Where else but in New England can the first day of spring come with a winter storm watch? On Sunday, we all waited to see what the night would bring. Will it really bring eight inches of wet snow? Will we get a delay of school or a full snow day? Or will it fizzle out into nothing? One never can tell in March on MV.
It was a busy weekend for us. Amelia and I were off Island for our first dance competition of the season. We only left Friday but it feels like we stepped into some sort of black hole. These competitions are kind of a world unto themselves and you can easily lose contact with the outside world. For almost three days, I paid no attention to the election or the weather or pretty much anything besides hair, makeup and costumes. The relationships that these girls have with each other is amazing. They love and support each other through thick and thin. They cheer for each other like nobody’s business, they hug and wipe tears when things go awry, and they are as proud and happy for each other’s victories as they are of their own. And I will add that we moms have the same relationships among ourselves. I love the girls and their moms, (and their teachers!) and loved our weekend with them. Riley had training all weekend with the Sea Cadets but still managed a quick run up to the venue with his dad to support Amelia’s efforts. Imagine a 15-year-old boy in full Sea Cadet gear amidst an auditorium full of teenage girls in fancy hair, makeup and costumes. What a sight! My heart is full as I write tonight.
Felix Neck is working with osprey researcher Rob Bierregaard and volunteer Dick Jennings to train volunteers to help continue their Osprey Monitoring Program. According to Dick Jennings, they are in dire need of dedicated people to assist in the monitoring. The number of breeding pairs has increased over the years from 56 to 87. This program has been successful in strengthening and bringing back our Island osprey population. In order to continue, they need your support. Please help the osprey by volunteering for the Martha’s Vineyard Osprey Monitoring Program. The training opportunity is at 1 pm on April 16 at Felix Neck. Registration is required and may be done over the phone at 508-627-4850 or go on-line to massaudubon.org/felixneck for more information and to register for training.
On Thursday, March 24, Offshore Ale Co. will host “Dine to Donate,” a daylong fundraiser that will feature a silent auction, raffle, and information on Martha’s Vineyard Community Services to benefit the Island’s social services umbrella agency. Dine to Donate will last from 11:30 am to 4 pm and again from 5 to 8:30 pm. Twenty percent of pre‐tax food sales (dine-in or takeout) will be donated to Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. To make reservations, call 508‐693‐2626. Parties must present a Dine to Donate coupon to receive a discount. Coupons can be shown on mobile devices or presented as a hard copy printout. Coupons are available to download at mvcommunityservices.com/dinetodonate.
Paul Schultz made a dream come true for Kiana Casey last week, taking her and Don to a Bruins game. They were treated to special seats on the ninth floor, got to meet a former player or two and Kiana got her shirt signed by Dan McKenney and Rick Middleton! I’m not sure who came back happier, Kiana or her dad. Many thanks to Paul for his kindness and generosity.
In additional Community Services news, you can join them for their second annual egg hunt to celebrate Island veterans and their families on Saturday, March 26, at 10 am, at the MVCS campus at 111 Edgartown Road in Oak Bluffs. The event, which includes an egg hunt, arts and crafts, music and snacks, is free and open to the public. The egg hunt will start promptly at 10 am.
A team of 10 AmeriCorps NCCC volunteers have stormed the Island to assist Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary with conservation, education, and wildlife protection projects. These AmeriCorps volunteers, aged 18 to 24, have committed 10 months of service to their country and have started their work with a 2-1/2 week project round at Felix Neck.
These volunteers come from all over the country, though none of them have ever been to the Island before now. Projects include habitat improvement for wildlife, invasive species management, public education, and property maintenance. Specific projects include butterfly and bird garden improvement, nature play area enhancement, development of educational brochures, creation of a Natural Labyrinth, funded by the Martha’s Vineyard Cultural Council, and installation of shorebird fencing. The Martha’s Vineyard Community and AmeriCorps alumni are invited to a potluck dinner at Felix Neck on Thursday, March 24, at 5:30 pm to meet the crew and thank them for their service. Contact Felix Neck at 508-627-4850 or felixneck@massaudubon.org for more information or to RSVP.
In honor of our weekend with friends, I leave you this week with a thought that means more to me as I continue to grow older and wiser: We are not here to see through each other. We are here to see each other through! Have a wonderful week. Happy Easter!