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Fashion statements with that certain
je ne sais quoi that evokes New York and Paris will have
nothing on Vineyard chic come Saturday, June 4, during
the upcoming Jaws Fest weekend. On that afternoon, when
Fashion Fest takes place at the newly renovated Lambert’s
Cove Inn in West Tisbury, that inimitable Vineyard style
will flourish along the walkway and for a very good cause
— the Vineyard Nursing Association (VNA).
VNA is the health-care group that touches
lives in ever so many ways. It cares for everyone, summer
visitors and year-round folks alike, helping those recovering
from an accident, or making it possible for some older
citizens to remain in their homes. Although one could
consider the VNA a feel-good organization, because they
do make the people they help feel better in all ways,
this nursing agency is much more.
VNA is tops in its field and is rated
number one in the state of Massachusetts for their Pain
Management program. Their scores have exceeded the standard
set for home care patient services by Medicare, both on
state and national levels. Working with laptop computers,
each nurse has instant access to a patient’s records,
with the ability to check on dosage and type of medication,
as well as being able to document any recent changes in
the patient’s overall status.
It’s one thing to win awards, to be the
best, but it is quite another thing to stay afloat financially.
Insurance, whether private, Medicaid, or Medicare does
not provide full reimbursement; hence the need for fundraising.
Lavish afternoon program
Barbara Welsh, Director of Development
and Communications, has devised the master plan for several
events in 2005, Fashion Fest being a highlight of the
schedule. “Because we turn to the business community so
much for support, the VNA wanted to participate in making
the Chamber’ of Commerce’s Jaws Fest a success. Putting
our fashion show on during that weekend seemed like a
good way for us to participate in their event, and for
us to try a new way to raise the money we need for our
services.”
Island merchants will present the clothing
and accessories for the lavish afternoon program and will
give a direct donation of 20 percent to VNA if guests
purchase items off the models. The models will include
Island women, men, children, and even a few dogs on loan
from the MSPCA.
“Where else but on the Vineyard would
you consider your dog a fashion accessory?” asked Barbara.
Peter Browne of APB Events in New York
City will be on hand to help out Blue Cullen, Joan Potter,
and Patricia Wheeler, co-chairs of the show. Mr. Brown
will bring his expertise to keep the show running at a
fast, professional clip with a highly stylized sashay
down the runway. The glittery event will begin with “Jaws”-inspired
cocktails and the inn’s noted chef, Joe DaSilva, will
provide gourmet hors d’oeuvres for the assembled fashion
buffs.
The show will feature three categories:
beach/sport wear, casual, and formal attire. The Island
has its own brand of fashion that laid-back sophistication
that transcends trendiness and it will undoubtedly be
in abundance on the Lambert’s Cove Inn walkway.
Several of the merchants were asked why
they wanted to participate in Fashion Fest:
Michele LeBlanc, Pink Dog Accessories
“We are participating in Fashion Fest
because we think this is an excellent opportunity to promote
Island businesses and lend support to Vineyard Nursing
Association. As a primarily on-line, Island-based business,
this level of public exposure for our high-end ladies’
fashion accessories will be important to kicking off our
summer selling season.”
Karen Russillo, Menagerie of Martha’s
Vineyard
“I know what great work VNA does here,
so I thought it would be fun for them and just as much
fun for those of us who participate in Fashion Fest. My
store is sort of on the edge of new and old. I design
and make all the clothing in the store, except for the
vintage pieces. Many items are made from vintage fabric
and I also have wedding dresses and specialty eveningwear.”
Sioux Eagle, Sioux Eagle Designs
“I am participating because I would like
to be supportive of the Vineyard Nursing Association and
their efforts to make this a fun event for all. Besides,
what’s a fashion show without some fabulous accessories?”
Island merchants will provide clothing
and accessories from their shops, not only to help VNA,
but in hopes that guests will find that special something,
perhaps to wear for one of the JawsFest happenings. Stores
who do not have clothing to parade have donated items.
One such instance is Rainy Day’s contribution — they have
procured tiny sharks to be set afloat in libations. (Think
“Jaws” soundtrack!)
Other VNA events will include the July
27 Clambake at the Field Gallery; August 19, a surprise
vocal group at The Hot Tin Roof; September 12 Golf Tournament
and on October 12 there will be a Women’s Health Network
Road Race.
Fashion Fest, Sat., June 4, 3 pm, Lambert’s
Cove Inn, West Tisbury Shuttle from off-site parking at
West Tisbury School. Tickets: Fashionista, reserved runway
seating, $125; Simply Fabulous, unreserved seating, $75.
Optional post-show dinner at the Lambert’s Cove Inn, $55
per person. For advance tickets call 693-6184, ext. 31.
Wendy Arnell Brophy, a freelance writer
currently living in San Francisco, is a former Calendar
editor of The Times.
FASHION FEST EXHIBITORS
Alley Cat
Animalistic
Basics
Bramhall and Dunn
Bryn Walker/Sola
Campbell & Douglas
Chica
Dream Weavers
Eastaway
Elora’s Linens and Lingerie
Fleece Dreams
Good Dog Goods
The Great Put-On
Green Room
Hesperides Research, LLC
Laughing Bear
Lilly in Pink
Lorraine Parish
Menagerie of Martha’s Vineyard
Menemsha Blues
Mermaid’s Catch
Midnight Farm
MSPCS of Martha’s Vineyard
Mollygoggles
Murray’s of the Vineyard
Once in a Blue Moon
Ophelia
Pandora’s Box
Petunia’s
Pink Dog Accessories
Rainy Day
Saffron
Sioux Eagle Designs
Summer Shades
Sundog, Inc.
A Sunny Place
Sweaters, Etc.
Timeless Treasures
Tisbury Antiques
Vineyard Lights
Vineyard Vines
Vital Signs
Walk This Way
Yes, We Have No Bananas
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