Author Jennifer Clement is guest speaker as part of a series sponsored by the Noepe Center for Literary Arts this Wednesday, July 24. Her new novel, Prayers for the Stolen, is set in Mexico and was inspired by the interviews she did with young women who were survivors of trafficking by the drug cartels.

This Sunday, July 21, Reverend Susan Sparks returns to Union Chapel.

A trial lawyer turned standup comedian and Baptist minister, Rev. Susan Sparks is America’s only female comedian with a pulpit.

Mark Lovewell is a journalist and photographer who has traveled all over the world and the Vineyard writing stories and chronicling aspects of the sea. He writes a fishing column and has charted his own course throughout his life, while keeping an Island base. More than anything, Mr. Lovewell wants to see the traditions and history of the seafaring community stay alive, which he does through his shanty songs and storytelling. As he likes to say, the kids he performs for will someday be in charge of the Vineyard.

Bruce S. Feng and Martha L. Feng purchased 10R Hiawatha avenue in Oak Bluffs for $212,500 on July 9.

The Rev. Richard L. Fenn will be the preacher and celebrant at Trinity Episcopal Church this Sunday, July 21 at the 9 a.m. service. Before his retirement Mr. Fenn served as rector at St. Luke’s Church in Jamestown, N.Y. for 22 years. He also served churches in Pittsfield and Wilbraham. When he was in Western New York, he represented the diocese in Africa and Central America. Mr. Fenn and his wife Marcia are members of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Edgartown.

On Saturday night the opening guitar licks of Steely Dan’s Reelin’ in the Years poured out the doors of Hooked in Oak Bluffs and the crowd roared with excitement. The house was packed and the music was loud — it was a good night for fans of rock and roll. The crowd had come to see a supergroup of classic rock musicians who, despite their graying hair, were still young of spirit and haven’t forgotten what it means to rock out.

The land use planning committee of the Martha’s Vineyard Commission recommended Monday that new NStar utility poles should be referred to the commission as a development of regional impact (DRI).

With a majority of the commission members attending the meeting, the group voted 11-0 that the installation of about 180 larger utility poles on pubic roadways.

In what was called a rare event on Martha’s Vineyard, an Idaho man was arrested Tuesday for possessing crystal methamphetamine.

Lance P. Ragsdale, 41, was arrested after Edgartown police and state police executed a search warrant for a Road to the Plains home, Edgartown Det. Sgt. Chris Dolby said.

Just one visit to Camp Jabberwocky seals the deal — you will want whatever it is the camp propagates. It will take some sacrifice and a little blood, sweat and tears but the unstoppable spirit that lives among the Tumtum trees in the woods surrounding the cabins is infectious.

Despite the oppressive heat, many invited guests came to the Animal Shelter’s annual Garden Party in the cool, green surroundings of a unique garden in West Tisbury. The shelter is grateful to the generous owners of that beautiful spot for allowing the use of it. The shelter also thanks the donors of the items we auctioned, all those who brought hors d’oeuvres and everyone who spent time and effort to make this event a success. The Garden Party raised more than $30,000 so far. Checks are still arriving so that is not the final tally.