The week leading up to Independence Day weekend festivities got an early start with the highly successful Evening of Discovery fundraising event at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum on June 28. The format included a festive period of time for the guests to socialize and study the many auction items. It paid in large numbers. The gala raised over $625,000, and exceeded its goal. Fundraising was not the only success recently at the museum. Their Jaws 50 exhibition, which includes movie props and a life size replica of the Bruce the shark’s head, has also far exceeded visitor numbers! Congrats to Heather Seger and new board chair David Grain!

The capacity crowd at Union Chapel this past Sunday gave a three-minute standing ovation in response to an electrifying message from Ayanna Pressley, the U.S. representative for Massachusetts’ 7th congressional district. Independence Day Sunday at Union Chapel is always reserved for a speaker involved in civic, political life or the academy. Fresh from Washington, DC and the congressional votes on the “Big Beautiful Bill” she spoke about the challenges that many Americans will face as this bill becomes activated.

Her talk was titled, Unyielding Hope, and she encouraged all to use their individual gifts to make the country a more inclusive and democratic place. Reflecting on the disparities in income inequality, access to health equity and property ownership, she recited her version of the Pledge of Allegiance. When she got to the end “with liberty and justice for all” she added “someday!” This punctuates the fact that our nation is still a work in progress in terms of living up to its ideals.

Dozens gathered on Seaview Drive to witness the unveiling of the historic marker by the African American History Trail celebrating the Dragonfly House, now the cottage of the Henry family. The property was previously owned by John Ritchie, chronicler of the Massachusetts 54 th Regiment, and served as an inn that was owned and operated by the Eastman family. This 41st site was also listed in the famous Green Book of hospitality, which was a travel guide published for Black travelers between 1936 to 1966.

Elaine Weintraub announced that the African American Heritage Trail has collaborated with the Marine Biology Laboratory and the Falmouth Public Schools to place their first historic plaque “off-Island” in Woods Hole. After considering several worthy candidates they selected the Marine Biology Laboratory in honor of Dr. James G. Tounsel. In addition to his research, he was well known for his longtime focus on eliminating racial health disparities by mentoring underrepresented trainees. In that context, for 23 years he operated a month-long enrichment program for young people from underserved communities at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole.

Family and friends gathered this past Sunday at the cottage of the late Dr. Ken Edelin and Barbara Edelin near Pondview to toast the October arrival of their granddaughter. Son, Joseph, and wife, Christina, are now living in Atlanta and are expecting a daughter in October. They were surrounded by some 40 people under a bright sunny day to reinforce the values of family, joy and belonging on the Vineyard. They heard of the longtime presence that the family has had in Oak Bluffs, which the new baby will be joining. Barbara’s grandmother Sallie Fisher Clark, an educator from Washington DC, bought two houses on Waban Park around 1947. The custody of the Fisher Clark property has spanned four generations. The birth of this new baby girl will mark the fifth generation of legacy property, and once again extend the family presence in Oak Bluffs for another generation.

Inkwell Society and Inkwellhaven are two examples of how individuals and businesses have leveraged this iconic name to spread the historic significance of the small beach area across from Waban Park, which is celebrated by the thousands over multiple generations. Now we have another creative spin on this much revered name, which began as a hand-drawn image at age 15 by Ivy Couch, who was inspired by spending summers at the Inkwell Beach. The Ink Is Ours, LLC. is a cultural clothing line honoring the Inkwell’s roots and a platform for artistic expression was created. Together with her husband Mark, they have launched a foundation that will support emerging writers and storytellers through scholarships and coaching. The Ink is Ours is more than an apparel company; it is a movement rooted in heritage, storytelling and impact. For more information seeTheinkisours.com.

The late Abigail McGrath who operated a writers salon called Renaissance House for many summers in Oak Bluffs must surely be smiling.

Residents of Wayland avenue and Chapman avenue have placed a number of yard signs in their neighborhood  expressing concerns about the newly advanced development plan for the former Ocean View Restaurant site. All interested neighbors are encouraged to attend the Martha’s Vineyard Commission meeting on July 17.

Paradise on earth is living the Vineyard xperience. Enjoy it as life is fleeting.

Rest in peace in Peace Randall Edward Taylor.