Happy 2016 to all. Time sure flies. I can’t believe that we are staring down the formidable “winter months” here on Martha’s Vineyard. I am bound and determined to keep a positive outlook throughout this season, which is definitely not my favorite! I have a new warm winter coat and hat, courtesy of Don and Kiana for Christmas. I have scarves and gloves and boots, and I shall endeavor to dress for the weather, keep my sense of humor, stay warm, and not complain. Three months. I’ve got this!
As I write this, we are finishing up yet another celebration in our house. Tonight we celebrated Don’s birthday. I made sure to buy actual birthday wrapping paper to wrap his gifts this year, a lesson I learned years ago from Kelly Hess, who celebrates just before Christmas. She explained that birthday presents given near Christmas should absolutely never be wrapped in Christmas paper! It is a rule that I have adhered to ever since. Thanks for the lesson, Kelly.
Have you heard of the Martha’s Vineyard Youth Leadership Initiative (MVYLI)? According to their mission statement, they want to train the next generation of Island leaders to build a more sustainable world. The Youth Leadership Summit for Sustainable Development is the cornerstone of MVYLI. Their year-round programs provide Vineyard youth with tools, training, and leadership development opportunities.
Last summer MVYLI students spent time with Gandhi’s grandson, Arun, at their Youth Leadership Summit. They were inspired by his message: “Let’s be the change we want to see in the world.” This became the touchstone for MVYLI’s yearlong program with community service projects, such as organizing a free movie screening of “He Named Me Malala” with the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society and joining a beach cleanup with BioDiversity Works. They wanted to share that they are grateful for their project coordinator, Gia Winsryg-Ulmer, who is expanding their mentor program by emphasizing writing with MVYLI Voices, inspiring speakers like Dr. Yuki Honjo and Market36 entrepreneurs, and a field trip to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Thanks to community support, they are helping to make dreams come true. It remains free and accessible to all Vineyard youth, ages 14-22. MVYLI’s 5-Year Report highlights their success. Visit their website at mvyli.org for more information on this program.
The latest newsletter is out from the Anchors: They have their usual fun and important events going on this month, such as lunches on Tuesdays and Fridays, complete with karaoke following lunch on Friday, Jan. 15, and free fun and games on
Wednesdays from 10 to 12 at the Boys and Girls Club. Walk, shoot hoops, play Ping-Pong, foosball, air hockey, carpet ball, and more! The club invites you to be a kid again! For info, call Peter Lambos, 508-627-3303 or Wendy, 508-627-4368. Veterans Services are available on Friday, Feb. 5, at 10:30 with veterans agent Jo Ann Murphy. Please call 508-627-4368 for an appointment. Last, the ECOA is looking for members to join their bowling team, Pin Pals, to challenge the TCOA beginning in February. Lunch and dessert included. Call Wendy at 508-627-4368 for details.
Please keep Jeri Dube in your thoughts as she recovers from injuries as the result of a fire in her home. While Jeri isn’t an Edgartown girl, she is a longstanding fixture at the Edgartown Post Office, so is near and dear to the hearts of many in our town and the Island at large. Say prayers, keep positive thoughts, wish on a lucky penny, or do whatever it is you might be comfortable with to help support Jeri in her recovery. She has a difficult road ahead.
This Jan 9 and 10, Shakespeare for the Masses is presenting The Merchant of Venice at the Vineyard Playhouse. They previously performed this back in 2009 and have significantly reworked it since then. The show runs under an hour and there is no admission charge, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, Geraldine Brooks and Tony Horwitz. Shows are at 7.30 pm on Saturday and noon on Sunday.
If you’re looking for something to do in the afternoons this week, the Edgartown School basketball teams have games all week. The girls have games at home on Tuesday and Wednesday, while the boys play at home on Thursday and Friday. The games are always a good time, and we have some great athletes, so come out and support the kids!
It’s 2016. In the words of Rainer Maria Rilke, “And now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been.” I plan on making it a joyous and happy new year, all year. How about you?
