It’s time to slip on that great summer cocktail dress you’ve been dying to swirl about in, and school up with other she nymphs on Wednesday, July 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. for Margot Datz’s reception and booksigning of A Survival Guide for Landlocked Mermaid’s, published by Simon and Schuster.

Roots that Endure is the title of the sermon to be given by the Very Rev. Dr. James A. Kowalski on Sunday, July 13 at Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs. The service begins at 10 a.m.

The theme of his message asks the question: what are the foundations of our faith and values that anchor us in troubled times, as persons and as nations?

By MARK ALAN LOVEWELL

Black sea bass is one of the Vineyard’s best-kept secrets when it comes to good eating. The fish can’t be bought in the store, but if you know a sport boat fisherman, there is a chance you can get it if you politely ask.

Black sea bass are swimming around the Vineyard in fair abundance.

This weekend, the Oak Bluffs Veterans of Foreign War Post 9261 is hosting its ninth annual fluke tournament. The post is adding a small form of recognition to the black sea bass and to the anglers who catch big ones.

Friday, July 4: Hot and sunny. Smoke rises above Vineyard Haven Main street. Temperature rises to the high 70s, hotter in the sun. Firemen sip water under a hot overhead sun. Fourth of July parade takes place under clear hazy skies. Hot and breezy. The harbor is full of boats. Low clouds try to interfere with a spectacular fireworks display.

Red Cross Chapter Seeks

Professional Volunteers

The American Red Cross Cape Cod and Islands Chapter wants to cross-train nurses, paramedics, licensed practical nurses, emergency medical technicians and retired physicians for volunteer roles at the Red Cross.

Red Cross health services volunteers provide essential and preventive health services to ensure the highest quality of care to disaster victims in their time of need.

By LYNNE IRONS

Nothing makes me more relaxed than a rainy Saturday in July. Last weekend, in my opinion, was perfect for us gardeners. There is a country-western song out of the West Texas cotton fields with the following refrain:

Sow your seed

In the ground below

Fall to your knees

and pray real slow

For the rain to come

And kiss the seed

To bless you with

All that you need.

Ronald Rood had a great and somewhat timeless concept for a book. In 1971, he penned a little paperback titled Animals Nobody Loves, highlighting the wonders of some often-maligned creatures. The author cleverly divides the book of unloved critters into three sections, based on the reasons for finding them objectionable: The Way They Look, The Way They Act, and A Little of Both.

The New England Conservatory of Music’s Millennium Gospel Choir perform Saturday, July 12, at 7 p.m. at The Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs. Admission is by freewill donation.

Alison Shaw: Yellow

The Yellow Show is opening with a reception at the Alison Shaw Gallery during the Arts District Stroll this Saturday, July 12, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Island chef and author of Raising the Salad Bar Cathy Walthers will be there with one of her salads; Slice of Life baker Megan D’Olimpio is creating a dessert; and Craig MacCormack will be bartender for the day.

Almost a week after the devastating Independence Day fire which destroyed Café Moxie and severely damaged the Bunch of Grapes Bookstore, workmen finally began clearing away debris from the scene yesterday.

The smell of smoke still wafts along Main street Vineyard Haven, but the activity at last signals the start of the recovery process, delayed while insurance inspectors did their job.