Community Shorts
Senior moments
Wednesday, May 27 is National Senior Health and Fitness Day and many Island organizations are taking part. Visit any council on aging, Island Elderly Housing, the Martha's Vineyard Center for Living, and the YMCA for this national event. There will be walks and classes at the various locations. For more information, call 508-939-9440 or 508-693-5880 ext. 12.
Beach bodies
The Vineyard Tennis Center Workout and Spa starts a Beach Body Boot Camp this Monday, May 25. The classes are three days a week for four weeks, but boot campers aren't required to attend all. For early risers, the camp is from 6:30 to 7:30 am. For more information, call 508-696-8000.
Mayfest
Mayfest, an annual fundraiser for Island Children's School in West Tisbury, took place on Saturday. Kids enjoyed pony rides and many other activates on a beautiful sunny day.
A painted Max Suman gets a ride on Dutchess, a miniature horse, last Saturday. Photos by Susan Safford
Puppeteer April Thanhauser holds the attention of her young audience.
Vivienne Little (above), aged three, enjoys a swing.
Key to success
Rebekah Nivala, an 18-year-old Islander, will perform piano recitals this weekend - on Saturday at Grace Church in Vineyard Haven and on Sunday at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown. Currently studying at Wheaton Conservatory in Illinois, Ms. Nivala will play music from Beethoven's Piano Concerto #1, Kinderszenen by Schumann, and other works by Bach, Messiaen, and Corigliano. Both concerts are at 4 pm. On Saturday, a reception follows and donations are accepted.
Morningstar Tarter joined Tom Osmers, the man of the hour, at Sunday night's event, on the dance floor at the Ag Hall in West Tisbury. Photos by Susan Safford
Tom's night
On Sunday, hundreds of friends and admirers gathered at a rousing community benefit for Tom Osmers, West Tisbury's shellfish constable who is battling cancer. Festivities started at 5 pm at the Ag Hall in West Tisbury and lasted into the night. It was a celebratory scene with tons of people, music, and potluck food, including an apparently bottomless raw bar that was manned by shuckers young and old. The money raised went to help pay for Mr. Osmers's medical expenses. Among the performers were Ballywho, Jemima James, Nina Violet, Willy Mason, and Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish.
Mr. Osmers holds court with a steady group of admirers.
Willy Mason was among the Vineyard musicians who kept the packed house moving.
From Letterman to local theater
KCT Concerts presents Scottish folk singer/interpreter Jean Redpath, Saturday, 8 pm at the Katharine Cornell Theatre. Born in Scotland, she moved to the States, lived with folk legends Jack Elliot and Bob Dylan, and since 1962 preformed around the world, including a stop at the former Moon Cusser Coffee House in Oak Bluffs back in the day. Advance tickets, $20; $25 at the door.For more information, 508-693-6996 or 693-6237. Watch her on the David Letterman Show this Thursday, May 21.
A circus in town
This Monday at The Yard, instructor Anita McFarlane teaches a Circus Yoga workshop for children and adults. A blend of yoga, creative movement, theatre games, and circus skills, Circus Yoga also involves juggling, clowning, and Thai yoga massage. The workshop costs $15 for adults; $10 for children 13 and under. For more information, call 508-645-9662.
A winning night
Everyone came out a winner on Saturday, May 16, at the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School's Junior Prom. The formal event was held at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury from 6 to 10 pm. The dance featured vocalist Joanne Cassidy of The Jerry Bennett Band, who covered songs by Britney Spears, Journey, and Kid Rock. Also featured at the event were five blackjack tables, all of which were manned by faculty chaperone dealers. The decoration props, finger food, and refreshments set the atmosphere for the Las Vegas theme.
From left: Brianna Davies, Augusta Dillon, and Marta Azzolini strike a pose at the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School Junior Prom. Photo by Ralph Stewart
Nick Jerome and Zach Rabin work the odds at the blackjack table. Photos by Ralph Stewart
Meaghan Jeffers and Randall Jette feel the spirit at the Ag Hall in West Tisbury.
Ryland McHugh and Seneca Craig were crowned as prom king and queen on Saturday night.
Seeing stars
The annual Evening Under the Stars benefit for the Martha's Vineyard Cancer Support Group was held last Thursday night at Mediterranean in Oak Bluffs. The benefit gala featured live music by Mike Benjamin Trio.
From left: Joyce Brigish, Leslie J. Stark, and Alan Brigish catch the warm spirit of the evening at Mediterranean in Oak Bluffs.
MJ Bruder Munafo, artistic director at Vineyard Playhouse, made a toast with dramatic flair at the Evening Under the Stars benefit.
Richard Olson shared thoughts about his wife, Judy, who died of cancer earlier this year.
