Best of the Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard Magazine hosted its 2009 Best of the Vineyard awards party at Mediterranean Restaurant in Oak Bluffs last night.

Close to 1,500 readers of the magazine went online to vote this year, and awards were presented to winners in 75 categories, from Best Burger to Best Fishing Charter, and Best Taxi to Best Spa. Details about the winners appear in the July issue of the magazine, which was released at the party and will be in newsstands and stores later in the week.

The Vineyard Haven library’s summer reading program for children of all ages begins June 30. This year’s theme is starship adventure, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the first man landing on the moon. Children are encouraged to visit the library and sign up, keep a log of books read and attend programs, such as story times, drop-in crafts, chess club, Wii games, and several film showings.

The West Tisbury Congregational Church, on the corner of State Road and Music street, is hosting the 21st Annual Strawberry Festival this Saturday, June 27, from noon to 4 p.m.

Library Quest

A quest launching party will be held at the Chilmark Public Library on Saturday, June 27, from noon to 5 p.m. A quest is a treasure hunt designed to connect people with a place: its details, stories and history. The Library Quest and the Village Quest were done in collaboration with the Martha’s Vineyard Museum and the children of the Chilmark School to create the Quests. For details, call 508-645-3360.

Palestinian interfaith expert Aziz Abu Sarah, a peace building practitioner of 10 years, will offer a first-hand perspective on the prospects for a negotiated, two-state resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role activists can play in achieving it at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 26, free at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center on Centre street in Vineyard Haven.