Noteworthy
Weekend romance
The Hob Knob Hotel in Edgartown offers a Valentine's Day weekend special. Book a two-night stay by January 31, and receive a complementary bottle of champagne. Rates start at $125 and include a full breakfast and afternoon tea. For reservations, call 800-696-2723.
Charter School students from left: Illana Kagen, Kemilly Oliveira, Lulu Dice, Braedyn Clark, Emmanuelle Woodford, and Tyler Vages.Getting schooled by The Yard
The Yard's Run For Your Life!...it's a dance company! performed in elementary schools and presented a clowning workshop at the regional high school last week. The presentations were part of the Yard Artists-in-the-Schools program, which is also collaborating with the Island's branch of Associação de Capoeira to teach the traditional Brazilian art form of Capoeira. On Thursday, Jan. 14, the dance company capped off their week of events with an assembly at the M.V. Public Charter School. For more information, contact Wendy Taucher at 646-872-7249 or email wendytaucher@mindspring.com.
Erica Hartono, a guest artist for Run For Your Life! ... it's a dance company!, co-founded a dance company, and graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in ballet.
Dudley Brooks, left, and Andrew Broaddus perform for students at the M.V. Public Charter School last Thursday. Photos by Ralph Stewart 
At the Tisbury School Geography Bee were, from left, Assistant Principal and bee judge John Custer, with competitors Casey McAndrews, Willow Wunsch, Patrick Best, Barra Peak, Edwin Gould-Hatt, Kyle Dostal, Tony Canha, and Jimmy Perez. Photo by Whitney BurkeCasey McAndrews wins Tisbury School Geography Bee
Tisbury School sixth grader Casey McAndrews claimed victory in the 2010 Tisbury School Geography Bee. The deciding question was: After the United and France, which island country generates the most power from nuclear energy? The correct answer is Japan. Casey will now advance to a written examination that determines state competitors for the National Geography Bee in Washington, D.C., in May. All school winners are eligible for the national championship and first prize of a $25,000 college scholarship.
Other Tisbury School students who competed in the finals were fifth graders Patrick Best and Jimmy Perez, sixth grader Edwin Gould-Hatt, seventh graders Kyle Dostal and Willow Wunsch, and eighth graders Tony Canha and Barra Peak.
Scholarship applications available
The Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce announced that applications for the 2010-2011 Jim Lambert Memorial Scholarship are available now at the Chamber office, 24 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, across from the Tisbury fire station.
Applications may also be downloaded from the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School website, mvrhs.org.
Scholarships are awarded to graduates of a Martha's Vineyard secondary school who are enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or post-secondary educational institution in a formal degree or certificate program. Completed applications must be received by April 15.
The Chamber congratulated 2009 winners Alaina Aristide, Tanya Larsen, Benjamin Madeiras, Samuel Marlin, Naomi Rayfield, Matthew Seklecki, and John Swan. Each student received $1,000 for his or her continuing education.
For more information contact Ken Goldberg, program director, at ken@mvy.com or 508-693-4486, ext. 10.
Big performance for Island youth
Last Wednesday, nearly 200 string players of the All-Island Elementary String Program performed their winter concert at the Performing Arts Center at the M.V. Regional High School. Both the advanced and intermediate orchestras performed, and eighth-grader Thorpe Karabes was featured as a soloist on the cello. Teachers Nancy Jephcote, Chelsea Pennebaker, and new teacher Ariadne Nevin work together with accompanist Carol Loud to instruct the children.
From left: Bob Hanjian (behind), Jack Pizzano, Manuel Hernandez, Dashiell Christy, and Mary Morgan get ready to make music.
From left: Charlotte Packer, Alexa Pil, Robert Goodale, Hanni Johnson, Larissa Oliveira, Ciara Ru Hoyt, Hayleigh Le Coq, and Avery Simmons.
From left: Matthew Fish, Riley Chalifoux, and Solon Oliver perform at the All-Island Elementary String Program on Wednesday, Jan. 13.
Chloe Hoyt, left, and Nina Moore enjoy their time in the spotlight at the MVRHS Performing Arts Center.
Jonathan Revere. Photos by Susan Safford Poe Turns 201 in West Tisbury
On Sunday, Jan. 17, the West Tisbury Free Public Library celebrated Edgar Allan Poe's 201st birthday with tributes and performances by Jonathan Revere, Mev Good, Dan Waters, Fan Ogilvie, Jill Macy, Wayne Greenwell, and Joe Eldredge. The festivities culminated in a bravura performance of "The Raven" by singer Kevin Keady accompanied by drummer Matt Rosenthal. Afterward, revelers enjoyed a Devil's Food birthday cake.
Kevin Keady
MVHC Slow Jam
The Martha's Vineyard Hebrew Center in Vineyard Haven is holding a Slow Jam night with Klezmer and other Jewish music on Sunday, Jan. 24, at 5:30 pm. Those of all ages are invited to bring instruments and play along with the provided sheet music. The Slow Jam follows the weekly community supper at 5 pm. For more information, call 508-693-0745.
Marine science opportunities
The Woods Hole Science Aquarium is offering two programs for high school students this summer: a five-week internship and a two-week seminar, both devoted to careers in marine science. Interns will spend about 25 hours a week in the aquarium caring for the animals, and will be trained as assistant naturalists for shore-side collecting trips for the public. The program will run from July 5 to August 6.
The Careers in Marine Science seminar will run from July 26 to August 6, and requires 15 to 20 hours a week. The seminar is designed to give students an idea of what people do who work in science institutions. The seminar participants will also learn about animal husbandry, basic aquarist skills, hear presentations from scientists from different fields of studies, go on collecting trips, and visit other science institutions and aquariums.
To participate in either program, students must have finished 10th, 11th, or 12th grade and must be at least 16 years old by July 5 and be U.S. citizens. Application forms are available at aquarium.nefsc.noaa.gov/hsinterns.html. For more information, or questions, call 508-495-2037.
Alpaca sock making workshop
Now is your chance to learn how to knit socks. Island Alpaca offers a two-part sock knitting workshop this Sunday, Jan. 24, and next Sunday, Jan. 31, where you will have the opportunity to make two pairs of socks. The workshop is for knitters who have at least some experience in knitting and in using a set of five double-pointed needles (DPN). If you have never used a DPN it may be beneficial to practice before attending. The workshop costs $60, plus supplies. There is a student special for 10 percent off yarn, roving, and needle purchases the day of the class. Pre-registration is required at 508-693-5554.
Winter cooking classes
Cathy Walthers, author of "Raising the Salad Bar," is teaching a three-part class on how to cook healthy winter soups. It is $175 for the series that includes demos, lunch, and recipes. The classes are from 12 noon to 2 pm and start on Thursday, Jan. 28, and the second and third classes are on February 11 and 18. To pre-register, email cathywalthers43@msn.com.
The art of metal detecting
The Oak Bluffs Library hosts author Jay Schofield, who will give a book talk on his book, "Beach Detecting in Surf and Sand," and on the art of metal detecting. The book is a how-to guide for metal detecting on the beach and in shallow water, using a hand-held metal detecting device. The discussion is next Thursday, Jan. 28, from 6 to 7:45 pm in the meeting room. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 508-693-9433.
