For decades many summer enthusiasts have enjoyed the social and cultural advantages of Oak Bluffs and Sag Harbor. Friends with cottages in each community often spend time in both locations. Last week the marriage of Lance Wilson and Michelle Stent merged not only two much beloved people, but also their respective summer communities.
The Stent family has been on Tuckernuck avenue for many decades and the Wilson family has spent decades in the New York community of Sag Harbor. As the couple moved from engagement to marriage, Lance would spend some August days on the Vineyard where he was greeted not only by Michelle’s family and friends but by many others who belong to several of his social clubs.
The rain and wind did not stop over 300 from descending on the New Rochelle country club, which was the perfect venue for the celebration. Lance, a real estate finance executive, and Michelle, who spent many years managing the administrative affairs for the late Cong. Charlie Rangel of Harlem, were full of smiles as they mingled among the guests who were enjoying an elaborate and unending menu of food, beverages, desserts and fellowship.
Michelle was surrounded by her family and long time Oak Bluffs friends, such as the Haylings, Allens, Slaughters and James.
Lance was surrounded by his Sag Harbor friends including the Graingers, Chenaults, Odens and Prothros, just to name a few.
Here is wishing Mr. and Mrs. Lance Wilson many years of marital bliss and continued relationships among their friends in Oak Bluffs and Sag Harbor.
Leading up to this festive Sunday afternoon wedding many attended the historic Abyssinian Baptist church in Harlem as they prepared for their 74th annual Men’s Week from October 5 to 11. The program included the kickoff event featuring Adam Clayton Powell III, honoring his family legacy and the history of the young congregation fleeing segregated services in lower Manhattan in 1923 to build a new church.
This was followed by an evening of Christian education led by David Banks. The revival was led by Rev. Steven Eugene Carter, senior pastor of Mount Ararat Church of Brooklyn.
The Saturday morning men’s breakfast was headlined by the popular Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg. Congratulations to the men of Abbyssinian.
On Saturday afternoon several took in the must-see, one-man show by acclaimed actor Roger Guenveur Smith honoring his friend in A Portrait of Jean-Michel Basquiat at the New York Theater Workshop, located in the East Village.
What a great weekend for our Oak Bluffs family in NYC!
The annual Indigenous Day Cook Off this past Saturday at Inkwell Beach was led by Stephen Anglin, Peter Horne, Michael Solomon, Rhonda Persip, Kym Washington, Carleen Cordwell, Herb Santos, Cheryl Grimes among others. This is always a fun, food-filled day.
The usual hamburgers and hot dogs were served with mac and cheese, ribs, fried chicken, along with a welcomed newcomer to the table: fried chicken livers. The sweets table looked like Thanksgiving, filled with brownies, cookies and cakes. But the palate excitement was truly generated by the pineapple upside down cake. Many missed the iconic “beverage truck” that had been the visible sign from blocks away that the celebration was in progress. Farewell to this symbol of good times and the legacy leaders who have completed the transition of this event to the next generation.
Paradise on earth is living the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it as life is fleeting.
Rest in Peace Randall Edward Taylor.