Community Shorts
Casting calls
Two acting organizations are having auditions for upcoming performances.
Island Theatre Workshop is looking for two female singers between ages 16 and 30 for "An Island of Women." For more information, call Liz Villard at 508-627-2529 or email mvhistory@earthlink.net.
ArtFarm, a new organization, seeks an actress between ages 10 and 12 to play a lead role, a non-equity actress to play several ensemble roles, and local acoustic musicians and dancers for their full length play "Kim & Delia." For more information, visit artfarmenterprises.com.
Prehistoric studies
On Friday, April 17, at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Alison Leschen, a biologist with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, led a training program for people interested in inventorying and monitoring the horseshoe crab population on Martha's Vineyard. Volunteers will also conduct spawning surveys at various Island beaches. Despite its name, horseshoe crabs are more closely related to spiders, ticks, and scorpions than to crabs, although they can grow up to 24 inches in length. There will be another training session in May for those who would like to participate in the spring survey. Call 508-627-4860.
Felix Neck teacher Susie Bowman describes features of the species that has changed little in the last 445 million years to trainees Suzanna Nickerson, Emily Smith, and Vasha Brunelle (left to right). Photos by Ralph Stewart
Ron Zentner and Marilyn Miller examine a specimen at last Friday's training program to monitor the Vineyard's horseshoe crab population.
A week at Safe Haven
Camp Safe Haven kicked off its 15th session this past Saturday when 36 campers between ages 8 and 18 arrived for a weeklong stay at the Manter Memorial Youth Hostel in West Tisbury. Their week is filled with activities: a dance at the Portuguese-American Club, fishing, a picnic, dinners, a talent show, motorcycle rides, music seminar, memorial service, and birthday party.
Much of the activity is due to the efforts of many volunteers - from Island schools and communities - and fundraising events on-Island throughout the year. For several years, for instance, the Martha's Vineyard Harley Riders have given the Safe Haven campers time, attention, and of course, rides with them on their bikes. All those who participate insist they receive at least as much pleasure from their involvement as they provide.
The camp, which is for children whose lives are affected by HIV/AIDS, was co-founded by Tony Lombardi and David Butler. New camp director this year is Jermaine Lee, who will also direct the organization's summer camp in North Carolina.
For more information about the organization and volunteer opportunities, visit safehavenproject.org.
Awaiting the 15th annual visit from Camp Save Haven last Saturday were (from left) Island counselors Alexa Fisher, Zoe Fisher, Sophie Lew, Eliza Gowell, Activities Director Mary Shea, and Emily Bliss, also a counselor.
On Monday, Safe Haven campers fished at Duarte's Pond. Pictured is camper Hakeem.
Camper Fyteema gets his helmet adjusted by Martha's Vineyard Harley Rider "Cricket" last Sunday after a picnic.
Camper Emily, left, and counselor Tara Dixon at the picnic hosted by The Martha's Vineyard Harley Riders on Sunday.
Bike MS: Ride the Vineyard
A fundraiser for multiple sclerosis, Bike MS: Ride the Vineyard 2009 is set for next Saturday, May 2. Starting at the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, there are three routes: a 100K at 9 am, a 50K at 10 am, and a 25K family ride at 12 noon. Registration is $35 and teams must fundraise a minimum of $250. To register, visit bikemsmass.org or call 800-344-4867. If you are a Facebook member, search "Ride the Vineyard."
Call for vendors
The Oak Bluffs Association (OBA) seeks vendors for the 18th annual Harbor Festival, scheduled for Saturday, June 20, from 12 noon to 5 pm (rain date: June 21). Applications for booth and table space are available at daRosa's, on oakbluffsmv.com, or by emailing obainfo@yahoo.com. Vendor fees are $125; $55 for nonprofits; $45 for members of OBA. For more information, call Terry McCarthy at 508-693-3392 or email mvdockside@aol.com.
Helping hands
In response to National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), The FARM Institute announces volunteer opportunities in everything from gardening and carpentry to teaching and working events. For more information, call Chrissy at 508-627-7007 ext. 103 or email office@farminstitute.org.
Tennis time
The Vineyard Tennis Center offers a "Tennis Lesson of the Week" starting today, April 23, for $25. There's a new topic each week, and space is limited. To pre-register, call 508-696-8000.
