On April 1, Oak Bluffs resident L. Duane Jackson hosted a packed house as he cut the ribbon on his new 52 unit residential development in New Bedford. This former empty bank building was purchased decades ago and has seen several different occupancy iterations. Maximizing the old structure and the adjacent parking lot, Duane erected a brand new structure bringing new life to Eighth Street.
The program was hosted by Vineyard summer visitor Callie Crossley from WGBH. Speakers included Mayor Jon Mitchell of New Bedford and Tabernacle resident Moddie Turay , President of the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation. Other Island residents present for the celebration included Bennie Wiley, Phil and Sandy Clay, Lynette Glover and Skip Griffin, Bill Lytle and Ronald and Charleen Carroll. All were delighted to see former governor Deval Patrick and wife Diane. Duane and his wife Debbie were especially pleased that their son Jeffrey and grandsons Austin and Hudson were on hand to witness the legacy business their grandfather is establishing. Special kudos to Barbara Edelin and Robyn Carroll of Edelin Events for organizing and exceptional program.
Hundreds attended a joyful Easter service hosted by Rev. Cathlin Baker of First Congregational Church of West Tisbury at the Ag Hall. The music was arranged by the very talented Bill Peek. A highlight of the service was a gathering of young children at the altar for a special blessing before they retired to Sunday school. See you next year.
David Allen announced the fourth annual Marie B. Allen Juneteenth Creative Arts Contest. The theme for 2026 is “ What freedom looks like yesterday, today and tomorrow?” The contest is for MV students from the 7-12 grades. Submissions can be all forms of the arts including essays, poetry and visual arts . Deadline for Submissions is May 22. They should be submitted to davidmiltonallen@gmail.com. Prizes will include cash and other awards and they will be presented in June. Good luck!
On April 7 , Island favorite Sen. Raphael Warnock preached a farewell sermon on the occasion of the retirement of Rev. Lawrence Edward Carter from his role as the Dean of the Martin Luther King International Chapel at Morehouse College. Dean Carter is a graduate of Boston University and like Warnock has spoken at Union Chapel in prior years. Dean Carter was lauded for his work not only serving the undergraduates of the college, but also for his establishment of the Gandhi- King- Ikeda- Mandela Institute for cosmopolitan virtue ethics and reconciliation. The Institute focuses on conflict transformation and peace. Carter was the inaugural Dean and has served for over 46 years. He is a religious and spiritual icon and is recognized worldwide.
Congratulations to Bishop Rodney and Shanterria Sampson, residents in the Tabernacle Campgrounds for being inducted into the Board of Preachers, Sponsors at Morehouse !
A big shout out to Steve Capers for opening up The Strand’s big screen for the final weekend of the Men’s and Women’s Final Four March Madness games! Popcorn was great!
Paradise on earth is living the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it as life is fleeting!
RIP Randall Edward Taylor