The annual Rise VPA recital, “Datebook,” was this weekend at the PAC. Amelia has been dancing since she was 3 years old, and with Rise since she was 5! Because of her ongoing knee problems, we decided a few weeks ago to pull her from dance, because she just wasn’t improving. As a result, she danced for about a minute in the opening number and a minute in the finale, just to be a part of it. Dance is just who she is, and it is such a big part of our lives. While we both helped out backstage, it was very strange to be so out of touch with the whole event. As I was behind the scenes, I didn’t see much of the show, but I heard it was fantastic as always.
Friends of the Edgartown Library will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, June 28, at 7 pm at the library. Folks are welcome to join the Friends and their officers in planning events and supporting programs at the library. New members are always welcome. Refreshments will be served.
Michael Blanchard of Blanchard Inspirational Photography has released his second annual calendar, titled “Vineyard Serenity: Celebrating New Beginnings.” The 16-month calendar was designed by Janet Holladay of Tisbury Printer, and features 48 serene photos of Martha’s Vineyard alongside quotes and words of inspiration each month. The calendar sells for $19.95, and $10 of each calendar sold will be donated to support Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS) New Paths Recovery Program, a structured outpatient addiction program on the Island for adults who seek help with alcohol, drug, and behavioral addictions.
Michael will be presenting the funds raised from the calendar to MVCS at its annual Possible Dreams Auction on Sunday, July 31, at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Edgartown. Michael presented a $5,000 check to MVCS at last year’s Possible Dreams Auction, which was a donation made from sales of his first book, “Fighting for My Life: Finding Hope and Serenity on Martha’s Vineyard.”
Calendars can be purchased online at bit.ly/serenitycalendar and are also available for purchase at the following stores: Island Art Gallery Kennedy Studios, Bunch of Grapes Bookstore, and Cronig’s Market in Vineyard Haven; Sanctuary in Oak Bluffs; Edgartown Books; and Black Dog Stores in Falmouth, Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, and Oak Bluffs.
A community forum was held on Monday, June 6, at the MVRHS PAC to begin to address the opiate epidemic on Martha’s Vineyard. Nearly 250 community members attended the forum that included speakers from members of the recovery community and presentations on the disease of addiction, the continuum of care off-Island, and forming a coalition.
Over 35 questions were submitted both before and during the forum, of which only a handful were addressed due to time constraints. The questions fell into the following categories: Service planning, medical, law enforcement/legal, prevention, coalition, and feedback. The working group is currently reviewing and answering these questions, and the results will be released to the public soon.
The working group has been meeting weekly for a month and a half. Members of the group include Aquinnah Police, the boards of health, Break the Silence, Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office, Chilmark Police, Dukes County Commissioners, Dukes County Health Council, Dukes County Sheriff’s Department, Dukes County Substance Abuse Committee, Edgartown Police, Healthy Aging MV, Island Clergy Association, Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, Martha’s Vineyard Drug Task Force, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, Martha’s Vineyard Regional School District, members of the recovery community, Oak Bluffs Police, Tisbury Police, Vineyard House, West Tisbury Police, YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard, and the Youth Task Force.
The Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard invites you to a garden party at the home of Mort and Bev Fearey on Planting Field Way in Edgartown on Monday, June 27, from 5 to 7:30 pm, rain or shine. There will be silent and live auctions. Parking will be available onsite, and the attire is Vineyard casual. Please contact the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard for more details at 508-627-8662.
Don’t forget the Edgartown Public Library Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, June 25, 12 pm to 2 pm. There will be refreshments, family activities, music, and tours of the new facility. The Edgartown Library Board of Trustees looks forward to seeing you there.
Last week was graduation week around the Island, starting with the high school graduation on Sunday, June 12. Each eighth grade then had a graduation celebration of its own during the rest of the week. It’s interesting to hear how different the ceremonies are, and how they seem to take on the feel of their town. The Edgartown Class of 2016 graduated Friday evening. It is a fairly formal ceremony, full of tradition. The kids looked so mature, did a wonderful job with speeches and memories, and proudly received their diplomas during the one-hour ceremony. Congratulations to all of the Island students who graduated, ready to move on to their next stage of life. It’s such an exciting time.
Please remember that school will come to an end for the year on Friday, June 24. Be on the lookout for kids who may be out and about, walking, running, or playing in unexpected locations. Drive carefully. As my mother always reminded us when we were learning to drive, “A rolling ball is always followed by a running child.” Have a great week.
