What’s going on, 2016? Why are you taking all of our good artists? First David Bowie and now Prince? That’s not fair; Prince wasn’t even 60 yet. I saw the movie “Purple Rain” when it came out in theaters. I will not tell you how old I was; suffice it to say that I was most likely too young to be seeing it. While much of the story seemed clichéd and the choice of clothing inappropriate (Weren’t they cold walking around in lingerie in Minneapolis?), the music was mind-blowing. I knew I was seeing something new and amazing, something completely original, which is rare. I didn’t know that then. I thought that’s just how it was, because I was seeing it in a movie theater where anyone could go. Prince was original; why couldn’t other artists be too? And some are, but I’m old enough to know that it is rare and precious. That’s what we lost last week.
Good news: Chilmark Chocolates has reopened, and the Chilmark Store is opening May 11.
At the library today, Story Time is at 3:30 pm and the After School Group is at 4 pm. There will also be Story Time on Saturday, April 30, at 10:30 am. The Kids’ Craft will be Paper Plate Ducks on Saturday, from 11am to 3 pm.
Shakespeare for the Masses will perform at the new Edgartown library this Friday as part of the library’s program celebrating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. They will be performing “The Taming of the Shrew” at 7 pm on Friday. Come on down, it’s free, and remember, it’s at the new library next to the Edgartown School.
The Vineyard Conservation Society is holding its annual Earth Day Beach Cleanup this Saturday from 10am to noon. There will be volunteers with bags and gloves at Lobsterville, Philbin, and the Tribal Beaches. Supposedly there is a lot of trash near the Painted House. There will be an afterparty at the Harbor View Hotel. Call 508-693-9588 for more information.
Macey Dunbar, who is running for selectwoman, is holding a meet and greet this Sunday, May 1, at Town Hall from 5 to 8:30 pm. Chowder will be served. In related political news, the public is invited to a candidate forum at the Aquinnah Old Town Hall on Wednesday, May 4, at 7 pm. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters, this forum will offer the opportunity to hear statements from those running for public office and to ask questions on topics of interest to you. This year there is a contested race for the position of selectman, so it should be a lively hour. Be sure to attend and bring your friends.
“Operation Lighthouse Rescue,” the documentary about the moving of the Gay Head Lighthouse, will air on Wednesday, May 4, at 9 pm on PBS. You are sure to see some familiar faces, so tune in and bask in the fine job that everyone here accomplished.
The Natural Resources Department of the Wampanoag Tribe held a beachgrass-planting day at Lobsterville Beach this past Sunday. I heard it was amazing.
Martha’s Vineyard Gourmet Cafe and Bakery and Back Door Donuts is open for the season; yes, I know it’s down-Island, but we all know it’s worth the trip. The bakery store is open from 7 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday, Sunday until 2 pm. Back Door Donuts is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights until mid-May from 7 pm to 1 am.
Happy birthday to Ella Mahoney, who celebrates on Sunday, May 1, and Jimmy Wallen, who celebrates the very next day, May 2.
