The Polar Bears of Martha’s Vineyard

The Polar Bears of Martha’s Vineyard, a historic African American swim/water aerobics club, opened their 80th season on Saturday, July 4 at 7:30 a.m. at Inkwell Beach with a record 270+ people participating. The organization, led by Caroline Hunter, offers daily deep-ocean swimming and water aerobics from July 4 through Labor Day. On opening day and closing day, following the swim/water aerobics, the Polar Bears host a potluck breakfast, for which food donations are welcome. On Sunday, July 11, the Polar Bears hosted a smaller group of 87. Joining the onlookers at Inkwell Beach this past Sunday was Academy Award-winning film director and legendary Knicks fan Spike Lee along with Bay State Banner publisher and editor Ronald Du Bois Mitchell. BANNER PHOTOS