Happy March. The weather has been lovely, flowers are in bloom, pinkletinks are back, and the birds are singing. Those are all sure signs of spring, and for me at least, a sign that I made it through winter. I for one could not be happier.
I know that everyone is a little on edge about COVID-19, or the coronavirus. There are folks on the Island who are self-quarantining due to travels abroad over school break, but as of this moment, there are no confirmed cases on the Island. And with all the media coverage, it’s difficult to get away from it and think about other things. It’s in our nature as humans to want more information. Remember that the best thing we can all do is frequently wash our hands well, and try not to touch our faces. These are good practices in general too, not just when something like this virus comes around. And while it is important to be cautious, particularly for seniors and those with compromised immune systems or other underlying health issues, panicking isn’t particularly helpful. It may be a good time to opt out of crowded events or unnecessary travel, particularly if you are a member of the high-risk groups or have frequent contact with members of those groups. I myself am trying to stay up to date with the official news information and recommendations from the CDC, and continue to go about my life, knowing that watching or reading too much news just causes me undue worry.
Happy birthday to Richard Prieto on March 10, and Rich Pease and Susan Schofield on March 13.
The League of Women Voters of Martha’s Vineyard is sponsoring a series of voter forums prior to local elections. The public is invited to attend and listen to their local candidates as they present their positions, and to ask questions. There are many contested races this year, and there should be some lively discussions.
The League is a nonpartisan political organization that promotes active and informed citizen participation in government, in voting, and in influencing public policy through education and advocacy. This year they are announcing the launch of a celebration of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, giving women the power of the vote. The year of ratification, 1920, also marks the creation of the national League of Women Voters. They have set a goal of “100 percent for the 100th”, getting every person on the Island who is not yet registered to vote to do so. For help in registering, contact your local town clerk. The forums are at the West Tisbury library on March 31 at 7 pm, the Tisbury Senior Center on April 2 at 7 pm, the Oak Bluffs library on April 3 at 6:30 pm, the Edgartown library on April 4 at 3 pm, and at the Chilmark library on April 8 at 7 pm. Aquinnah’s forum is still to be determined. All candidates and voters are urged to attend. The series will be videotaped for airing on MVTV. For more information, contact beaphear2@gmail.com.
The 2020 U.S. Census is expected to begin this week. Keep an eye on your mail for the initial notification letter, and be sure to fill out your Census form online, or by phone or mail. The online and phone versions are available in 13 languages, including English and Portuguese, and the mail-in version is available in English and Spanish. All responses are strictly confidential. The Census will determine about $16 billion in federal funds to Massachusetts, so an accurate count is essential. The Census also affects political representation at the local, state, and federal levels, including the redrawing of legislative districts. For more information, or to get involved in your community, contact Keith Chatinover, chairman of the Dukes County Complete Count Committee, at kchatinover@gmail.com.
I can’t sign off this week without touching upon some recent health problems I experienced. On Feb. 27, I went to the local ER because I was experiencing severe pain in my back and abdomen. Once at the hospital, my health deteriorated, until I was eventually med-flighted off to Brigham and Womens in Boston with septic shock. I share this not for sympathy but because I need to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been a part of this ordeal. My husband Don, my sister Pam, and my cousin Jen Corwin spent countless hours over four days in the ICU, for which I’m incredibly grateful. Pop has been watching me like a hawk, because even though I’m 54 years old, I’m still his baby. And several friends have stopped by since I’ve been home, with food or just to keep me from going completely stir-crazy while on medical leave. And I can’t tell you how thankful I am for the amazing medical care that I received. From the moment I walked into the ER here, through the med-flight and care in Boston, I received spectacular care. As scary as the situation was, I had complete faith in all of my caregivers, and while I was frightened about what was going on, I was never nervous. I am so grateful to everyone for their care and support. And much as I don’t love New England winters, I feel so incredibly blessed that we are so close to Boston, with some of the best hospitals, doctors, and nurses in the world. Thank you to everyone out there for prayers, support, food, warm thoughts, texts to check in, phone calls, and everything else. I am again humbled by the support of this great community.
Have a great week.