Time is moving just ever so slightly faster, more to do, warmer air teasing us, outdoor showers being turned on, Chilmark Store getting their punch list done in time for their May 8 opening, gardeners digging in; flowers, buds, and color returning all around us. This week I had the pleasure of participating in William Waterway’s Poem in Your Pocket Day live broadcast from MVTV. It was my first time at the station in their new digs on the Edgartown Road in Oak Bluffs, and all I can say is Wow! We have an amazing resource: For Island students, memberships are free, and then there are three other levels of membership which entitle you to training in all aspects of production, editing, and camera operation. You can have your own TV show in studio, or borrow a camera to film on location. And perhaps you just want to take a tour of this fantastic facility; go to mvtv.org or call 508-696-9760.
Many enjoyed the Friday night potluck celebration at the Chilmark Community Center for Lynn Ditchfield, founder and director of the Adult Continuing Education (ACE) programs, who has now officially stepped down. She was lovingly roasted, toasted, and cheered. Our own Selectman Warren Doty spoke about when she presented her initial request for funds from the towns to our Finance Committee, and she was pleasantly surprised by the willingness to support this important program. If you have not checked out ACE’s offerings, you really ought to, as they offer a wide array of diverse courses. One would be hard-pressed not to find something you want to take, including courses for college credit. Find out more, volunteer, or make a donation by calling 508-693-9222 or info@acemv.org.
Take a tour of the yogurt kitchen and cheese cave at Mermaid Farm with Alan Healy, and then head over to Catherine Walthers’ West Tisbury Kitchen Lab for a class in many uses for yogurt in delectable creations, on Saturday, May 9, from 10 am to 1:30 pm. Cost is $69. For more information, or to register, go to catherinewalthers.com or email cathywalthers43@msn.com.
The Aquinnah library is hosting a Mother’s Day brunch with an opportunity to make a special bath gift for your mom, Saturday, May 9, at 11 am. Call 508-645-2314 for more information.
If you want to learn about plants that support bees and butterflies, head over to Middletown Nursery at 11:30 am on Saturday, May 9, for this free class, or take their 1 pm class on planting fruits. For questions, call 508-696-7600. This year all the Island nurseries are offering classes to support the community in growing their gardens; be sure to check their websites and the local papers for weekly offerings.
What may be one of the most fun rites of spring is the fourth annual Shellfish Extravaganza and Chowder Contest on Saturday, May 9, from 6 to 10 pm at the Chilmark Community Center. Help raise money for the shellfish propagation program by enjoying chowder from great Island chefs, slurp on delicious local oysters, bid on fabulous silent auction items, and dance the night away to Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish. $30 at the door. For more information, go to mvshellfishgroup.org.
Remember that Tuesday pizza nights at the Chilmark Community Church, 6 to 7:30 pm, run through June 9, 2015, so there’s still time to share in the company of community and not stay home alone.
This is the last month Santander Bank is open at Beetlebung Corner. Nikki-Lou Youngblood has curated a final art show, including Lisa Burkin, Chaz Hollinger, Sylvia Jackson, Jessica Kramer, Betty Martin, Jon Mayhew, Hellie Neuman, Peace Quilts, Linda Thompson, Lisa Vanderhoop, Donald and Jason Widdiss, John Wightman, Carol Way Wood, and Jules Worthington. I apologize if anyone is missing from this list. Mark your calendars; Friday, May 15, there will be a Farewell Potluck and Party from 4 to 6 pm.
Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all.
