Can it be that January is half over already? Students that were here for winter break are returning to their schools, and many residents have already headed to warmer climates. But we have many winter activities to keep us busy and perhaps take our minds off this cold weather.
Get Fit in ’15 with a new program at our Oak Bluffs library. Saturday, Jan. 24, from 1 pm to 2:30 pm, will see the kickoff of a yearlong program: mind, body, and spiritual fitness. Keep your resolutions going all year long. You will receive information and a demonstration, and have an opportunity to sign up; there will be a door prize. Don’t miss out on the hot chocolate party for kids on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 10 am to 12 noon. There will be face painting, mug craft, and more, and all ages are welcome.
Because the last Island Faces portrait competition was so popular, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum is once again celebrating the faces of Martha’s Vineyard with a second Island Faces portrait competition in collaboration with Featherstone Center for the Arts. Three years ago, the Museum held its first portrait contest, inspired by the National Portrait Gallery’s annual contest. Members and visitors greeted the exhibition that resulted with great enthusiasm, encouraging it to be done again, and now it will be. The museum has begun accepting entries.
A panel of judges from the Island’s art community will jury the competition. The winning portraits will debut in an exhibit opening at the museum on Sept. 4, 2015. The public will once again be able to vote on a separate People’s Choice category, the winners of which will be featured at Featherstone beginning Nov. 8, 2015. Entry forms and additional details are available on the museum’s web site. Visit mvmuseum.org/portraitcontest.
We are sending get-well wishes to Allan “Buddy” deBettencourt, who fell and broke his leg last week. Buddy remains a patient at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, where he is recovering nicely. Take time to send a card, or call or stop by to visit.
ACE MV will have a walk-in winter registration this Friday from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. It will take place in the MVRHS front-entrance lobby. Come and check out the classes, as there will be 36 different class offerings.
It’s always nice to have a family event to look forward to in the midst of winter. This Saturday, Jan. 17, from 4 pm to 7 pm, head to Dreamland for a family dance party to benefit the Niantic Park playground project. This event is kid-friendly, and includes dance music, games, a raffle, and more. The suggested donation is $5 per person, with a $20 family cap. Sharky’s Cantina in Oak Bluffs is also helping out this project with a dine-to-donate event. From now through April 1, $5 from every kid’s meal sold at the Oak Bluffs Sharky’s will be donated to the Niantic Park Playground Project. As the Oak Bluffs Cantina is closed through Jan. 15, Sharky’s will donate from Edgartown until the 15th.
Missing eyeglasses, anyone? The Oak Bluffs School nurse’s office has quite a collection. There are all colors and shapes, both children’s and adults. So swing by and check them out, as they could belong to you or your child.
On Saturday, Jan. 31, from 10 am to 12 noon, the American Legion Post 257 in Vineyard Haven will hold a traumatic brain injury presentation, panel, and discussion. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has become the signature injury of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the second session of the MV Veterans Support Series, representatives from the Home Base Program, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, Providence VA, and SAVE (Statewide Advocacy for Veterans Empowerment) will be speaking on the signs, symptoms, and treatments available for TBI. Following the presentation, there will be an expert speakers’ panel, including an interactive discussion. Lunch will be provided! Please RSVP by Jan. 23 to Julie Meader at 508-693-7900, ext. 222, or jmeader@mvcommunityservices.com.
We send birthday smiles to Shamus Kelly on the 15th, Jessica Peters and Chris Pantalone on the 16th, Katherine deBettencourt on the 17th, followed by Brad Tanner on the 18th. Marcia Valentzas and Patti Linn share the 19th, Alfie Araujo celebrates on the 20th, and granddaughter Talia Roger, Tristan Araujo, Catherine Deese, and Rosemary Hildreth party on the 21st. Enjoy your week. Peace.