I guess we have to start looking at the blessings this freezing cold weather brings. It certainly kills a lot of cold germs (so they say). It was only 7 degrees this Monday morning and even my computer “froze.” It takes forever to get enough warm clothing on to stay warm before venturing out. I noticed the ice is really forming over the Lagoon as well as the roadways again. To add insult to injury, more snow and icy rain are predicted for Wednesday, forcing me, among many others, to cancel plans to travel off Island that day.
Ground Hog Day is National Job Shadow Day. On February 2 the Martha’s Vineyard Youth Leadership Initiative would like to invite you to participate in the first National Job Shadow Day. MVYLI youth are matched with Vineyard businesses so they can have firsthand experience with jobs in their field. These young people aspire to become actors, mural artists, art educators, business executives, doctors, health care workers, engineers, educators, farmers, film directors, environmental scientists, psychologists, and youth counselors. This after-school program is from 2:30 to 5 pm on Wednesday, Feb. 2, and it will culminate with a reception honoring students and their mentors.
To sign up and get more information, please email: mvyouthleaders@gmail.com.
To Celebrate Black History Month, ACE MV is sponsoring a forum called Haiti: The Current Situation/ Local Global Connection with slide show and discussion led by Sharilyn Geistfeld and members of the local PeaceQuilt concerning their recent visit to Haiti. The forum will take place on Saturday, Feb. 5, from 1 to 3 pm. For more information contact lynn@acemv.org.
Well folks, Oak Bluffs is in real financial difficulty. If you think that this is going to be easily solved, think again. Time to offer your input to the finance committee and our selectmen. It is not going to be simple to correct this and it is going to affect every resident of this town in some way.
The Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club will hold its general meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 15, at 1 pm at the Wakeman Center off Lambert’s Cove Road. The program this month is a presentation on Morning Glory Farm Story. A hospitality hour with refreshments will follow the program.
Joe and Nicole deBettencourt welcomed a new baby daughter, Alaina Rae. Alaina was welcomed by her two older sisters, Angela and Leah, and brother, Joe.
A benefit dinner sponsored by the Oak Bluffs Fire Department Rescue Truck for Kenny Ponte will be held on Saturday, Feb. 5, from 5 to 7 pm at the P-A Club in Oak Bluffs. A donation of $12 for adults and $6 for children is suggested. Help raise some spirits and enjoy a great dinner. For more information, contact Paul at 508-221-0390.
Saturday, Jan. 29 will be the unveiling of the 2011 version of the Annual CakeWalk at the Oak Bluffs School. Check the school newsletter, The Carousel, online for more information about this newly recreated and fun family event. And another great fun event is the ever-popular Oak Bluffs Talent Show, which this year will take place on February 4. It is entertaining to watch and also to participate in.
Please check on your neighbors during this difficult winter. Make sure they have heat and adequate food on hand, and whatever else you can do to assist them.
We received sad news this week, from Perth, Australia. John Pelicaan, father of our daughter-in-law Debra Alley, died after a month’s illness. John and his wife Barbara spent some time with us here during deer week a few years ago, and he so enjoyed the hunt and the camaraderie of the hunt group. He emigrated to Australia from Holland when he was only 14 and was a butcher by trade. He loved to hunt and had a marvelous sense of humor and view of life. We are so sorry.
We send birthday smiles to Caroline Davey on January 27, Michael Edward Perry III on the 29th, followed by Otis Rogers on the next day. Britney deBettencourt and David Madeiras celebrate on the 31st, Noah Hoyt and Judy Searle on February 1, and Emma Williamson on the 3rd.
Enjoy your week.
Peace.
