Noteworthy
Published: January 14, 2010
IMP takes the stage
IMP, the Island's teen comedy improv company, performs tomorrow night at the Katharine Cornell Theatre in Vineyard Haven. The troupe welcomes newcomers Taylor Perrotta, Clare Boland, Carter D'Angelo, Amy Fligor, Chris Pitt, and Aaron Wilson.
Members of Troubled Shores, Inc. IMPers troupe in rehearsal. From left: Sydney Johnson, Sarah Swift, Clare Boland, and Carter D'Angelo. File photo by Ralph Stewart The two-act show includes a combination of short-form improvised games, skits, and longer theatrical pieces based on suggestions from the audience.
The IMPers are a group of advanced improv students who have furthered their training in improv by participating in school programs and attending summer camp. Last year the troupe performed at the Chicago, Boston, and Providence Improv Festivals.
The show starts at 8 pm on Friday, Jan. 15. Tickets are $12 at the door or $6 in advance from the cast members.
Photo courtesy of Jan WightmanSinging students take to mainland
On the weekend of January 8, three Martha's Vineyard Regional High School students participated in the Music Educators' Southeast District Festival at Oliver Ames High School in North Easton. The participating students from the Island were Sidra Dumont, Emily Lowe, and Madison Ibsen. Emily and Madison will audition for the Massachusetts All State Festival at Symphony Hall in March.
In honor of Dr. M.L.K. Jr.
This coming week, Islanders will be joining together in celebration of the birthday of Nobel Peace Prize winner Martin Luther King Jr., America's great civil and human rights icon, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and leader of the country's non-violent civil rights movement from 1957 to 1968, when, at 37 years old, he was assassinated.
On Monday, Jan. 18th, the Martha's Vineyard NAACP holds its annual membership and award brunch at Deon's restaurant in Oak Bluffs. In addition to the presentation of the Outstanding Service Awards, the program also includes music, a display by the regional high school sophomores. Admission, $55. Call 1-508-944-4484.
Get ready to riaise your voice in song on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 5 pm, when there will be a community sing at the Martha's Vineyard Charter School. Contact Roberta Kirn, 508-693-8028.
On Friday, Jan. 22 at the Martha's Vineyard Hebrew Center, the Island chapter of the NAACP and the Hebrew Center will host their 11th annual tribute to Dr. King and his colleague, Rabbi Abraham Heschel. The program will begin with a lay service led by Robert Herman and Herb Foster. It will be followed by readings, school superintendent James Weiss recounting of his experiences during the civil rights demonstrations in the South, an audience participation discussion, and then a community singalong. The evening concludes with a light dinner. Call Herb Foster, 508-627-7456.
Island musicians city-bound
Phil daRosa and his band-mates Pinto Abrams and Matty Rosenthal will perform for the first time this year in New York City at Sullivan Hall. The show is on Thursday, Jan. 21, at 9:30 pm. The group played on-Island at Nectars during Thanksgiving weekend, and at The Ritz in December. For more information, visit sullivanhallnyc.com.
Just a reminder
The Yard would like to remind those who are interested in choreographing to send their applications in by March 6, and auditions for summer dancers are due between April 22 and 25. Internships, professional positions, and work studies in areas such as dance, theater and opera performance, children's dance and theater, marketing, public relations, event planning, and many more are also available seasonal or year-round. For more information, call 508-645-9662 or visit dancetheyard.org.
Memory lane
Since the New Year has begun, a new project has been started. A special book founded by Jay Pothier is being made to honor the life of Jena Pothier, a 2008 MVRHS graduate who died in a car accident in June 2009. Friends and family are encouraged to contribute stories about memories of Jena. It will be a timeline of her life; a collection of stories, poems, letters, and photographs that anyone can write and send in. There is no limit to how many stories may be submitted. Those who would like to contribute to the book, or those who have questions, can email jay.pothier@ gmail.com.
Family Friday night movies
The Chilmark Library continues to host weekly Friday night movies for the whole family. Tomorrow night at 7 pm a classic 1937 film from a Rudyard Kipling story will be shown. It is about a spoiled boy who grows up honorably with the help of a fisherman. Admission is free and popcorn and juice will be offered. For more information, call 508-645-3360.
Dancing in the evening
Ballroom dance lessons continue on Sunday evenings at Fanny Blair Hall in Vineyard Haven from 7 to 9 pm, and beginner lessons are from 6 to 7 pm. A lesson in salsa dancing with Sergio Racigh and Esther Deming will be offered this Sunday as well, from 7 to 7:30 pm for couples or singles of all levels; there is a $3 donation. For more information, call 508-696-8428.
25 years and counting
The Mansion House in Vineyard Haven is celebrating its 25 years of ownership by hosting a slumber party during the month of January. Islanders are invited to book a room for $25 per person a night, with a view of either Main Street or Vineyard Haven Harbor from most rooms. Some rooms include fireplaces, soaking tubs, and flat screen TVs. Free use of the health club, classes, and pool are included, as well as a complimentary breakfast at Zephrus, the inn's restaurant. Proof of Island residency is required, and state and local taxes are not included. For more information, call 508-693-2200.
Photo courtesy of Patti LeightonGenerosity counts
On December 21, the Martha's Vineyard Savings Bank presented Armen Hanjian a check for the Island Food Pantry. Pictured at right are, from left, Chris Wells, Armen Hanjian, Bruce Spritzer, and Richard Leonard. Since this donation, the bank donated an additional $1,000.
Dinner with friends
Every Friday from January through March, the Grace Episcopal Church in Vineyard Haven hosts a soup supper. Enjoy the community from 5 to 6:30 in the parish hall. For more information, call 508-693-0332.
New Year's baby
Maximus Noah Parris, who arrived on January 6, was the first baby born on the Island in 2010. Maximus was born at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital to parents Simma Rashba and Harry Parris of West Tisbury. He weighed 8 pounds, 13 ounces.
Photos by Ralph Stewart 
