Karen Holmes Ward of Oak Bluffs was recently honored as a Living Legend by the Museum of African American History of Boston at their annual gala held this year at 10 World Trade Center.

Karen, a veteran journalist and long time director of public affairs and community services announced her retirement after over 40 years in the industry. Her departure marks the end of an era characterized by her vision as the long time producer of City Line, where she featured a wide variety of authors, artists, entrepreneurs, community and civic leaders, advocates, educators and so many more.

Locally, Karen is also the secretary/clerk of board for the Union Chapel Educational and Cultural Institute that organizes and curates the Charles Ogletree Public Forums. She and bestie Kathy Taylor co-chaired the Boston Girlfriends.

Oak Bluffs summer resident Byron Barnett was honored posthumously. Retired four years ago from Boston’s 7 News he was inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2017. He died this past summer in his native Minneapolis after a battle with cancer. Ron Walker of Tashmoo played a pivotal role in organizing this colorful, high energy and dynamic event in the Seaport.

India Rose and husband Sterling Bishop’s annual Jingle and Mingle party was held on Dec. 13 at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse in Vineyard Haven. In prior years, it has been held at their cottage but it keeps growing so much they moved it to the playhouse. The tasty bites by Quitsa Kitchen were washed down by a broad range of spirits and beverages. The music featured DJ Smooth B himself. We know his work in many venues in Oak Bluffs, including Nomans on Friday nights and the Ritz on Circuit avenue, just to mention a few. This very talented couple is indeed building a December tradition. Congrats to them and the attendees are already making plans for 2026.

On Dec. 14, the Boston Globe published an article remembering seven luminaries whose lives impacted Boston beyond their deaths. Our own Fletcher (Flash) Wiley was remembered for his role as a trailblazer in chief, bridging racial divides in Boston still reeling from its history of discrimination and prejudice.

He served as the first Black chairman of their Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, founding partner of the law firm of Budd, Wiley and Reilly, and was friend and confidant to elected officials and business leaders.

On the Vineyard, Flash played basketball at the Tisbury School with friends L. Duane Jackson, Phil Hart, Bob Jennings, John Jenkins, Mike Brown, Bud Moseley and yours truly. He fashioned himself as the greatest of all time in his age category. And we laughed each time it was proclaimed!

Playing card games of strategy and chance, sunning by the pool and talking “trash” unlocked his people skills and endearing personality. He will be missed forever, and this wonderful tribute at this time of the season is a reminder to his wife Bennie and children Pratt and BJ how much we all loved him. Rest in Peace my dear friend.

Marilyn Miller reminds us all that there will be a community climate discussion at the Oak Bluffs Public Library on Saturday, Jan. 10 beginning at 1:30 p.m.. A panel of local experts will lead the discussion. Please plan to attend.

Paradise on earth is living the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it as life is fleeting! Rest in peace Randall Edward Taylor.