West Tisbury

0

The first snowflakes fell as I walked out from church Sunday morning. They continued spitting intermittently throughout the afternoon, starting and stopping, not amounting to anything except wondering what was going to happen. Predictions ranged from one inch to a foot. So far, nothing.

I want to report that the newly refurbished interior of the West Tisbury Church looks lovely. Paint, floors, pews — all freshly painted in the Sanctuary and Parish Hall. Continuing plans include a new ceiling and lighting in the Hall.

We had a guest minister this week, the Rev. Naomi Walters, assistant minister at the Stamford Church of Christ in Stamford, Conn. She was here with her husband and young son. I was surprised to see her using an Ipad for her sermon notes; after a moment of feeling like a fuddy-duddy, I realized that it made good sense and is the way of the future.

Members of my art group — Leslie Baker, Nancy Furino, Lyn Hinds, Liz Taft, and I — met at Ruth Kirchmeier’s last week for lunch and a viewing/critique of some of our latest work. Leslie brought her portrait of Steve Atwood, commissioned to hang in the Atwood Library at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. We all knew she had been working on it for some while, but the group hadn’t seen it, so it was quite the event. Steve is portrayed standing in front of the barn at Brookside Farm with cows behind him and Leslie’s border terrier, Pancho, in his arms. It’s too bad it won’t be seen on the Island before being sent off to Pennsylvania.

The public is invited to attend the Martha’s Vineyard Cultural Council’s spring meeting this Sunday morning, March 9, 9 am to noon, at the Howes House. They want to gather community input, so all are invited to “share your thoughts, give feedback, ask questions, and of course, have a snack.” Please come.

Later Sunday afternoon, from 1 to 2:20, West Tisbury Parks and Rec is sponsoring a Family Skate at the MV Arena. Hot chocolate and drinks will be provided. Families are asked to bring a snack or dessert to share. Admission is free.

The West Tisbury Library will close on Wednesday, March 12, to work at the new/old library, getting everything ready for its grand opening on Saturday, March 22. There will be a weekend of events, tours of the facility, and live music. Nelia Decker is organizing a potluck for the opening. Please call her at 508-693-3366.

The librarians ask that we return books to the other Island libraries or return them when the library reopens. There will be no fines for overdue materials. No passports either. You may use the Vineyard Haven Post Office or the Dukes County Courthouse to apply for a passport.

Leslie Stark emailed to say that the Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group is sponsoring Daffodil Day, which falls on St. Patrick’s Day this year. All proceeds go directly to assist Island families.

Slow Food Martha’s Vineyard will screen the documentary film “Genetic Roulette – The Gamble of Our Lives” at the Chilmark Community Center on Wednesday, March 12, at 5:30 pm. The film “explores the health dangers of food containing GMOs (genetically modified organisms.)”

The public is invited to a free concert next Friday, March 14, 11–12 noon, at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. Two singers from New England Conservatory, soprano Bethany Worrell, and tenor Sean Lair, will perform a program of English art songs, operatic arias, German traditional songs, and some musical theater. New England Conservatory Vocal Residency was organized by Diane Katzenberg Braun with Jan Wightman, director of The Minnesingers, and Abigail Chandler. Ms. Braun is a member of the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society board and a collaborative pianist. She will serve as accompanist for this performance, which will be followed by a private master class for local music students. The vocal residency program is “committed to implementing the education mission of MVCMS: to create, promote, and support classical music learning opportunities, especially in our local schools.”

Megan Grennan is teaching a new all levels yoga class at The Yoga Barn beginning this Monday at 5:30 pm. For more information, look at their website: mvyogabarn.com.

I’m still looking out my windows, still waiting for the snow to begin. Nothing yet.