The Tisbury Travel Club has two subscriber tickets available for the Boston Symphony matinee on Friday, Jan 13. That is tomorrow. Call Sandy Whitworth at the Tisbury Senior Center, 508-696-4205.
What is it about Friday the 13th? Englishmen have always had a problem with the number 13. But why Friday?
The Italians had a problem with it in the Middle Ages, though today in Italy it seems Friday the 17th is considered more unlucky. In Spanish-speaking countries, it is usually Tuesday the 13th. I understand the Greeks consider any Tuesday, especially the 13th, to be unlucky as well.
You have to admire statisticians, who claim more people are afraid of Friday the 13th in the U.S., and that these Americans go out of their way to avoid traveling and other activities. In Holland, it appears driving is slightly safer on Friday the 13th, according to insurance companies, though it is not known whether that is because fearful people have stayed home. A study in the British Medical Journal in 1993 stated that there “is a significant level of traffic-related incidences on Friday the 13th as opposed to a random day, such as Friday the 6th, in the U.K.” Wikipedia has such fun stuff.
Martha’s Vineyard Community Services sponsors the Dads Playgroup this Saturday, Jan. 14, from 3 to 4:30 pm at the Tisbury School Gym. More on this and the events below at mvcommunityservices.com/events.
On Wednesday, Jan. 18, Laura Denman will share ideas for “Mealtime Magic” from 5:30 to 7 pm at the Martha’s Vineyard Family Center. She will share ways for both parents and children to avoid mealtime struggles. Dinner and childcare will be provided, and preregistration is required, so you must call 508-687-9182.
The M.V. Family Center invites families to explore the Martha’s Vineyard Airport from 10 to 11 am on Thursday, Jan 19. “Learn with Me” is a monthly program that invites kids and families to explore various locations in our community every month.
That was an interesting snowstorm. I thought everyone seemed to be aware of the dangers, and the town did rather well in helping us get our roads cleared out. I was pleased the doctors at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital kept my husband warm and dry. They were also protecting him from the effects of the horrible cold I’ve had. I understand a large number of others have been ill, so I will wish you all a rapid recovery.
Pat Sylvia is retiring Thursday, Jan. 12, from the office of Drs. Finkelstein and Shea after 35 years. Many of the patients as well as the staff will miss her, and join me in wishing her a happy retirement.
Peter Dreyer had his own commercial photography business for years. Now retired to the Island, he still uses black-and-white film and a “wet” darkroom. His photographs are of landscape and nature, as well as prints manipulated to create interesting effects. None of the effects are done with Photoshop. See Peter’s work during January in the Vineyard Haven library. Artists interested in showing their work may call 508-696-4210.
Are you finally remembering to carry your bags for shopping and groceries? You should see “A Plastic Ocean” to learn what is lurking beneath the surface of our ocean, a week from Thursday on Jan. 19 at 7:30 pm at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society. This film is sponsored by the Vineyard Conservation Society and Norton Point, maker of sunglasses using recovered ocean plastics. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for members, and $7 for children.
Susie Goldstein says that you can make believe January is July when you enjoy a night’s stay at Mansion House Inn. To celebrate the 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 is for Islanders only, January only. Free Health Club, and upgrade to best available room upon check-in. 508-693-2200.
Congratulations to Elaine and Mike Ciancio, who will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary on Saturday, Jan. 14. We send all good wishes to both of you.
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out to Gay Nelson today. Tomorrow, wish the best to Allan Davey Sr. and Donna Paulson. Saturday, her husband Tyler Paulson will party. Monday, we all have a day to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Wish a happy day to Chuck Downing on Tuesday. It is also a good day to go fly a kite, to celebrate Benjamin Franklin’s birthday over three centuries ago. Happy birthday to Steve Soriano on Wednesday. He is much younger.
Heard on Main Street: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” —Martin Luther King Jr.