About 40 years ago, a college student took a break from his studies and came to the Vineyard.

I read Jessie Benton’s letter in the New York Times Book Review. My parents Leah and Vincent Campanella (a WPA artist) were friends and neighbors of the Bentons in Kansas City. In the years I was growing up there, the 1950s and 1960s, I had several racist teachers and heard racist remarks frequently. Tom would have been referred to as an “n — lover” because he painted black people. He thought black Americans worthy of portrayal and included them in the artistic portrayal of American history.

Thanks to all who attended and supported the 11th annual Della Hardman Day events, namely an inspiring keynote by Cornell William Brooks, 18th president and CEO, NAACP, and a sunset concert at the East Chop Light.

As noted in Kaitlyn Marchand’s winning Della Day essay published in the Vineyard Gazette on July 24, “we are all humans and all our lives matter.” Those gathered at our events last weekend celebrated the diversity that makes the Vineyard unique and embraced Della’s mantra, “savor the moment!”

Andrea L. Taylor
Oak Bluffs

Angelina and Eric Godbout of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Charlie Krum Godbout, born on July 25 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.

Vanessa M. Matthews and Daniel T. Keegan announce the birth of a daughter, Lucinda Rose Jean Keegan, born on July 26 at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.

There is a blue moon Friday but don’t go looking for a change in color. A blue moon is a full moon occurring on the last day of the month.

Her name said it all — Joy Flanders — for joy was certainly felt all around on Saturday, July 25 as family, friends, co-workers, and students gathered for the inaugural Party by the Pond event at Chilmark Chocolates to raise money for a new scholarship fund created in her name.

Polly S. Patterson purchased 100 New York avenue in Oak Bluffs from John D. McKay TRS and 100 New York Ave Realty Trust for $540,000 on July 22.

The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $28,147.50 for the business week ending on Friday, July 24, 2015.

Blackwood may be the most popular convention in bridge. In search of a possible slam, players bid 4NT.