I’ve had another week in futility seeking out the snowy owl, but I appreciate the encouragement and tips I have received from you folks in my continued quest. This week, I followed David Nash’s suggestion to scout out the areas behind and around Katama Airfield and the FARM Institute, where David has seen the critters hanging out in the fields. Another couple of tips he shared include looking early or late in the day when there are fewer humans around, and look near clumps of grass or shrubs where they might roost to seek shelter from the wind.
My father has decided to “throw in the snowy towel” on the whole thing, but I persevere. This week, per Mr. Nash’s other suggestion, I will venture over sand toward the breach and check out the beachy areas. I was beginning to think I was running out of time with the warm weather we’ve been having, but this week’s Audubon newsletter assured me that there are still viewings to be had. So any of you still searching, be vigilant. We will find victory.
Celebrate Mardi Gras while supporting an Edgartown family on (Fat) Tuesday, March 4, at 6 pm at the Harbor View. The Guest family lives in Edgartown and has for many years. Both Denise and Jay work on the Island and had two children here, Jillian, 24, and Alex, 20. A MVRHS 2012 graduate, Alex now attends Nichols College as a sophomore. Jillian was born very premature and with that came a multitude of medical issues, including blindness and CP. She graduated from Perkins School for the Blind and has been in an independent living/care situation for about two years. Last spring, Jillian had an accident in her home and broke her femur. After months of care, rehab, and recovery, the Guests hope Jillian can find a family living situation either here on the Island or on the Cape through which she may continue a more independent life. The Guest family is working with an agency to achieve this goal. So pull out your purple, green, and gold, throw on some beads, and get down to the Harbor View. The event includes a silent auction, costume contest, light appetizers, and the musical stylings of Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish. Tickets are available at Coogan Law Office in Vineyard Haven, Your Market in Edgartown, and Jim’s Package Store in Oak Bluffs.
The Library has a fascinating fundraising project going on: noted Island muralist Margot Datz has created an installation of a moveable mural project composed of panels, neatly fitted into the entrance hall of the 1904 Carnegie library, that convey the impression of bookshelves filled with favorite books and mementos from around the world. You may notice that the book spines have no lettering. Soon, you will begin to see these books come alive with favorite book titles, commissioned by the community by making a gift of $100 or more to the library’s Above and Beyond Fund, which is administered by the library trustees. The Above and Beyond Fund was established to fund exciting “wow” items for the new Edgartown Library.
Collectively, we have the opportunity to raise $10,000 for the new library and simultaneously create a true community piece of art. Community members are invited to honor someone special by commissioning a favorite title. To learn more about this exciting project, contact library director, Jill Dugas Hughes; director@edgartownlibrary.org or 508-627-4221. Also, you will soon have more opportunity to check out this project and use the library — beginning in March, the library will be open on Mondays.
Birthday wishes go out this week to Melanie Oliver and Linda Condlin, who celebrate February 27; to Kurtin Meehan, Jacqueline Millard, and John Henry O’Shaughnessy, February 28; to Ryan Barbini, March 2; to Kathie Case, March 3; and to Laura Bryan and Lizzie Wallo, March 4.
Extra special birthday wishes go out to Rico Robb, our Leap Day friend, who has much to celebrate this year, despite not having an actual February 29 on which to celebrate. Glad to have you back on your feet, Hoss. Elbow bumps all around.
