Spring is here. On the calendar anyway. The temperatures outside don’t really attest to this fact, but I hear that warmer weather is coming our way in the next couple of days. My fingers are crossed. It has been a rough March. Is it just me, or does it seem like all of winter came in the last six weeks? You’ve got to love New England!
The end is near. There is only one more chance to enjoy a delicious lasagna luncheon, free, at the Federated Church Parish House at 45 South Summer Street. Salad, garlic bread, lasagna, dessert, and beverage are included. Bring a friend! For more information call 508-627-4421, email admin@federatedchurchmv.org, or check out their website, federatedchurchmv.org.
The League of Women Voters is sponsoring a candidate forum prior to the town elections. The public is invited to attend and listen to candidates as they present their positions and answer questions from voters. There are several contested races this year, and it should be a lively discussion. This helpful event takes place at the Edgartown library at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, March 28.
Former Edgartown resident and Island friend Hillary Landers needs help. Hillary raised her son, who is blind, here in Edgartown. Ten years ago, after her son left for college, Hillary had a devastating fall, and is paralyzed. Friends have begun a fundraiser to help Hillary find a permanent home with the accommodations she needs. If you are interested in supporting the cause, please visit gofundme.com/housing-for-hillary to make an online donation.
On Thursday, March 23, from 6 to 8 pm at the MVRHS library, the Island Wide Youth Collaborative, in collaboration with the Youth Task Force, is pleased to present “Parenting to Prevent: The Effects of Substances on the Developing Adolescent Brain” with Dr. Ruth Potee. Dr. Potee is a nationally renowned family physician who specializes in addressing the opioid epidemic in Massachusetts. Her mission is to educate communities about brain development in order to help stem the tide of opioid addiction. She will discuss the relationship of risk taking and addiction among teens and how teen brains are “under construction.” Onsite childcare is available with preregistration. For more information, please call 508-693-7900, ext. 400. Translation services will be provided.
Happy birthday wishes go out to Zach Townes, who celebrated on March 19, Dan Townes on March 20, Gail LaChapelle on March 22, and the Edgartown School’s adopted Edgartown boy, Dwight Kaeka, who celebrates today, March 23.
Welcome to the world, Samson Shemeth Ignacio, who arrived early Thursday morning, March 16, a little ahead of schedule, to proud parents Kara Shemeth and Thomas Ignacio. Reports are that all are doing well and settling into their new roles as a family of three. Congratulations to the whole family.
The RISE Company Showcase, scheduled for this past Sunday, was rescheduled for Saturday, March 25, at 5:30 at the PAC. This show is all of the numbers that the competitive team perform at off-Island competitions, including solos, duos, trios, small groups, and large groups. I strongly encourage you to attend, as this is the only time these numbers can be seen on the Island, and a great turnout would be a huge boost to send the girls off to competition in Providence the following weekend. Amelia is still rocking her crutches, so she won’t be dancing, but she will be supporting her team by manning the right stage headset.
Happy spring! May we all soon hear the birds and pinkletinks, see the flowers in full bloom, watch the color of the water change to that beautiful spring and summer blue hue, and rest easy knowing that we made it through another New England winter.