Audiences are excited about the upcoming Charles Ogletree public forum planned for next week featuring internationally acclaimed artist Jonathan Green in conversation with Clinee Hedspeth and Kara Olidge at Union Chapel on August 14. Mr. Green has a 40-year track record of creating art and has a passion for creating and collecting cross-cultural fine art. He is especially known for his book Gullah Spirit: The Art of Jonathan Green. It has been said that he continues to be the authoritative herald of Gullah visual arts.

Ms. Hedspeth is formerly of Phillips Auction House and currently serves as the commissioner of arts and culture for the City of Chicago. This is her third year curating arts and cultural events on the Vineyard.

Ms. Kara Olidge is the chair of the African American Art History Project at the Getty Museum. Two experienced lectures, art consultants and scholars who are passionate about African American art and culture will ensure a lively conversation.

One day earlier on August 13, Charles Blow and Eugene Daniels will headline a panel under the theme of Guardians of Truth: Protecting America’s 4th Estate in an Era of Crisis. Both panels begin at 4 PM and are open and free to the public at Union Chapel.

Long time Oak Bluffs resident Denyse Bardouille was recently saluted by her peers as the very first African American Probation Officer in Suffolk Superior Court. She joined the court in 1975, after a successful career as a teacher in the Boston public schools. Being the “first” can sometimes create anxiety and even uncertainty but this was not the case for Denyse. In fact, when she arrived for her first day and was greeted by cameras and reporters, she faced that day with aplomb. Recognizing that her performance was more important than the fleeting cameras, she began to do her job to the best of her ability. She never looked back over those 33 years of service. Now retired, she enjoys painting, sharing her cottage with friends and her daughter’s family.

Kathleen McGhee Anderson is a brilliant writer, producer and director. She was trained at Spelman College and her plays, such as Miss Maybelline’s Nocturnal Flights of Fancy, are often performed at the Vineyard Playhouse. Most recently, she has launched the Twin Garden reading series, continuing in the rich tradition of writers, writers, poets and lovers of literature on the Vineyard. Indeed, it was Dorothy West herself who welcomed Kathleen into the literary fold of Oak Bluffs in this very column, which she wrote for man years. The first reading featured Skip Finley and Jennifer Smith-Turner and James Jennings. Special guest author A’Leila Bundles surprised the group by reading. The great response and hearty attendance ensure that the Twin Garden reading series will become another Oak Bluffs tradition.

Truist Bank from Charlotte, N.C. brought the big brass to East Chop for a half-day presentation to about 50 people hoping to learn more about estate planning, affordable housing financing and community reinvestment. Congrats to Justin Harmon for organizing a very successful event.

The gallery end of Circuit avenue was hot last Sunday with a double-header of events running simultaneously. At Cousen Rose, there was a book signing by Rev. Liz Walker, retired news anchor and minister, who has penned her first book, No One Left Alone. This very compelling read tells a story of how community helps us heal.

Next door at Knowhere Art Gallery, which is owned by Val Francis and Ralph Groce, Boston University alumni were hosted and greeted by new president Dr. Melissa Gilliam. Many darted in and out of both places sharing bites and beverages to delight the pallets and loosen the conversation.

Not too far away, the crowd was still breathless over the sermon delivered by the matchless Rev. Dr. Otis Moss 3rd from Chicago’s Trinity United Church of Christ. A crowd of over 500 people sat inside and stood outside of Union Chapel to hear the words of Reverend Moss.

Speaking from scripture, James 3:8-10, he admonished all to appreciate that the tongue can be a blessing and a burden. It was a message for all seasons.

The previous Friday night, Union Chapel hosted its very first auction for their preachers fund and music committee. The public turned out to bid high, eat some charcuterie and bounce to the beat of The Problematics from New York City. The singing and jazz tones were matched only by the phenomenal saxophone player and the piano player who played two keyboards at the same time. Congrats to trustee Heidi Bryan for her strong leadership in executing this event.

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

Real in peace, Randall Edward Taylor.