then President Roosevelt. Their discharge was the outcome of some shootings and violent disturbances that the soldiers were blamed for instigating. This was the only case of mass military punishment in the history of the United States. Mr. Baker’s research, investigation and petitions uncovered facts and circumstances that caused the US Army to grant these soldiers honorable discharges, mostly posthumously, giving dignified closure for them and their families. Thank you Bill. May you rest in peace.

Bettye Baker and family extends their thanks and gratitude to so many that prayed for Bill during his long illness.

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

Oak Bluffs town news can be sent to rtaylor@mvgazette.com.