It’s officially a new year, and 15 seems like such a nice, tidy number. Time to put away all the excess of the holiday season, and once again clean the slate, a white page filled with the hope and promise of all to come. And I know I’m a little late on my annual plea, but while we’re talking about clean, white stuff, would a little snow be too much to ask? Believe me, I am not complaining about walking around in only a fleece in December, but I’m thinking it’s about time for a little bit of winter chill. Hats, scarves, and pink noses, mittens and cocoa. Kids on sleds. That kind of thing.
Watch out world — there’s a new Mundt in town. Ryan and Michelle Mundt welcomed Evangeline “Lina” Frances Mundt on December 26, weighing in at a precious 7 pounds, 2 ounces. Right now, she has about as much hair as her father and uncle, but luckily photo evidence attests that she looks super cute in tiny pink hats. Congrats all!
I had word from Ellie Bates that Amy and Trevor Bates both made it home for Christmas, each having time off from their jobs. Amy is teaching eighth grade language arts in the Chicago Public Schools at the Dr. Jorge Prieto Academy. Trevor has his own lighting, staging, and rigging business, and has helped set up for the Nutcracker and the Boston Pops. Their parents, Gordon and Ellie, are thrilled everyone could be together.
I guess it’s time for the winter migration to happen. The Condlins have already made their way to Florida for a few months of sunshine and sandy toes. Lee and Cheryl Welch came back to dry land long enough to share the holiday with all the kids and grandkids, but now it is back to the boat, in time to ring in the new year on some other far-off island. If any of you get bored and need some guests to come liven things up, I am accepting any and all invitations.
A lot has been going on behind the scenes at the Anchors over the past week. The crew cleared out to have the floors refinished, and wow do they look shiny and new! What a way to welcome the new year. Regularly scheduled programming will resume soon. Perhaps ballroom dancing would be an appropriate activity atop the newly gleaming planks.
Felix Neck has earned a shout-out for the banner year they have just completed, with 2014 marking the 50th anniversary of the Fern and Feather Day Camp. To commemorate that momentous achievement, they undertook a $50,000 scholarship drive, which raised funds to provide financial aid to Island families so that they can send their children to the camp. Also, Sanctuary Director Suzan Bellincampi’s new book, Martha’s Vineyard: A Field Guide to Island Nature, has been named one of the Best Books of 2014 by the Boston Globe, and Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary was voted Best of the Vineyard for the fourth consecutive year. In addition, the Sanctuary has worked with the folks at Windemere to bring the outdoors to those who can’t get out, and the property has gained a treehouse and a new hay wagon. We are lucky to have such a great space here in our town for education, exploration, and community. Keep up the good work, Felix Neck! And readers, if you haven’t stopped by to hit the trails in a while, get on over there. Make it a New Year’s resolution.
Birthday wishes go out to all those Baby New Years: Holly Bruguiere, who celebrates January 1 on New Year’s Day; Rebecca Bartlett, January 3; Deborah Elias, January 4; Jake Sylvia and Dee Laird, January 5; Lindsay Medeiros and Alex Morrison, January 6; and Katie Jordan and Ryan Smith, January 7. Have a great time.
