American Story

Connor Gifford will read from and talk about his book, America According to Connor Gifford, tonight at 5:30 p.m. at the Vineyard Haven Public Library.

This Nantucketer’s book about the history of the United States covers 400 years of our nation trying to get it right. It also tells the author’s own story, a gift of hope and inspiration by an amazing young man who has Down Syndrome.

Fly-fishing and casting instruction for all levels is being offered in a workshop on Saturday, May 15, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club in Edgartown.

Learn the basics every fly-fisher needs, from knot-tying and fish-handling, to casting, techniques and tips, presented by John Kollett and Sandra Demel. You will be able to handle equipment and start saltwater fly-fishing right away.

Cooking With Bella

Mabelle Felipe, more commonly known as Bella, is bringing some of her native country’s cuisine to the Vineyard Haven library on Wednesday, May 12, at 5:30 p.m., for a cooking demonstration. Bella was born in Mineira, in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.

For more details or to register for Bella’s demonstration, call the library at 508-696-4211, visit vhlibrary.org or drop by the front desk.

The walls of the Unitarian Universalist Society church were lined with anxious teenagers last Friday night, as the group of 10 high school poets sat waiting to take the podium to read their work aloud to friends and family filling the pews.

Mayfest

Mayfest will be held next Saturday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Island Children’s School, on 5 Halcyon Way, off Old County Road in West Tisbury (next to the elementary school). Activities for children include pony rides, bouncy house, face painting, lots of games and prizes, while adults can shop the silent auction tables for incredible items and lots of gift certificates for Island stores, restaurants and services.

How to Find a Ghost

Island ghost-hunter Holly Nadler will be speaking about After Life Encounters, subtitled How to Invite Communication From the Spirit World; What to Look For; How Not to Be Afraid, at Vineyard Haven Public Library, Tuesday, May 11, at 7 p.m.