Edgartown

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Sorry, Mr. Groundhog, but you seem to be somewhat of a non-issue this year. This time of year always looks so pretty outside the window, with the low angle of the sun making everything look so stark and crisp. But leave your house and the majesty of winter is quickly overshadowed by the freezing of facial features, loss of feeling in extremities, and another dang runny nose. Not so this year. Much like the proverbial cake, we get to have our winter and eat it too.

It’s great to see people out enjoying this unseasonably weather. Bob and Addy Hayman tossed the lacrosse ball in the yard this weekend in a rousing game of keep-away from Chappy, the family’s labradoodle. A gang of boys on skateboards were spotted traversing Water Street — I believe I recognized Charlie Morano among them. Walkers and joggers and bikers aplenty have been taking advantage.

Herb Foster celebrated his 84th birthday in his home this past weekend surrounded by friends. Many happy returns.

Mike Benjamin has been taking his show on the road this winter, performing at Toad in Cambridge, where his next appearance is scheduled for tonight, February 2. Should you be up that way, check Mike’s Facebook page for upcoming shows.

Jeff and Janice Wooden spent August to November 2011 on an RV adventure that covered 11,000 miles and 30 states in 71 days. Tuesday, February 7, at 5 pm the Anchors will host the two as they discuss their trip, from the planning phase of deciding which RV was right for them, to the actual trip. They’ll focus on their favorite attractions, people they met, experiences, and what they might do differently on their next adventure. And, of course, they’ll share a bit of their picture portfolio. Please call the Council on Aging at 508-627-4368 to reserve a space.

Also at the Anchors, Brigitte (Iba) Lent will lecture on the Middle East Friday, February 3, at 10

am. She will discuss the Sunni-Shie split in Islam and its far-reaching consequences. Ms. Lent retired to the Vineyard in 2003 after about 25 years of service with the Language Services of the State

Department, dealing with a broad spectrum of subjects and events. Earlier she spent five years in Munich, Bavaria, and 4½; years in Rome. Please call the Council on Aging at 508-627-4368 to reserve a space.

On Wednesday, Feb. 15, Friends of the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging will sponsor a trip to Foxwoods Casino for any interested islanders. The cost is $30 and includes the bus, two Keno tickets, and the sumptuous buffet luncheon. Space is limited, so call Rose at 508-693-4509, ext. 3, soon, and visit the O.B. Senior Center by Wednesday, February 8, to secure your reservation. You do not have to be a senior citizen to go. Boat tickets are the responsibility of those participating. The trip leaves on the 7 am boat and returns to the island on the 6:15 pm boat.

The Boys and Girls Club invites die-hard runners of many levels to mark their calendars for the Martha’s Vineyard 20-Miler Saturday, Feb. 18, starting at 11 am. From highly competitive athletes looking for a test of their Boston Marathon readiness, to dedicated recreational runners seeking to extend the length of their monthly long-run, the race offers the chance to combine a visit to one of the East Coast’s most beautiful shore communities with a race on a fast, USATF sanctioned course. Visit mvbgclub.org/mv20miler for more info and registration.

Happy birthday to Nonnie Garvin, who celebrates February 2, and to Richard Enos, who celebrates February 7. Hope it’s a good one.