Does the island suddenly seem a little less crowded? This week, four eighth grade classes from the Island are on their school trip. As I write this, Amelia and I are packing our stuff, to finally head to Washington, D.C., with the rest of the Edgartown eighth grade and seven other awesome chaperones. What a year ago seemed like endless months of fundraising now seems like it was over in the blink of an eye. Once again, as is always the case, this Island community supported our efforts and helped us reach our daunting fundraising goal. Thank you to everyone who helped. This is my third time going as a staff member, fourth time going if you count my eighth grade trip a few million years ago, and I’m just as excited as I was the first time, to be making this trek again. It is such an amazing experience for these kids (and me!), and I don’t think I could ever get sick of it.
Island Wide Youth Collaborative and Vineyard Nutrition recently brought registered dietician and eating disorder expert Jessica Setnick to the Island for an eating disorders workshop. A total of 13 health professionals attended the two-day Advanced Eating Disorders workshop on May 19 and 20. The training was designed to help Martha’s Vineyard health professionals serve Island youth who struggle with eating disorders. This training provided an opportunity for health professionals to earn continuing education credits and expand their knowledge base and confidence in treating clients and patients with eating disorders.
All workshop participants were required to take an Eating Disorders Boot Camp home study course before the training, to prepare them for the advanced eating disorders workshop. The course included topics such as Weight and Physical Activity; Encouraging Behavior Change; Tools and Strategies; Medical Issues and Possible Complications; Struggles and Special Concerns; Professional Issues and Working with a Team; and Eating Disorders DSM-5 Update. Any Island health professionals who are interested in learning, educating, and helping to support this population, please contact Prudence Athearn Levy, M.S., R.D., L.D., at 508-627-3235.
I just received the upcoming events calendar from Felix Neck, and wow, are they full. One of the things coming up soon is the Summer Solstice Celebration for all ages on Sunday, June 19, from 7 to 9 pm. This event is $10 for a member family or group of up to four people, and $15 for a nonmember family or group of four. Celebrate the longest day of the year with stories, a campfire, music, and tasty treats in their old stone amphitheater. Enjoy music from the Featherstone Ukulele Jammers as everyone comes together at summer’s beginning to welcome all that this season has to offer.
Starting on June 14 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 2 pm, folks can explore what lies beneath the waters off Martha’s Vineyard and meet local sea creatures from the Island at the sanctuary’s new Marine Life Touch Tank exhibit.
They also have Camp for a Day for kids ages 4–10 on June 22, 23, and 24 from 9 am until 2:30 pm. The cost is $63 a day for members and $79 a day for nonmembers. Registration is required. The themes for the days are Wild things, Take to the Skies, and Adapt, respectively.
And of course, they offer kayaks for self-guided tours of Sengekontacket Pond on weekdays for $35/$45, and moonlight guided kayak tours celebrating the different full moons of summer. The next moonlight tour is June 20 from 7:15 to 9:15 pm. For more details on this and other events, visit their website.
The wonderful people at the Anchors wanted to remind folks that Mah Jong will not be happening on June 14, as they have a foot clinic in the Fireplace room and the Jim Thomas Spiritual Choir in the Lunchroom at 12:45. Mah Jong will be ready for you all again on Friday, June 17.
Alpha Krav Maga Boston Cape Cod is returning to host a Women-Only Self-Defense class to benefit Martha’s Vineyard Community Services Connect to End Violence program. The event will be held on Saturday, June 11, from 12 to 3 pm at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School gym. It is open to women and girls, ages 12 and older. The participation fee is a suggested donation of $25, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting Connect’s victim and survivor services. This is the second year of offering this great opportunity to add another tool to your personal-safety toolkit. For more information or to register for this exciting and empowering event, please contact Isadora at 774-549-9667, ext. 106, or at ibrito@mvcommunityservices.com.
Happy birthday wishes go out to Lucia Hayman, who celebrated on June 8, and Jen Passfiume on June 12.
Have a great week. We’ll see you when we get back!
