The Ides of March, and nary a cloud in the sky. I see nothing of which to beware on such a pleasant day as this. Usually we go straight from winter to summer with hardly a spring to speak of, but this year, it seems autumn gave way to spring with a couple false starts of winter in between. It’s nice to not have that cabin fever we’re all usually experiencing about this time.
I had dinner with Kara Shemeth the other night and was thrilled to hear of her recent engagement to Brad Dekkers of Minnesota, a long-time friend who has since become something more. There’s no better way to start off a lifetime together, which the two plan to do by exchanging vows here on the Vineyard in the fall. Wishing the two of you all the happiness in the world.
Kara and I had the pleasure of running into Roy Gundersen, who showed off his iPhone prowess, sharing with us the latest must-have apps. Mr. Gunderson, always on the cutting edge of style, proudly doffed his skateboard cap to show us the cobra embroidered on top, a selection one of his grandchildren had made. You wear it well, sir.
Calling all amateur farmers and green thumbs, the FARM Institute reports that, through a grant from the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, they are able to offer one-acre farm plots to Vineyarders interested in trying new crops or new growing processes. Water, tillable ground, and assistance with planning and expenses will be available. Download the application at www.farminstitute.org. And if you end up with extra produce, don’t forget your friendly town columnist!
How about a little putt-putt? On Saturday, March 17, the Martha’s Vineyard Ecumenical Youth Group will be hosting a unique opportunity for those of all ages to play 18 holes of mini-golf in the Federated Church, Edgartown. Bring your children, your parents, your friends, and neighbors to play a few holes from 11 am to 4 pm. All proceeds will be used to support the on-going mission work of the Martha’s Vineyard Ecumenical Youth Group. For more info, call 508-627-6040.
The American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days are coming! Volunteers will be delivering pre-paid flowers on Tuesday, March 20. Bouquets will also be for sale that afternoon at the Edgartown Stop & Shop and Tony’s Market in Oak Bluffs, and at Vineyard Haven Cronig’s and the M.V. Hospital on Wednesday morning (March 21). Proceeds will be used to fund research to search for a cure, and to help provide support for individuals who are battling this illness. For more info, email Judy at judithabaynes@gmail.com.
The Annual Celebrity Pasta Dinner to benefit the Haiti Peace Quilt program will be held Saturday, March 24, from 6 to 8:30 pm at the Federated Church Parish House. Offerings will include spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, salad, cake, coffee, tea, juice. Many surprises are in order. For further info, email Lorraine, at mvlorraine@yahoo.com.
Aspiring nurses are encouraged to visit with the administration team from Diman Tech, School of Nursing to get your questions answered regarding the TEAS pre-nursing test. The meeting will take place Saturday, March 24, at 10 am in the Windemere first floor Conference room area. For further info, contact Dr. Lorna Andrade at LANDRADE5@partners.org.