I feel like a total dork. I went out for my run tonight, got about 10 steps out of the driveway, and promptly tumbled — splat — right on the pavement. My right elbow, right knee, and left wrist caught me, and sadly took the brunt of things. But I think my ego suffered the most. I’m so disillusioned with how the second half-century of my life is going. In my head, I’m still a healthy, spry teenager. But in the old days, I’d have recovered from that fall, caught myself, and kept running. This time, I called for Don, who thankfully was in the yard, and he came, helped get me back up on my feet, and put me on ice. I looked a little silly lying on the bed with an assortment of ice packs, but they sure helped. My bruised ego will have to mend on its own!
There is no wrong way to walk a labyrinth. And you can find out for yourself, thanks to AmeriCorps and a crew of devoted volunteers at Felix Neck. The sanctuary now has its very own labyrinth, located off the Marsh Trail and across from the Duck Blind. Labyrinths are often used for walking meditation, and in a natural setting, such as Felix Neck, it helps connect the public to nature in a personal way. Josey Kirkland, education coordinator at Felix Neck, is extremely excited about this new feature. “It will help to create an opportunity for quiet and mindful activities with our school and camp groups, as well as the general public.”
The labyrinth is free with sanctuary admission and open with the trails from dawn to dusk, seven days a week, at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary.
Edgartown has lost another old-timer with the passing of Herbie Mercier this past weekend. I grew up with the members of the family, and Mr. Mercier will forever be in my memory as a staple in our town. He was always quick with a smile and a friendly hello no matter where I’d run into him. My thoughts go out to the extended Mercier family as they go through this challenging time.
Max Skjoldebrand has a new photography exhibit, “Distant Voices: An Exhibition of Black and White Photographs of Forlorn Buildings on Martha’s Vineyard,” at the Art Space at the Vineyard Playhouse. The exhibit opens with a reception on Saturday, April 30, and runs until May 26 at the Art Space in the Playhouse. Gallery hours are 2 to 5 pm Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, or by chance or appointment. Call 508-696-6300, ext. 113.
The Edgartown library is celebrating the 400th anniversary of the passing of William Shakespeare with “Will Power,” a weeklong festival of films and live performances. While many of the events will be over by the time this column goes to print, you will still be able to view “Hamlet” on the big screen at 2 pm Thursday, and “Much Ado About Nothing” at 7 pm. Additionally, on Friday, April 29, at 7 pm, the Shakespeare for the Masses troupe will present a live performance of “The Taming of the Shrew,” and the week will conclude at 7 pm on Saturday, April 30, with the Duo Marchand presenting “Songs from Shakespeare,” a live performance of music with lute, voice, and renaissance harp.
The Vineyard Conservation Society is holding its annual Beach Cleanup this Saturday, April 30, from 10 to noon. Edgartown beaches set to be cleaned are Fuller Street, Lighthouse Beach, South Beach (Left and Right Fork), State Beach (Bend-in-the-Road), and Wasque Point (Chappy). Volunteers can just show up, and beach coordinators will be there with bags and gloves. And don’t forget about the afterparty at the Harbor View! More information and a full list of beaches are on the society’s website, vineyardconservation.org.
There is a CPR, AED, and First Aid Course being offered this Saturday, April 30, at Alex’s Place at the YMCA from 9 am until 12 pm. The course includes American Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and AED training and certification on adults, children, and infants, and includes free online refreshers. This course meets the needs of non-EMS personnel, workplace responders, and school staffs, as well as the general public. Course completion provides a two-year certification. The fee for the course is $110. Contact Ray Whitaker at rwhitaker@ymcamv.org.
Please come to the two-day Martha’s Vineyard Community Blood Drive on Thursday, May 5, from 1:30 pm until 6:30 pm, or Friday, May 6, from 9 am until 2 pm, at the High School. You can call 800-733-2767 or visit redrossblood.org to make an appointment, to cut down on wait time. All presenting donors have the chance to win two Red Sox tickets and a chance to be honored on the field as the Blood Donor of the Game. But you should just donate anyway. You might save a life. I don’t always do what I should do, but I do always donate blood whenever I can. It’s a very real way that I know I can make a difference in someone’s life. I’ve already made my appointment, so maybe I’ll see you there!
I leave you this week with a Japanese proverb that I’m taking to heart tonight: Fall down seven times. Stand up eight! Have a great week.
