Chilmark

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Born September 1, 1995, died April 10, 2010. Weston, one of the finest dogs around, sadly has passed away. He was the longtime companion of Johnny Graham. Dear Weston will be missed.

Susan Larsen continues to prepare for her quest to find a cure for breast cancer. The Avon Walk that Sue has been so diligently training for is only a month away. Miraculously, she has walked for hundreds of miles without the pain of a blister.

The big news is that Sue has been selected to attend a workshop called “Project LEAD” from the National Breast Cancer Coalition’s Center for Advocacy Training. It is taking place at Boston’s Park Plaza Hotel from April 23 through April 25. This introductory level, two and a half day workshop, led by world renowned faculty, will offer participants information regarding: the basics of breast cancer science, how advocates become involved in the biomedical research process, how to accurately understand scientific information in the news, and effective breast cancer advocacy methods for local community participation. I am very excited about this opportunity, as it will provide me more information about this disease and continue the crusade of being part of the cure. Sue was awarded a full lodging scholarship that will cover room and board. Congratulations, Sue, on all accounts.

The Vineyard Conservation Society will host the 18th Annual Earth Day Beach Clean up this Saturday, April 17 from 10 am until 12 noon. Liz Packer has invited all the participants join her at SBS in Vineyard Haven for a celebration with music, food, and a raffle. From what I hear, the up-Island beaches have had a relatively low turn out so, let’s get it together Chilmarkers! Menemsha and Squibnocket are in need of a spring tidy. All you need to do is appear and coordinate with a VCS staffer who will be there to provide bags and gloves. Like the quote on the bumper sticker goes, “Keep Menemsha Clean.”

Snack from Orange Peel Bakery continue to be a hit at the Chilmark School. This week’s menu offers freshly baked apple cake, challah twists, blueberry muffins, banana oatmeal muffins, and morning glory muffins. Thanks to Lindsey Scott for her tireless efforts to facilitate such a wonderful and community-based snack program.

Meet popular story book character Olivia at the Chilmark Public Library on Saturday, April, 17 during Kristin’s Stories & Songs starting at 10:30 am. Appealing to the younger set, Olivia is an extremely adventurous pig who enjoys life to the fullest. Come hear about her adventures from the books by Ian Falconer. This event is free and sponsored by the Martha’s Vineyard Library Association.

Also at the Chilmark Library, come hear New Zealand aquaculture scientist Kevin Heasman’s lecture on Wednesday, April 21 at 5:30. He will discuss offshore mussel farming programs in the Southern Hemisphere and their possible application in Vineyard waters. This is the first in a series of free events sponsored by the Menemsha Fisheries Development Fund and the Friends of the Chilmark Public Library. For more info call 508-645-3360.

A phone call came in from friend, occasional visitor and fellow Islander Julie Hursey. She checked in from Petersburg, Alaska, the town she calls home, located on Mitkof Island. It was a balmy 30 degrees and, fortunately, sunny.

This past weekend, the Pan Am Mountain Bike Championships were held in a national park just outside Guatemala City with hundreds of athletes including our own Mike Broderick and Mary McConneloug. Both athletes participated in the Elite Cross Country division. Mike placed 16th in the men’s division. Mary took the silver in the women’s division. Shout out big cheers of congratulations to the dynamic team.

Sarah Slater Bennett, husband Aaron, and boys Jack and Scott made their way from Attleboro to Menemsha this past weekend to visit Sarah’s parents Jane and Herb. What a beautiful weekend they had to enjoy each other’s company.

The under-11 boys travel soccer team ventured to Sandwich this past weekend. Our very own Gabe Ambulos scored the winning goal in the final two minutes of the game leaving with a 4-3 victory. Sweet moves, Gabe A.

Tomorrow, April 16, is a special day. My own blonde-haired, blue-eyed, adventuresome boy turns seven. It may be a very long night in the kitchen, but may his mother manage to bake the cake of his dreams. The 16th is also a day of birthday wishes, dreams, and celebration for walker extraordinaire Sue Larsen, Basil Welch, and Westley Wlodyka turns an amazing three.

This upcoming week is school vacation. Whether you are in far away lands or in your own back yard, may your adventures be out of this world.