Sunshine, flowers, workers rushing to complete renovations on buildings — and already cruise ships have moored offshore, bringing many tourists walking about town. So may I now safely whisper that spring is here? The students and their families have returned from April vacation, so be aware of school buses stopping along the roadways with their precious cargo once again.
May not only brings May flowers but also spring proms. This year, a group of parents and community members are organizing the second annual After Prom Party. Thanks to the generosity of the YMCA, which has donated its facility, the party will take place on the night of May 16th, from 10 pm to 5 am the next morning. The Youth Task Force again is helping with organization and finances. As the After Prom Committee has been seeking donations and assistance, the Island community has been generously coming forward to support our kids in a healthy, drug- and alcohol-free post-prom experience. The event is for all juniors and their dates, and juniors who do not attend the prom are also welcome to enjoy all the night’s events, a few of which are a poolside DJ, bungee run, Karaoke in the Base, games, a live band, Velcro climbing wall, movies, and amazing prizes and raffles. Juniors will be encouraged to stay the night, and enjoy a great breakfast before a 5 am pickup. The committee is still seeking donations to cover the costs of the event, and is also collecting prize donations, and will accept anything desirable for 17-year-olds related to cars, electronics, college, beach, events, sports, lessons, etc. For more information or to offer support, contact committee co-chairs Rachel Araujo at 774-310-0027 or Debbie DeBettencourt at 774-836-6448.
Tom Dresser has once again written a book that will be of great interest to all, especially Islanders. This new book, Martha’s Vineyard: A History, covers a range of topics from the earliest Wampanoag legends to the rise of the whaling industry and the subsequent evolution of the tourist trade. Tom researched the deaf residents of Chilmark, and also recognizes immigrants from the Azores and Cape Verde, as well as those from Brazil. Topics include the demise and possible revival of the heath hen, and the filming of the blockbuster movie Jaws. The book will be published on May 4, 2015, and a book launch of Martha’s Vineyard: A History is scheduled for Thursday, May 7, at 6:30 pm at the Oak Bluffs library. All are welcome, and there is no charge. Refreshments will be served. To schedule a talk or discussion on Martha’s Vineyard: A History, contact Tom at thomasdresser@gmail.com or thomasdresser.com.
The Mansion House in Vineyard Haven is now offering Fit Mama and Noontime Yoga. The two new classes debut at Mansion House Health Club on Monday, May 4, adding to an already-full Health Club schedule. Lunchtime yoga is a wonderful way to sneak in a workout, and yoga is especially great midday as a way to release tension and stress. Noontime Yoga is offered Monday to Friday, and is designed for men and women of all body types who wish to experience the gift of work-life-Vineyard balance. A one-hour class, Noontime Yoga is free for members, and walk-ins are invited. For up-to-date schedules and information, visit mvmansionhouse.com.
In April, our Oak Bluffs library collected huge amounts of yarn and fabric. On May 2 from 10 am to 2 pm, there will be a free giveaway of all yarn and fabric which was collected. Donations gratefully accepted.
On May 6 at 3:30 pm, the Tisbury Council on Aging will sponsor a free comprehensive seminar, “Planning for Medicare Before You Turn 65,” to help people understand their health care options as they approach Medicare eligibility. This program is for people who plan to retire and those who continue to work. Please call the Tisbury Senior Center at 508-696-4205 to sign up by Monday, May 4, or for more information on this free program.
Romance rules in the extended Giordano family. Buster and Valerie’s son Jason will wed Megan Leland this summer. Jason’s cousin, Leanne Giordano, recently became engaged to Jeff Bartkowski. Jeff proposed in Paris, at the top of the Eiffel Tower. How romantic is that? The couple are planning on a wedding in the fall of 2016. Congratulations to all.
We send birthday smiles to Skip Campos on May 4, Fred Hall Jr. and Todd Alexander on the 5th, and we remember Marilyn Rebello on May 7.
Andy and Kathy Farrissey will celebrate their wedding anniversary on May 6. Congratulations.
Enjoy your week. Peace.
