Memorial Day weekend started off with great weather that was enjoyed by visitors, boaters, and everyone, with streets and harbors overflowing. However, it started to go downhill late Sunday afternoon, and ended up with Memorial Day itself being rained out for many events. Thanks, however, to the devoted veterans, the parade and ceremonies took place in the Tisbury School gym, with marchers, veterans, and speakers carrying on as they always have.
The Sunday before Memorial Day, my daughter and I went to place a plant on my husband’s family burial plot. For many years, until physically unable to do so, my husband, Joann, I, and Buddy deBettencourt would place Fire Department flags on the graves of deceased firemen in both the Town and Sacred Heart Cemeteries. It was always an honor, not an obligation to do so, and usually ended up as a history lesson, as we would remember stories about the person we were honoring. It was a disappointment on Sunday to see that no one had taken the time to place those flags on the graves this year. Not only that, we could see that the flags that were there were faded rags, some just tied in knots to dowels, torn and unreadable. My daughter called Chief Rose, and he said the Department would replace the flags sometime this week. Granted, it takes a few hours to do so, but the flags serve as a reminder, and honor the memories of deceased loved ones who served the Town for many years. Please try to do better.
Our Oak Bluffs School is busy with end-of-the-school-year events. The annual eighth grade trip to Philadelphia will happen from Monday, June 5, through Friday, June 9. On Thursday, June 1, at 1 pm, all students going on the trip are expected to attend the meeting regarding the trip in Eve Heyman’s room. Parents and guardians are also welcome to attend.
The Oak Bluffs String Recital will take place on Friday, June 2, at the school. Students are expected to arrive by 5:15 pm, with the recital taking place from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Parent are asked to bring refreshments for the end-of-year celebration.
Eighth Grade Recognition Day, where each member of the class will be honored, will be Tuesday, June 13, at 12:30 pm in the gym. Family members are encouraged to attend this memorable event.
Graduation rehearsals will take place on Monday, June 12, and in the morning on Tuesday, June 13. Students are expected to be in school both of these days. Times will be announced soon.
Eighth Grade Graduation is Tuesday, June 13, at 6 pm at the Tabernacle. Students must arrive by 5:30 pm.
Incoming kindergarten students will be welcomed at the school visiting day on Thursday, June 8, from 10:30 to 11:15 am.
There will be an early-dismissal day at noon on Wednesday, June 7, for a staff professional day.
Students in grades 4 and 5 will be performing in their spring concert on Thursday, June 8. The performance runs from 6 to 7 pm.
Arts and Society presents the 39th annual Bloomsday celebration of music, drama, and humor based on the text and life of James Joyce. The celebration will be held at 8 pm at the Katharine Cornell Theater in Vineyard Haven. All tickets are $20, and may be purchased at the door. Advance tickets are available at the Bunch of Grapes bookstore in Vineyard Haven. The program includes performances — not readings — by singers, musicians, and actors.
Featherstone will be having a busy day on Sunday, June 4, with the opening of two shows. The Blue Show will open in the Virginia Weston Besse Gallery, and the High School Ceramics Show will open in the brand-new Pottery Studio. For the Blue Show, artists are asked to create a work in which the predominant color is blue, and all media are welcomed. The opening reception will be Sunday, June 4, from 4 to 6 pm, and the show will run through June 21.
The High School Ceramics Show also opens June 4, and wait until you see the beautiful creations from these talented high school artists. Visitors will get a sneak peak at the beautiful new pottery studio, which will open officially on June 11.
On Friday, June 8, from 6 to 8 pm, the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse is hosting a wine-tasting fundraiser. Led by Jack Korpi, certified specialist of wine, participants will sample five different Chardonnays. Tickets are $50 each, and as there is limited space, advance registration is suggested. You may call 508-696-6300 for more info or for reservations.
The Neighborhood Convention for June will be held at the Chilmark Community Church on Tuesday, June 6, at 11 am at the Chilmark Community Church. The program will feature performers from the Yard. Go not to the Yard, but to the church. Please bring your sack lunch. All are welcome.
We send birthday smiles for the month of June to Woodside Village residents Louisa Luening, my sister Ann Hearn, Carol Loud, Jean Burden, Suzanne Walker, Agnes Bryant, and Samuel Drake. Smiles to Mia Rebello on June 2, Bert Combra on the 4th, Laura Hayden the next day, Hilda Mitchel and Jennifer Robertson on June 6, Rory Moreis on the 7th, and Bob Murphy on the 8th.
Enjoy your week. Peace.