The Martha's Vineyard Times The Martha's Vineyard Times
The Martha's Vineyard Times The Martha's Vineyard Times The Martha's Vineyard Times
The Martha's Vineyard Times The Martha's Vineyard Times

Community Shorts

Posted September 27, 2007

Israel-Palestine relations

This Sunday evening, the M.V. Hebrew Center is hosting a panel discussion about Israeli-Palestinian Negotiating Partners (IPNP) with moderator Shula Gilad. IPNP was created by Harvard Negotiation Project and Conflict Management Group, and co-founder Moty Cristal is one of the guest speakers. He is joined by Nisreen Haj-Ahmed Abbas who is currently the economic advisor to the President of the Palestinian Authority, and Shula Gilad, a consultant to Harvard University, and the aforementioned Conflict Management Group. The discussion is from 1 to 4 pm at the center, which is located at 130 Spring Street in Vineyard Haven. For more information, call 508-693-0745.

Mindfulness Sessions

The Mindfulness Meditation Group (formerly Insight Meditation) is hosting teacher Chas Di Capua of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre on three Saturday mornings in the fall and winter. Mr. Di Capua will practice "Insight or Vipassana Meditation" while on the Island, at the Unitarian-Universalist Society, Main Street, Vineyard Haven. The sessions begin on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 9 am to 12 noon, and continue on Oct. 27 and Dec. 15. There is a $15 suggested donation. To pre-register, call Jo Rice at 508-693-2827 or Peg Thayer at 508-627-9835.

garden obelisk

Garden obelisk

Build your very own, one-of-a-kind, garden obelisk at the Polly Hill Arboretum (PHA) workshop on Saturday, Oct. 6. Janice Shields will return to the Island to teach this popular class. Ms. Shields, owner of Cut It Out, is committed to recycling invasive species by turning them into decorative structures for the garden. With no prior experience, you will have a completed obelisk by the end of the one-day class, thanks to Ms. Shields's simple, step-by-step process

All materials will be provided. You bring some tools and creative energy. Ms. Shields's workshops fill up fast, so call PHA to reserve your space. For more information or to register, call 508-693-9426.

MV Peace Dove

For peace

The M.V. Peace Council is organizing a "De-Fund the War" rally at Five Corners (Peace Corners) in Vineyard Haven, scheduled this Saturday, Sept. 29 at 1 pm. This rally is part of a nationwide peace effort to get the attention of the administration and Congress. Participants are encouraged to make signs, or hold up ones provided by the council.

The council also has antiwar buttons, signs, tee-shirts, and stickers available. For more information, call Chris Fried at 508-693-7741.

Wish you were here

If you are off-Island this weekend, stop by the annual postcard show at Cape Cod Community College in Hyannis on Saturday, Sept. 29. The annual show is hosted by the Cape Cod Postcard Collectors Club and is now in its 22nd year. There will be 65 dealers and almost 2 million postcards, with many from Martha's Vineyard.

The college is located on Route 132, Iyanough Road in West Barnstable. Admission to the show is $2, or $1 for club members. For more information, call 508-362-5174.

Holiday preparation

The Friends of Tisbury have announced the date of their holiday bazaar and are taking names for those interested in their own tables. The bazaar will be on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 11 am to 3 pm, at the Tisbury Senior Center. Tables are $10 each. To reserve, call 508-693-5661

Rewarding spirit

Hospice of Martha's Vineyard is looking for nominations for the Spirit of Martha's Vineyard Award. The award honors someone who has served Island non-profit organizations and has made a difference to the community as a whole or individuals within it. Criteria considered include length and depth of service, and the effect of that service on the community. Past recipients are Jack Ware, Estelle Surprenant, Ron Rappaport, and Dorothy Bangs, among others. To nominate someone, outline their service and send it to Hospice, P.O. Box 2549, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, or e-mail it to hospice@vineyard.net. Nominations must be received by Oct. 1.

Fiddling to focus

Those with a Sensory Processing Disorder find it easier to pay attention when they are moving. Next Thursday, Oct. 4, Dr. Jane Koomar of Occupational Therapy Associates in Watertown will present a workshop for parents and teachers, "Fiddle and Focus: Sensory Integration Strategies for School Success." Dr. Koomar will discuss cases in children from preschool through adolescence, and diagnoses such as ADD, PDD, Aspergers, NVLD, and PTSD. Questions are welcome. The event is sponsored by the Family Support Program of M.V. Community Services, Island Counseling and Disability Services, and the Sensory Resource Project. Pre-register by calling 508-693-7900 ext. 249.

Habitat needs volunteers

Habitat for Humanity has begun building another home in Vineyard Haven for a family that has already been selected, and needs volunteers, both experienced and not, to help keep the building costs down. The building days will be Fridays and Saturdays beginning Sept. 28. Those interested can sign up at habitatmv.org or call 508-696-4646.