The Mansion House celebrates 29 years this month with a slumber party for Islanders. You can stay there for $29 and enjoy the health club and pool. Then, on January 11 Islanders are invited to the Saturday Sampler. Attend free sample classes you might be reluctant to pay for without trying. Vineyarders can try different approach or exercise options, from high intensity interval workouts and Zumba to Pilates in the pool. For more, see mvmansionhouse.com or call 508-693-2200, ext. 104.
In December many customers of The Black Dog donated over $500 to the Vineyard Committee on Hunger. About 50 kids colored ornaments the weekend before Christmas and enjoyed a visit with Santa.
The Unitarian Universalist Society will soon hang a portrait in Stevens Chapel of Captain Gilbert L. Smith which was given by Kathryn Stewart. Capt. Smith was president of the Society from 1898 until his death in 1927 at age 98. The portrait is being reframed in a manner similar to the portrait of Rev. Waldo Stevens.
Last year Sunday was the only day of the week when a meal was not available for those in need. Then the Federated Church began a free lasagna lunch on Sundays. The Edgartown church will offer the free lasagna lunch beginning this week and continuing through March 30. Lunch is served 12:30 to 2:30 pm in the Parish House on 45 South Summer Street. The free meals include salad, bread, and cookies and all are welcome. Donations will not be accepted. For more, call 508-627-4421.
Music continues at the Federated Church with the All Church Cabaret on Saturday, January 11, at 7:30 pm. For $15 appetizers will be provided and beverages available for purchase. Enjoy Peter Boak on piano and many lovely voices, comedy music, and more. All proceeds benefit the Haiti Peace Quilts mission and the Federated Church.
Betsy Bray will give an illustrated talk about Beatrix Potter (1860-1943) on Sunday, January 12, at the Vineyard Haven Library. Following the free program at 2 pm refreshments will be served. Beatrix Potter is the well-known author and illustrator of The Tale of Peter Rabbit and other classic children’s books, but she was also a diarist, sheep farmer, land conservationist, and community activist. Her gifts to the National Trust made possible the preservation of large areas of the Lake District in northwest England. Beatrix Potter overcame a strict Victorian childhood to become what Betsy considers “a woman ahead of her time.”
Betsy Bray has been a member and trustee of the Beatrix Potter Society since 1984. She has given illustrated talks to various groups in the U.S., U.K., Africa, and Australia. She gave a series of lectures on the transatlantic voyage on the Queen Mary 2. Betsy is a former librarian. You can reach Betsy Bray at 508-432-4824 or braybetsy@gmail.com.
Congratulations to Hank and Linda Unczur who celebrated 44 happy years together on January first.
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes are due to Steve Bernier who partied on the first day of the year. John Chapman became a year older and wiser on Tuesday. Tomorrow wish the best to Romeo Bonelli. Sunday belongs to Roberta Kirn. Then on Monday Taylor Higgins will blow out her candles. Good wishes on Tuesday to Judy Belushi Pisano. Happy birthday to Allyson Wajda and Ned Orleans on Wednesday.
Heard on Main Street: At least keep your New Year’s resolutions through the end of the week.
