Christmas in July is an event that was initially begun in 1933 at a summer camp in Brevard, N.C. when camp leadership sought to break the midsummer doldrums for young campers. They staged a mock Christmas with carols, a tree and candy-filled laundry bags acting as makeshift stockings.
The Sailing Camp looked like the camp in North Carolina when Shireen Dodson hosted a Christmas in July-themed 70th birthday party this past weekend. Over the years she has collected scores of tree ornaments, table figurines, Christmas trees, lights and an array of other decorations symbolizing the holiday season.
This diplomat is the assistant secretary-general, serving as the third United Nations ombudsman. Her global view was on full display as she hosted approximately 80 friends and family with dancing, libations and tons of delicious food. Deon was at his best serving shrimp and grits, turkey, collard greens, salads cheese with spicy meats including a pasta station. If you had room for dessert you were treated with pecan pie and mixed berry pie. The DJ kept the dancers on the floor and all joined in with Stevie Wonders’s Happy Birthday song. Many think that Shireen has started a new Island tradition? Looking forward to new hosts in 2027.
Last Sunday Union Chapel announced that the Walter Lowe estate, managed by Stephan Ross Johnson sponsored the minister’s fund for the 2026 season. The fund covers the expenses associated with supporting the chapel guest preachers. Walter was a dedicated parishioner at Union Chapel attending services and the Charles Ogletree Public Forums. May he rest in peace.
Thanks to the focused and tireless efforts of Dan and Angella Henry, Waban Park will be getting a much heeded face lift. Walking back home from a Ocean Park concert by the Trumpet Chicks sponsored by chief Polar Bear Caroline Hunter last summer, they began to discuss all of the kindness, generosity, encouragement and support that she has given to hundreds of young people over the decades. The good seeds that she has planted within young people gave rise to the idea of creating Caroline’s Garden in Waban Park.
After many meetings with the parks department they received the green light to prepare the soil to receive plants of all kinds. Caroline’s many volunteer activities on the Island were recognized when she received the prestigious Martha’s Vineyard Medal from the museum. Caroline’s legacy will be talked about for summer and winter months in the future, with flowers of eternal life. We extend our gratitude to the Henry family for moving beyond a good idea to action in the park. Stop by to see the flowers on Waban Park and smile.
Baby Eddie Taylor Rainey, approaching her first birthday at the end of July, was here from Philadelphia visiting all of her cousins for the July 4 holiday. Grandmother Tina and aunties Kathy and Cassandra took turns holding, feeding and hugging Eddie giving parents Erin and Darryl a well deserved break. The Coombs, Redd and Taylor families are beaming at this new addition to the family.
Kim Washington-Longino gives us an early notice of the forthcoming memorial services for her dear mother Carol Jean Washington on August 29 at the Oak Grove Cemetery on Pacific avenue. Carol was a member of the popular Van Allen family growing up in Boston. She and her late husband Richie Washington were a stylish couple for 65 years in the Caribbean, Martha’s Vineyard and Los Angeles. Details to follow in a subsequent column.
Paradise on earth is living the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it as life is fleeting.
Rest in Peace Randall Edward Taylor.
This article appears in July 10, 2026.