I don’t know how many people on the Island are more than 100 years old. We chatted with someone the other day who celebrated her 101st birthday earlier this month, and who is still celebrating. There was a luncheon and a dinner in her honor last week, and another party to come. Barbara Scherlis lives year-round near Lambert’s Cove, with her middle son John, and she continues to lead an active life.
The Scherlis family came to the Vineyard every summer from Baltimore for more than 60 years. They built their West Tisbury home about 40 years ago. Barbara’s husband Leonard died 20 years ago, and now most of her friends are also gone.
“But I still have a few,” she said.
Although she has given up in-person bridge games at the Howes House, she still plays online. She has a get-together every Tuesday with three other longtime summer friends, all named Barbara, for what they call “cocktails.”
Barbara enjoys going to events sponsored by organizations such as the Vineyard Conservation Society, and to live music concerts. She also goes to talks at Stillpoint, and recently attended one where the speaker was artist Allen Whiting, whom she has known (and whose work the family has collected) for many years.
Barbara and John do not have live-in aides or helpers. John says they both prefer living by themselves. One of John’s brothers has a house in Chilmark, and there are a lot of family members around, especially in summer. Their oldest of the three brothers doesn’t have an island home but visits frequently.
Barbara still swims in Ice House Pond in back of their house. John added that she used to swim every day, something he believes has contributed to her continuing good health and good spirit. A friend, Lynne Whiting, added that Barbara clearly loves life, and that makes a big difference.
As for advice, Barbara says: “Just do what you love, enjoy doing what you do, and keep doing it,” she laughed. She adds that she is just happy to be here, and “in the winter too.”
Speaking of such events, the aforementioned Allen Whiting turned 80 on Tuesday, July 28, and celebrated quietly with family.
August arrives with a sense of harvest and bounty. The corn is local and should be so honored. Tom Waldron used to say, you need to wait until the water is boiling before you go out to the garden and pick the corn. Newer varieties are hardier but the message is the same: eat local, eat fresh.
More bounty. The book sale sponsored by the Friends of the Library continues until Monday, Aug. 3 in the big white tents behind the school. Hours are 9 to 3.
Happy birthday to Ben Cabot and Dale Ferry on Saturday, August 1, and to Prudence Athearn on Sunday, August 2. Nancy Gardella and Brian Weiland, a pair of Island-wide influencers, enjoy their birthdays on Monday, August 3, and Keston Smith will be feted with cake and ice cream on Wednesday, August 5.
This article appears in July 31, 2026.