This Edgartown column is meant to be a community effort, and I’m calling on the community this month to work together alongside me. By the time you read this, I’ll be off on my winter road trip that will take my husband and me to places far and wide. I won’t be sipping coffee at Rosewater Market, praying in the pews at St. Elizabeth, or shopping for sushi at Edgartown Meat and Fish. What does that mean? That I am counting on YOU to keep me informed on what’s happening in town — emailing me at marnely@gmail.com is the best way to do so. Send me your birthdays, your news, and your business updates, as it truly helps me write a column worth reading. I want you to be doing this whether or not I’m on a road trip, but I decided to put the call out now that I truly need it.
On Saturday, Jan. 24, at the FARM Institute, join Teri Culletto of Vineyard Baker, author of “Beautiful Bread: Create and Bake Artful Masterpieces for Any Occasion,” for a hands-on focaccia class. Teri will walk participants through the steps to making their very own focaccia from start to finish. All participants will take home a freshly made loaf with a beautiful design of their own creation. Focaccia is one of my favorite versions of bread, so I definitely recommend doing this class with Teri — she’s an absolute expert on the subject of yeast! Sign up online at thetrustees.org/event/443200.
Also happening that same Saturday, the Edgartown Library is hosting a 2026 Vision Board Workshop with Jelisa Difo. Join them as you explore aspirations for personal growth and transform them into a visually engaging collage using magazines, printed images, quotes, and art supplies. You will leave the workshop with a personalized board that can be displayed as a daily reminder of the goals you want to pursue. All materials will be provided.
Registration is required online at bit.ly/EL_26VisionBoard.
On Wednesday, Jan. 28 at the Carnegie: “Reimagining Higher Education: Learning, Work, and Community,” presented by Ana Keilson and Justin Reynolds, co-directors of the Gull Island Institute. Join in for a conversation about the mission and work of the Gull Island Institute, a Falmouth-based education nonprofit that reimagines liberal arts education through academics, physical labor, and student self-governance. The Institute will bring a small cohort of undergraduates from across the country to Martha’s Vineyard for a monthlong program in May and June 2026. Register at bit.ly/GII_HigherEducation.
On Thursday, Jan. 29, from noon to 1pm, Healthy Aging M.V. is having an appreciation luncheon for M.V. Connect volunteers who drive older adults in our community. Any resident who is interested in becoming a volunteer driver is also invited to attend. Healthy Aging M.V. is located at 29 Breakdown Lane, Vineyard Haven. Please RSVP to Diane by text or call at 508-560-4514.
Happiest of days to Meaghan Robinson celebrating on Jan. 23, Jeff Donaroma on Jan. 25, Allison Hines and Melissa Clay on Jan. 26, and Tara Reynolds on Jan. 28! May your birthdays be filled with health, joy, and your favorite birthday-cake flavor!