I hope you have enjoyed this wonderful little respite from winter that we’ve experienced the past few days. The temperatures have risen, the sun has been shining, and spring is in the air, regardless of what that silly groundhog said a few weeks ago. I’ve even seen pictures on social media of crocuses popping up all over. It’s been nice to get a few runs in outside, instead of endless circles around the hallways of the school. The change of scenery is delightful.
On Feb. 28, at 5 pm, the Federated Church will have a Big Easy Mardi Gras Potluck in its Parish House. This is a kid-friendly event. You want to dress up? You want to wear your beads? No problem. No problem if you don’t. Easy. You don’t need to cook jambalaya. But you can if you want to! Just bring an appetizer, soup or salad, an entrée, or a dessert of your choice. Please sign up in advance to let them know you are going and what you plan to bring (appetizer, soup, salad, entrée or dessert). There is a sign-up sheet on the large bulletin board in the Parish House, or you can call them at 508-627-4421 or email admin@federatedchurchmv.org. Check out their website at federatedchurchmv.org for more information.
There will be a brief service of prayer and the offering of ashes on Ash Wednesday, March 1, at 12 pm, at the Federated Church Meetinghouse in Edgartown. This will begin the Lenten season. Regardless of your faith background, you are welcome at Federated Church to participate in this service. For more information call 508-627-4421, email admin@federatedchurchmv.org, or check out the website at federatedchurchmv.org.
The Edgartown library has events planned for 2 pm each day of vacation week next week. Monday is the movie “The Secret Life of Pets,” Tuesday is a craft day when kids can make winter treats for birds, Wednesday is a presentation on whales by Julianne Gurnee from NOAA, Thursday is the movie “Star Wars IV: A New Hope,” and Friday is “Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back.”
I’ve been asked to share that the Howes House Writers, who usually meet on Tuesdays at the Howes House in West Tisbury (UICOA) are on winter break and will reconvene in May 2017.
The Martha’s Vineyard Partnership for Health (MVPH) is offering two free six-session series on “My Life My Health” for people 60 or older, or a family caregiver for someone who is 60 or older with a chronic health condition such as arthritis, heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, asthma, depression, etc. This program is designed to give participants the knowledge and skills needed to take a more active role in their own health or that of the people they’re caring for. Join them at the American Legion Hall in Vineyard Haven on Wednesdays from March 1 through April 5, 10 am to 12:30 pm, or at the Howes House in West Tisbury on Mondays from March 13 through April 17, 10 am to 12:30 pm. Preregistration is required for either series. Please call 508-939-9358, ext. 114 or email ksamways@ihimv.org to register or for more information.
I hope you all got the chance to go to the MVRHS Performing Arts Department’s presentation of “Guys and Dolls” last weekend. It was an absolutely incredible show. There is so much amazing talent in the high school, and they delivered an outstanding performance of one of my favorite musicals. We attended the Saturday night performance, and I think it was one of the biggest crowds I’ve ever seen in the PAC. Thank you to all who took part to provide our community with such a wonderful adventure!
I wish you all a happy, fun-filled, and relaxing school break next week. We aren’t heading anywhere too exciting ourselves, so I’ll have to live vicariously through your stories that I’m sure you’ll share with me for next week’s column. I will say that we are chatting about the possibility of a few college visits for Riley next week. Really, it’s just an excuse for me to get back out to my old stomping grounds in Western Massachusetts, but we can do a little research while we play, right? Have a great week.