It certainly feels like spring is here. I realize that we still have potential for cold days and cold nights, but I am certainly thankful when the sun shines and the thermometer reads over 50. Not only does spring represent warmer weather, but it is, by far, one of the noisiest times of year. Step outside and listen. What do you hear? Birds chirping, squirrels barking (I am pretty sure that is what it is called), sheep bleating, deer running, pinkletinks, oh my, the pinkletinks, brush cutters, chainsaws, leaf blowers, trucks, tractors, children laughing and so on. So, if you haven’t taken the time to listen, do it now and I think you will realize that I am correct — spring is noisy.
One stormy night as thunder booms overhead and waves pound the shoreline, a small orphan girl is rescued and protected by four gods. This story of love, pain, grief and hope is a Broadway hit known as Once on This Island. Learn more about Ti Moune, the little orphan, at the West Tisbury School’s interpretation of this story. The two performances are tomorrow night at 7 and Saturday afternoon at 2. Several Chilmark kids will be on stage singing and dancing in this musical. Admission is $5, with proceeds going to a fund for Haiti.
Born on August 25, 1917, Eric Cottle lived a long life in his Menemsha home alongside his lovely bride, Marguerite. Sadly, the man who until recent years used to stop by the Texaco to chat with me, always referring to me politely as Mrs. Carroll, died this past weekend. The last time I saw him, he was in his living room chair passing out candy bars on Halloween. Yes, all the children in town know that he and Marguerite always handed out the full sized bars and never the mini ones you could buy in bulk at the grocery store. Donations may be made in Eric’s memory to the Menemsha Fisherman’s Fund, care of Warren Doty.
There will be a graveside service today, April 8, at 2 pm in the Abel’s Hill Cemetery. A reception with coffee, tea and sweets will follow at the Chilmark Community Church Fellowship Hall.
April is Nation Poetry Month. What better way to celebrate than with a poetry reading by Chilmark resident John Maloney. The free event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14, at 5:30 pm and is sponsored by the Friends of the Chilmark Public Library. You all know John is the husband of our very own pride and joy, children’s librarian/assistant director Kristin Maloney.
The Chilmark Library has announced its April themes for the Children’s After School Program. The hour-long sessions are held on Wednesdays from 3 to 4 pm and are intended for children in first through fifth grade. The themes are as follows: April 7, Spring and Lambs; April 14, Fairytales; April 21, Earth Day and National Turn Off TV week (which is April 19 – 25); and April 28, April Showers Bring May Flowers. Please call Irene at the library if you have any questions (508) 645-3360.
Emmett and Kathie Carroll and Ted and Judy Mayhew have returned from an extended visit to the Florida Keys. Home base was on Sugarloaf Key, about 15 miles east of Key West. Most of their time was spent relaxing but a few side trips were taken to Miami and Key West. The foursome is looking rather relaxed and quite tan.
I spotted the Driesen clan here over the weekend. They had traveled from their Pelham, N.Y., home to bask in the Vineyard sunshine and catch up with friends.
Welcome home to Cathy Thompson who arrived Sunday night after an 1,100 mile drive with both cats doing well. Cathy has not been a particularly familiar sight in recent years, so I look forward to seeing her and catching up a bit.
Welcome home to Alan Porter, who is back in town after a winter’s worth of adventure traveling through Thailand. I have yet to get a visual on him, but I am sure that by the time this is in print, I will have caught up with Alan face to face. His stories are always vivid. His adventures always push the envelope just a little bit.
Birthday wishes go out to a whole gaggle, flock, or herd of folks, including Alicia Knight, Keith Fenner, the father and son team of Gary and Kinsman Maynard, who celebrated together on the fifth, Kevin Oliver, Delilah Meegan, Bo Hurwitz, and the rest of you, too.
Looking for some thing to do during school vacation? On Wednesday, April 21, at 4:30 pm, the Capawock Theatre will have a special screening of “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial.” This screening is to benefit Island Food Pantry. Admission to the screening is at least one non-perishable food item. The folks at the Capawock invite all to join them in watching this beloved family classic and, at the same time, help out a worthy cause.
