Ronald and Charlene Carroll did not realize early on that their great uncle, William H. Lewis, was not only a football, political and legal giant from Boston, but was also a regular at Shearer Cottage in the early 20th century. Mr. Lewis would come to Shearer with friends Roland Hayes, Adam Clayton Powell Sr., Harry Burleigh and other friends of Booker T. Washington.

Over time, the Carrolls began to learn about this shared love for Oak Bluffs they had with their great uncle, which has now endured for decades. Beginning at the Surfside Hotel with family and friends, the Carrolls set up shop at the Inkwell Beach for several weeks in August. Eventually, they purchased a cottage near the hospital. Their children, Kiet, Ronald and Robin, have now married and have ushered grandchildren into the Vineyard experience. Last Saturday night, over 150 family and friends joined Ron and Charlene in a once in a life time celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. Photos, videos, music and family stories provided the memories and nostalgia surrounded by at least a 1,000 red roses and a white dance floor with red love letters spelling out the couples name.

Congrats to Kiet, Ronald and Robin for organizing a powerful display of family love and appreciation. A fabulous time was had by all.

Vineyard favorite James Hester is announcing the premiere of the film, Unfinished Business, coming to the Edgartown Cinema on Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. Special guest Jimmie Tingle will introduce this griping thriller sharing the story of a local reporter trying to bring down a powerful political figure on Beacon Hill. The film was written by Michael Connolly, former secretary of state of the Commonwealth, and his wife Lynda Connolly, retired district court chief justice in Massachusetts. This is a great fall film that you will not want to miss.

Longtime Vineyard visitors Eric and Tina Coombs are the proud grandparents of new baby girl, Eddie Taylor Rainey. Mother Erin Coombs is resting well and father Darrell Rainey is still beaming! Oak Bluffs family members are anxiously awaiting Eddie’s first visit to the Vineyard in October.

Congratulations to long time Vineyard visitors Ron Sullivan and Stephanie Robinson who will have their portraits unveiled at the Winthrop House Library at Harvard College next weekend. They will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the field of education and their pioneering roles within the Harvard community.

On Sept. 13, there will be  celebration of the life for the legacy of Amilcar Cabral, freedom fighter for the independence of Guinea and Cape Verde. The program will be held at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum from 4 to 7 p.m., and feature Cape Verdean cuisine designed to root the event in the cultural heritage that sustained and inspired the independence movement.

Music of resistance, live Batuku performances and a conversation with freedom fighters Tony Gonsalves and Salem Matteo will highlight the afternoon activities. This event is free and open to the public.

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

Rest in Peace Randall Edward Taylor.