Spring break continues through the weekend, and if we keep our fingers crossed, perhaps warmer days are here to stay. At least the daffodils are popping. There are way too many free activities for kids this week, from bowling to movies, or just stop at one of our local farms to visit with the newborns. Be sure to check the listings if you’re looking for something to do on your staycation.
The Yard has received impressive grant funding to bring more dance into our schools and more performers for residencies who also participate in the school programming. Congratulations to all who continue to work so hard to enrich the lives of our community.
I send heartfelt condolences to the extended family of Greg Mayhew, a truly caring and gentle man. My younger son, Sawyer, made a good friend in high school, Galen Mayhew. Together they worked on a root cellar at the Mayhew home, as well as other projects usually based outdoors. We are wash-ashores with a 13-year history, but the kindness Greg extended to my son and our family was always deeply felt. A celebration of Greg’s life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, April 21, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Oak Bluffs, followed by a reception at the adjacent Parish House. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermens’ Preservation Trust, P.O. Box 96, Menemsha, MA 02552.
On Thursday, April 19, Friday, April 20, and Saturday, April 21, Alley’s General Store is having a warehouse sale at the Grange Hall from 10 am to 2 pm, cash and credit only, no checks.
Horseshoe crab surveys are conducted during the new and full moons of May and June. Get trained (adults only) for free, and join the effort to gather data on and help preserve this ancient marine species at Felix Neck Wildlife Preserve on Thursday, April 19, from 1 to 3pm. Register by phone at 508-627-4850 or online at bit.ly/horseshoecrabs.
In honor of Earth Day, the VCS is holding a beach cleanup on Saturday, April 21, from 10 am to noon, all ages welcome at Menemsha or Lucy Vincent Beach.
The Chilmark town meeting will be held on Monday, April 23, at the CCC at 7:30 pm. Election Day is Wednesday, April 25, from noon to 8 pm. You can get an absentee ballot up until noon on Tuesday, April 24, and fill it out in the office or have it mailed to you by contacting town clerk Jennifer Christy at townclerk@chilmarkma.gov or 508-645-2107.
Tuesday Pizza Nights continue at the Chilmark Community Church from 6 to 7 pm; enjoy free food, conversation, and community. All are welcome. 9 Menemsha Crossroads, Chilmark.
At our library, school break activities start Wednesday, April 18, with Open Video Gaming from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm — Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Brothers Wii-U, and Nintendoland. On Thursday, April 19, Open Board Gaming in the meeting room, and Lego Free Build in the children’s room. On Saturday, April 21, catch the latest epic space film at 2 pm; “May the force be with you.” Join Rizwan for Storytime on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10:30 am. Local poets Nan Byrne, Jill Jupen and Donald Nitchie will give a poetry reading on Wednesday, April 18, at 5 pm. Wednesday, April 25, is the second free Poetry Drop-In Workshop for adults hosted by Donald Nitchie, presenting poems by a range of contemporary poets, followed by a short discussion and then a group free-write loosely based on the poem’s content or form. Students are encouraged to share their work with the group if interested. For info or questions call 508-645-3360 or email chil_mail@clamsnet.org.
Pathways season is wrapping up. On Thursday, April 19, Bob Maclean hosts a screening of “Chasing Coral,” a documentary about our vanishing reefs. It’s the last “We Dance” of the season on Friday, April 20, with live performances, improv, and live music and dance videos, before DJ Ricky Prime takes over from 8 to 10 pm. On Sunday, April 22, Irish poet Anne-Marie Fyfe holds a poetry workshop from 2 to 5:30 pm and is joined by musician Cahal Dallat and friends for an evening of poetry, prose, music, and memoir. On Tuesday, April 24, head to Maclean hosts an evening of Film Shorts by Alan Look, Erica Cerino’s “A Day in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch,” Ken Wentworth and Liz Witham’s new shorts on the Lighthouse and Micronesia, and more, plus children’s book author Eileen Sullivan and her newest book, “Peter Pinkletink, Namaste.” The season finale is Thursday, April 26, with a fantastic lineup for a multi-arts performance evening. Doors open at 6:30 pm and programs begin at 7 pm, free.
Come to Pathways Arts on Mondays and join Rebecca Gilbert for knitting from 1 to 3 pm, and from 5:30 to 6:30 pm learn T’ai Chi Ch’uan Yang long form and Chi Kung with Yang Chang Fu, suitable for all ages and family groups. You can stop by every day but Wednesdays and Sundays and find a warm environment to work in, Wi-Fi and computer available. Learn more at pathwaysmv.org.
The 41st Women’s Symposium will be on Saturday, April 28, 9 am to noon, on the topic of “Assumptions.”
Have a great week.