Martha’s Vineyard commmunity notes

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Newly minted Eagle Scout

Jesse Thomas, 18, of Oak Bluffs last week obtained the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank of Eagle Scout. Jesse is a member of Troop 93 and is a senior at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. The Oak Bluffs Firemens Civic Association is the sponsor of Troop 93.

MVC receives hazard planning grant

The Federal Emergency Management will award $78,750 in planning funds to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC). The MVC has committed $26,250 in staff support to provide the 25 percent local match for the grant, according to a press release. No separate town funds will be solicited.

The award will be used to update pre-disaster mitigation plans for Island towns and Gosnold. Communities with up-to-date plans are eligible to apply for funding for mitigation structures and other measures.

Project manager Jo-Ann Taylor said the MVC “is committed to working with the communities on hazard planning as well as the larger puzzle of adaptation to climate change.” For more information, contact Ms. Taylor at 508-693-3453, ext. 19, or taylor@mvcommission.org.

Spring volunteer

Alexandra Ferland of Edgartown, a member of the class of 2014 at Providence College, recently spent a week working with Habitat for Humanity as part of the College’s Alternative Spring Break 2012 program.

Ms. Ferland was among nearly 110 Providence College students who volunteered to spend their spring break working at Habitat home sites in 12 locations in the United States. They participated through the Habitat campus chapter at Providence College, which is sponsored by the chaplain’s office. She worked on a home project in Wilmington, Del.

Maggie’s Salon aids American Cancer Society

Maggie’s Salon at 30 Beach Road in Vineyard Haven, will host the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good … Feel Better” event on Wednesday, April 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

The event is a partnership of the American Cancer Society; the Personal Care Products Council Foundation; and the Professional Beauty Association / National Cosmetology Association. It is a free program that helps cancer patients cope with appearance-related side effects from chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments, according to a press release.

Participants will learn simple cosmetic and skin and nail care techniques, wig care and scarf and hat use will be discussed, and all participants will receive a free skin care and makeup kit. Registration is required. Contact Maureen Kwash at 508-897-4339 or Maureen.Kwash@cancer.org.

Edgartown librarian to be honored

Edgartown Library will hold an open house from 2 pm to 4 pm, Friday, April 20 to honor librarian Deb MacInnis for her 35 years (and counting) of service to the Edgartown Library. The library invites all to stop in to congratulate her and enjoy some homemade treats.

Pantry closes

The Island Food Pantry has its last distribution day on Friday, April 13. If anyone needs emergency food assistance call the pantry at 508-693-4764 to arrange for an appointment to pick up food. Gift cards will be distributed again in the Fall.

MVWN extends grant deadline

The Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network (MVWN) has extended the grant deadline for a $2,500 small business grant until April 13.

The grant will be awarded to a local Island small business person “who plans to improve, grow, or start a new business,” according to a press release.

Application and instructions can be found at mvwomensnetwork.org.

Vineyard Nursing hires manager

The Vineyard Nursing Association announced the appointment of Kathleen Samways, PT, DPT to the position of Manager of Rehabilitation Services and Continuous Quality Improvement.

“This is a new position at Vineyard Nursing created in response to the growth in demand for services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and medical social work,” according to a press release.

“Demand for rehabilitation services has grown dramatically,” says Sandie Corr-Dolby, Clinical Director, “And, the complexity of the cases has increased with more people choosing to come home right after surgery, rather than going to rehabilitation centers first. Kathleen has the experience as a therapist and a leader to meet this challenge.”

Reduced use of in-patient facilities is due in part to cost savings decisions by insurance companies. Many will only allow in-patient rehabilitation stays for the most medically fragile. Additionally, studies have shown that recuperation at home post-surgery has the same, if not better, results, according to the VNA.

Fundraiser concert and dance

The dance with rapper Chief Swagg and DJ Jai is a benefit to support The Young Brothers to Men (YBTM) mentor program at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. The dance and concert is from 7 pm to 10 pm at the Alexandra Gagnon Teen Center of the YMCA on Edgartown Road. $5 admission at the door.

Five teen members and three mentors from YBTM are planning a trip to Philadelphia, April 26-29, to visit with teens who have visited the Island each summer for the past five years as part of the Philadelphia-area Neighborhood First leadership program for teens.

“We’re grateful that the Youth Task Force has granted us $500 and we need to raise another $900 to meet our trip budget,” Eric Adams, YBTM mentor said.

“We’ll spend a day in historic Philadelphia, we’ll visit the African-American Museum and the kids can have a chance to spend time with some of the Neighborhood First kids they’ve become friendly with during visits to the Island,” Mr. Adams said.