Well, there’s certainly no other way to start this week’s column than by discussing the amazing, historic, and record-breaking Patriots Super Bowl victory on Sunday. I’m not a huge sports fan, by any reckoning, but I certainly enjoyed watching the second half of that game. We left the party we were at when the score was still 28 to 9. But when we walked in the door, it was 28 to 20 and we were actually in the game. It was going to take a miracle, but it was still a distant possibility. Then the possibility became our reality, and history was made. And near as I can tell, no one in New England slept that night. But what a wild ride it was! On the bright side, everyone was tired on Monday, not just me.
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum has a new exhibit starting this week. “Lost and Found” explores a number of iconic Island structures, businesses, hotels, and landmarks that no longer exist today, and explains how they helped to shape the Island we know.
Some areas of the Island hold a special magic that seems to keep them firmly rooted in the past, as though time marched on without them. But in reality, the Vineyard is constantly evolving. The arrival of new groups of people, shifts in economy and technology, and environmental forces have all played a part in changing the Island. “Lost and Found” explores some of those changes by pairing historic photographs of structures, businesses, and landmarks across the Vineyard with images taken from the same spot today. Some have been lost to time, destroyed by fire, or left to decay, while others have survived with a new identity or purpose. They all, however, have stories to tell of a dynamic and resilient Island.
Some of the “found” places featured in the exhibit include the Kelley House, Alley’s General Store, Flying Horses Carousel, the Gay Head Lighthouse, and the Mansion House, while the “lost” places include the Oak Bluffs roller skating rink and the Seaview Hotel with train tracks running alongside it. “Lost and Found” will open on Friday, Feb. 10, with a reception from 4 to 6 pm. Admission is free, and the event is open to all. The exhibit will be open through June 3.
The Martha’s Vineyard Family Center is offering a new program, beginning Feb. 10 from 9:30 to 11 am: “Raising a Thinking Child,” with Kim D’Arcy and Jean Crocker. As part of an eight-week interactive and research-based program, you will explore how to improve your child’s problem solving skills and ability to resolve conflicts, while encouraging him or her to think for him- or herself. Free childcare is available during the programs; preregistration is required by calling 508-687-9182.
The Island Wide Youth Collaborative invites children for an afternoon of reading stories in their pajamas on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 1 until 3 pm at the Island Wide Youth Collaborative. Bring your favorite books to read aloud, or enjoy a cozy space to read to yourself! Children of all ages welcome!
Happy birthday wishes go out to Jennifer Benefit, who celebrated on Feb. 4, and to Jonathan Ryan, Kevin Donovan, and Debra Grant, who all celebrated on Super Bowl Sunday this year.
I had a lovely small-town chat with Sherm Burnham outside the Post Office the other day. We chatted about many different topics, as you tend to do when you run into someone you know around here. And it reminded me of how great it can be to be part of a small community, where generations have known each other for years. That probably doesn’t happen as much in the big city. And it also made me realize how much I miss that sort of thing. I remember the old days when Midway Market was the place to be, and everyone would stop in to have a cup of coffee and chat in that small-town way. Life today is so busy. We don’t always make enough time to enjoy the simple stuff. I think I’ll try to do that a bit more.
Have a great week.
