The roll-out for the much anticipated movie on the life of the incomparable queen of soul, Aretha Franklin, started long before the premiere of Respect on July 30 at the 19th Annual Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival.

Arthur Hardy-Doubleday, president of the Martha's Vineyard branch of the NAACP, reports that the National Park Service's National Underground Railroad Network has recognized the life story of Esther.

Union Chapel will begin its first series of celebrations recognizing the 150th year of the chapel by dedicating the rebuilt and totally refurbished 1924 Austin Organ. Minister of Music Bill Peek has selected internationally acclaimed organist Alcee Chriss 3rd to deliver the dedication recital. It will take place on August 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Martha's Vineyard was well represented this past Sunday on Channel 5's City Line program. The television host and award-winning commentator Karen Holmes Ward is an Oak Bluffs resident.

The Polar Bears opened their 75th season on July 4 at the Inkwell Beach with 25 people in the exercise circle and seven freelance swimmers stroking from jetty to jetty.

Independence Day celebrations are all about family gatherings as we celebrate the red, white and blue and salute the birth of a new nation.

Juneteenth Celebration, Father's Day and a cottage blessing intersected on Pennacook avenue this past Sunday.

Congrats to all of the seniors who graduated as class of 2021 recently. It was a year full of challenges and complexities.

On a typical Memorial Day Weekend, we spend time painting yard and deck chairs, blasting pollen from the porch and getting flowers and mulch in place.