Longtime Vineyard favorite, Prof. Henry Louis Gates is well known for writing and documenting history. Most recently he made history in Rome. Skip and his wife, historian Dr. Marial Iglesias Utset, were recently granted a private audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to present him with a copy of his family tree. The meeting included an opportunity to walk His Holiness through the branches of his tree, sharing stories and detailing facts about his ancestors as far back as his 12th great grandparents born some 500 years ago. Congrats to the researchers and the Finding Your Roots team on connecting our first American Pope to his roots.

Last Thursday, Keisha and Drew McClellan hosted around 50 people at a party for their father, Dr. Hassell McClellan, who celebrated his “Forty Twice” birthday! Hassell is a long time Oak Bluffs summer visitor having been part of the legendary old times Soul Cup basketball teams.

The evening included stories from his college days at Fisk University, his prominent role on corporate boards, but most importantly how he has counseled, coached and advised students, friends, colleagues and even strangers on personal and career matters. His own story is inspiring. Hailing from humble beginnings in Kentucky he graduated from Fisk University, received his MBA from the University of Chicago and his PhD from Harvard Business School. He has been known to sprinkle a bit of “hard lessons” with his advice and counsel. One such story was relayed by his grandson, Rogan. They were planning a trip and were discussing appropriate travel clothes. Grandfather encouraged grandson to wear a golf polo type shirt and khaki pants. Grandson insisted on wearing an athletic jumpsuit while traveling. As they boarded the plane, grandfather took his first class seat and grandson found himself in the last row in coach. As the story was being relayed by Rogan that night, grandfather mumbled, “guess what he wore the next time ?”

Lesson learned! The evening was rounded out by tales large and small, anecdotes and sincere remarks of friendship by Jim Cash, L.Duane and Debbie Jackson, Bennie Wiley, Ed Swan, John Brown and others.

For many years The Meeting at The Water has been hosted by The House of Love including Meechie Bowie, Sundiata Alaye, Ronnie Hale and Bobby Edwards. Last week, they convened 102 participants dressed in white regalia for the spirit of joy, love, inclusion, belonging and community. The formal program on the beach across from Ocean Park includes remarks about the progress of the year, calling out the names of friends and family who have passed. Equally as important is a reaffirmation of everyone’s humanity and personal freedoms. In the African tradition, water holds significant spiritual and cultural meaning. It is a medium through which individuals can connect with themselves and the divine. This wonderful gathering reminds me of what the immortal mystic, philosopher and theologian Howard Thurman referred to as the “beloved community.” See you next year.

Vivian Beard celebrated her second 39th birthday last Sunday around the pool in East Chop with a few longtime friends from Boston and the Vineyard. Vivian has a long history of singing Motown favorites at several venues over the decades including the Strand, David’s Island House and the PA Club. We wish her well.

Rev. Dr. Brandon Crowley spoke last Sunday at Union Chapel and used the theme “the gracious Gardner” as the prism for his message. He cautioned against an impatient citizenry looking for instant gratification. We should be more like the patient gardener who plants, waters and nurtures his crops or flowers as we approach life’s blessings and challenges.

Alison Bethel, former media executive at the Boston Globe, returned to the Vineyard to attend the inaugural Vineyard Forum: Local/news Imperative 0n July 11.

On July 11, Jackie and Windsor Glenn, Ron and Shawnda Walker organized a reception for Boston’s Museum of African American History in West Tisbury with hosts Kenneth and Diane Feinberg. The event was an opportunity to introduce the programs curated by president of the organization, Dr. Noelle Trent. A good time was had by all.

The Union Chapel Trustees are working hard for their very first All-Island Auction to be held at the Chapel on August 1. Chairs Brenda Bryan and Cindy Carter are collecting some very unique auction items. You won’t want to miss it.

The East Chop Association’s July meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. this Saturday at the East Chop Beach Club. The Union Chapel Trustee July meeting will also be held this Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at Union Chapel.

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

Rest in Peace, Randall Edward Taylor