Poetry rules the night! Billy Collins will perform at Featherstone this weekend. He last appeared on Island in 2022 so this a great opportunity to see him if you missed it four years ago.
And our beloved Arnie’s Poetry Cafe will start up again at the Vineyard Playhouse next Wednesday, Sept. 30. This brings back a great tradition. Three of our esteemed Island poets will be reading their work. Then it’s your turn at the open mic.
You know I follow born and bred Islander Gretchen Baer, who spends part of her summer here in her beloved Vineyard Haven, painting with her friends. She returned to Bisbee, Ariz. where she lives and works teaching at Mariposa, her art school for kids and their parents. Gretchen recently had a retina emergency so her school is on hold till she gets that worked out. Wishing her the best and quickest recovery.
Richard White reports his staff and shop had a great Tivoli Day last Saturday in Oak Bluffs. The town, and especially Circuit avenue, was very crowded and lots of fun.
Ed Jerome, great man, school principal and devoted fisherman had built a strong foundation for the fishing derby. His boat was the Wayfairer. Last weekend when Cooper Gilkes rang the bell to open the derby, he also rang it once for Ed. Best of luck to all.
Slough Cove Farm has a nice deal for you on Wednesdays. Pay $10 and you may cut your own flowers from 4 to 6 p.m. It’s time to bring some nature indoors.
The birthday bandwagon pulls along Karen Mercier on Sept. 23, and Daniel Gardella takes the cake on Sept. 25. Many happy returns.
This article appears in September 25 2026.