This week I shared some information with a loved one about my friends. It is something that I haven’t necessarily spent a lot of time thinking about, but I’ve recently begun to focus on and really, truly, appreciate. I’ve come to realize that my friends, my tried-and-true and for-real friends that I hold near and dear to my heart, are really nice people. How lucky am I? I can tell you that I am eternally grateful, not only for the fact that my friends are so awesome, but that I realize it! I’m feeling pretty grateful right about now.
I’m usually cautious about things that I put into my column. While I want to share events, I don’t want it to become a weekly advertisement section. But this week I did receive an email that I wanted to share because it seems like so much fun, and such a great deal. The Mansion House is celebrating its anniversary, and Vineyarders get to benefit from it. You can make believe January is July when you enjoy a night’s stay at Mansion House Inn. Celebrating 32 years of family ownership, rooms are $32 per person, based on double occupancy. Check in, take a swim, steam, class, or sauna, have dinner out, enjoy downtown Vineyard Haven. This deal is for Islanders only, during January only, with free health club use and an upgrade to the best available room upon check-in. It’s the inn’s way of saying thank you to the Vineyard.
There is a dads playgroup this Saturday, courtesy of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. This is a facilitated playgroup for dads, offering planned activities and open gym time. It will be in the Tisbury School gym from 3 pm until 4:30 pm, this Saturday, Jan. 14.
Another great-sounding upcoming event is “Mealtime Magic” with Laura Denman, M.S., R.D., on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 5:30 pm until 7 pm at the Martha’s Vineyard Family Center. Laura, a registered dietician, will share strategies for developing competent eating habits in both parents and children. The discussion will highlight ways to combat mealtime struggles and encourage healthy eating. Dinner and childcare will be provided at the event, and preregistration is required at 508-687-9182. For more information, visit mvcommunityservices.com/events. I can personally add that I’ve known Laura for several years, and have sought her health and food help professionally. She always has excellent information to share.
This is just a quick reminder that this is a four-day weekend for Island school students. Friday is a professional development day for teachers, so we’ll be working, but the kids have the day off. And Monday is Martin Luther King Day.
Congratulations and my warmest best wishes go out to former Edgartown boy and my cousin, Jonathan Ryan, son of Kevin and Joanne Ryan. Jon married his true love, Riss Rosado, out in beautiful California this past Saturday. People who were unable to travel to the West Coast for the nuptials could view it live via the Internet, and, of course, social media has allowed us all the opportunity to view the joy and fun via photos online! I wish them both all the best. Welcome to the (crazy) family, Riss.
Happy birthday wishes go out to Matt Morris and Michael Habekost, two fine young men who celebrated on Jan. 4, and Alissa Purda, who celebrated on Jan. 7. Got a birthday wish you’d like to send out to someone? Just let me know.
I guess it would be pretty silly to close up my column this week without mentioning last weekend’s storm. That was a doozy, wasn’t it? The kids and I took the opportunity to hunker down and watch some movies together. I have to admit, I’m always grateful for “snow days,” whether they are on the weekend or on a school day. But I mean a real snow day, like we had Saturday, when things are canceled and you don’t have to be anywhere. It’s like forced relaxation and family time, and I’m very lucky that my kids still embrace it as much as I do. Well, so far anyway!
Have a great week. Just ignore the fact that tomorrow is Friday the 13th. It means nothing.
