Hello Michaela

Shawn K. Shaw and Neil B. Shaw of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Michaela Keagan Shaw, born on July 21, 2011, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Michaela weighed 7 pounds, 11ounces at birth. She is welcomed also by big sister Mackenzie Shaw.

Political Stretch

Take me out to the ... Tisbury Democratic town committee meeting? Yes, at the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks baseball game. The brief meeting will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, at the picnic tables adjacent to the playing field. Then the Sharks take on the Torrington Titans at 5 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children. Everyone pays their own way.

Helping Habitat

Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard is in urgent need of volunteers to help build its house in West Tisbury this weekend.

Work will be needed, Friday, July 29, and Saturday, July 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The directions are as follows: Take Old County Road to Great Plains Road. Go 2/10th of a mile to Bailey Park Road and turn left. Go to the end of the road to the site.

By MARK ALAN LOVEWELL

The tall ship Eagle, the flagship of the United States and the United States Coast Guard, will be sailing down Vineyard Sound on Wednesday afternoon, if weather cooperates. The 295-foot barque is en route from Boston to New Bedford. The ship has not been seen in these waters for many years. Her home port is New London, Conn.

The ship is observing its 75th year. She has been to Europe and back as part of her summer training cruise, which began in May. The ship spent last weekend in Boston.

Welcome, Rory

Nell Coogan and Anthony Carestia of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Rory Coogan Carestia, born on July 20, 2011, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Rory weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces at birth.

Alpaca Shearing

Island Alpaca’s next baby alpaca shearing is scheduled for July 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

at the farm at Head of the Pond Road near the blinker in Oak Bluffs.

This is an opportunity for all the family to experience the fleece-to-fiber transition first-hand. All are welcome to observe the expert shearers as they work their clippers through the alpacas’ fleece without any harm to the animal.