I don’t know about the rest of you, but this whole “spring ahead” has left what seems like half my brain behind. I feel as if I am suffering jet lag or perhaps a mild hangover even though I don’t drink. Although Daylight Savings Time seems like a slightly archaic tradition that serves very little purpose in my day-to-day life, I suppose the energy savings in my household combined with millions of others adds up to something beneficial. Thanks be to the sun.
Well, as I mentioned last week, the Glasgow family is back from their Hawaiian adventure. Not only were they in Volcanoes National Park when a minor eruption occurred but on their last night on the big island, their hotel was evacuated due to the tsunami warning. I have heard from so many that the state of Hawaii has a phenomenal warning system but, I must say, I was a bit relieved when Molly checked in and assured me she, Eric, Noah, and Jakie were just fine.
Not only were the Chilmark School kids worried about Noah and Jakie, but they also had goosebumps thinking about their kindergarten friend Annalee Hoy and her mom, Annette Cingle, who were visiting family on Maui. It was also a relief to hear from Scott McDowell, who was visiting his daughter, Lauren, on Kauai. Thank goodness for cell phones and Facebook and the quick reports assuring that our friends were safe. I cannot bring myself to watch the evening news. Thinking about what Japan is going through makes me feel helpless.
Menemsha was lucky enough to have Lizzie Willette’s company over her spring break visit from Appalachian State University in North Carolina. She waited on a few customers at the Texaco and caught up with some friends while she was in town. It was nice to have her smiling face around, even if the encounter was brief.
The West Dock renovations are well underway with C. White Marine in charge of the crane, tug, and barge. They have been busy driving piles and removing what was left of the fire-ravaged dock. John Keene and his team have been busy installing a new septic system for Everett Poole’s buildings on Basin Road. It must be quiet in Menemsha when a septic system is the hot topic on the agenda.
My mom, Diana Lees, paid a quick one-night visit to her grandchildren. We haven’t seen very much of her this winter since she is sewing her oats in D.C., working at George Washington University and volunteering at Crossway Community.
We had an unexpected visit with Kathie and Emmett last week. Sadly, Kathie’s younger brother Harvey passed away after battling a lengthy illness. They came home to touch base and regroup with the family but are now back in Florida, quietly passing the time trying to come to terms with the void Harvey has left. A memorial service for the “favorite uncle” will be held sometime in May. Harvey will be missed by many Island friends that he met over the years while working for Emmett and participating in the Ride to the Rock each June.
Joanie Jenkinson is a proud grandmother. Wyatt’s MV Youth Hockey team travelled to Olympic ice in Lake Placid, N.Y., for the CAN/AM Challenge Cup Tournament. To the best of my knowledge, Wyatt and his teammates managed three wins during their three-day adventure. Gold, gold, and more gold is what it was all about. How exciting for the group.
Kevin Oliver will receive an award from the Cape Cod and Islands Council of the Boy Scouts of America on March 19 in Yarmouthport. Amazingly enough, it is the first award to go to a Martha’s Vineyard resident. In order to be considered for this award, a scouter must have coordinated and/or implemented at least one district or council event for the purpose of enhancement of the council and the overall improvement of scouting on Cape Cod and the Islands. For his noteworthy service as a scouter (an adult member of the Boy Scouts movement), Kevin will be presented with the District Oscar Award. Bravo Kevin! Your performance was worthy of an Oscar. We are proud.
Wednesday, March 23, is the first of a three-part writing workshop conducted by Nancy Aronie to be held at the library. Writing from the Heart: Finding your own Voice is a condensed version of Nancy’s 12-hour summer workshop geared toward everyone from the beginning writer to the burnt-out professional that needs a nudge to find their voice once again. Although the workshop is free, you must commit to attending all three sessions. Please call the Library at 508-645-3660 for details.
