Town Column : Tisbury
By Kay Mayhew
Published: March 4, 2010
I just returned from playing with our granddaughters in Virginia. You could tell we were in northern Virginia because the snow was over three feet deep. The 4-year-old fell off the top of a 12-foot pile of snow and ice, landing on her head in the street. She had a concussion and chipped two teeth. She is fine now although she insists that she chipped her favorite tooth. Afterwards she kept asking if she could come to play on my beach. Everyone had more than enough snow.
I think the biggest difference from coping with the heavy snow in the mid-Atlantic states is the dearth of pickup trucks with snow plows. Parents in one school district in Maryland were asked to come in to shovel the walks if they wanted the schools to open. People could not go to work, but they thronged the suburban shopping malls, especially those with play areas for little ones.
Most of the traffic accidents occurred in the mall parking lots. All the snow from one row of parking was piled high in the next. That meant you could not see a car coming around the corner.
I am almost tired of the Olympics. Rather I should say that I am tired from staying up late to watch everything. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the curling, the hockey, and the ski cross. The media should not focus so exclusively on the competing Americans. I wanted to see more of the many very good athletes from other countries, but they didn't ask me.
All seems quiet in our town, with not many visitors or anyone else on the streets. We shall miss the Bowl & Board and the bagel shop as well. Things livened up somewhat over the weekend when school vacation ended. Many travelers were disappointed with the cool temperatures in Florida. The children are reinvigorated, while the parents seem to long for another vacation. Now that you are home, remember that money spent on-Island pays the wages of our neighbors.
Sandy Whitworth reminds us that there is no membership card for the senior center and that any one can enjoy the activities there. Some events are free and there is a fee for others. I just had another birthday, so I appreciated that Sandy says that seniors are the vital, knowledgeable, and experienced part of our town. Yes, the center does focus on programs for people over 55. But you youngsters under 55 are welcome.
Four weeks of introduction to gentle yoga begins at the senior center today at 4 pm with Carol Vega Aranzabe. This is perfect for beginners or for those with minor limitations. The breathing techniques encourage your body and mind to relax. Call the center at 508-696-4205.
Adult education at the high school has nearly everything to offer. You can study belly dancing, blogging, carpentry, or piano. Learn about Excel, Wampanoag culture or world religions. Registration is this week. See acemv.org.
Family history can be fun. You'll find out more if you watch 'Who Do You Think You Are?' starting this Friday at 8 pm on NBC. Not only can you discover the ancestry of Matthew Broderick and Susan Sarandon and Spike Lee, you can also learn research strategies to find your own ancestors.
The Vineyard Haven Library will show a free movie and popcorn for school age children next Wednesday at 1 pm. The story is about a large dog who adopts a family. On Thursday, March 11, sixth-graders and up gather for the Teen Book Club & Movie at 6 pm.
Fabrics and notions to go to the quilt makers in Haiti can still be dropped off at the Heath Hen through March 13. Clean out your sewing closet and help these women who are trying to help themselves.
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out to Polly McDowell. Saturday belongs to Jonathon Scoggins, Dolores Ruckman, and Laurel Chapman. Wish the very best on Sunday to Evan Kristal. Michelle O'Donnell celebrates on Monday. Wednesday belongs to Sue Merrill.
Heard on Main Street: It's March. Can spring be far behind?
