Cold, colder, colder still: Chilmark saw our ponds refreeze, snowdrops die, hardy witch hazel hangs on, icicles hang off tie lines, the Menemsha jetty iced over in areas, and then the temperature began to rise again. I was so glad to learn Doug Seward and Susie Pacheco will be taking over Jane Slater’s Over South Antiques space on Basin Road; look for Creekville beginning in mid-April. It’s a homecoming for Doug Seward, who grew up just down the road a piece. Those Seward twins know how to celebrate, and celebrate their 70th birthdays they did, along with their loved ones, extended family, and friends on Sunday, March 5, dancing up a storm to Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish. One of the interactive offerings most everyone cheerfully indulged in is the brainchild of Naomi Paulsen, a modern twist on the photo booth experience. There was an assortment of hats, colorful headgear, beads, leis, and boas; wild eyewear and assorted placards printed with short phrases; single words for any occasion. Let’s all hope she’s set up at the Ag Fair. I wish this young lady, who still has her cleaning business, great luck in her new venture. Learn more at saltysnapshotsmv.com.
Martha’s Vineyard Community Services has a host of programs going on all the time, from playgroups to support groups; check their website for details. On Thursday, March 9, stop at Offshore Ale Co. in Oak Bluffs from 11:30 am to 4 pm or from 5 to 8:30 pm, and 20 percent of your pre-tax food sales will be donated through Dine to Donate. Call 508-693-2626 for reservations. Download or print out your Dine to Donate coupon from mvcommunityservices.com/event/dinetodonate/?instance_id=53571.
Join Sarah Vail at the West Tisbury library on Saturday, March 11, from 10 am to 1 pm, and help make dresses for the nonprofit Hope 4 Women International’s “Dress a Girl Around the World” campaign. Dressmaking participants are encouraged to bring their own materials, including a yard of fabric, a package of matching bias tape, sewing scissors, a seam ripper, thread, an extension cord, and a sewing machine. Don’t know how to sew, or don’t have these materials? All are welcome to help cut out fabric and clip threads. Stop in for a little while, or stay the whole time. Refreshments will be provided. This event is free and open to the public. For more information visit h4wi.org or dressagirlaroundtheworld.com.
Pathways “Women Live” celebrating National Women’s Day takes place on Saturday, March 11. The evening, hosted by Natasha Taylor, features Sally Cohn’s photography, singer-songwriter Jodie Treloar, pianist Lisa Weiss, and dancer Jesse Keller; Olive Tomlinson on Vineyard Summer Theater in the ’60s; performance by choreographer/dancer Abbie Bender; author Amelia Smith; and retro-lounge music by Annie Cook & the Devolvers with guest Rick Padilla. The Martha’s Vineyard Poets Collective will read on Tuesday, March 14. Doors open at 6:30 pm, program runs from 7 to 9 pm. Monday Knitting Circle meets from 1:15 to 3 pm for an instructive session of knitting and spinning. No experience necessary, materials provided. All ages welcome. For more info call 508-645-9098. Closed Wednesdays and Sundays, otherwise open from 11 am to 5 pm.
On Monday, March 13, the Yard presents Inuit throat singer Tanya Tagaq in concert with the 1922 film “Nanook of the North” at the MVPAC, 7 pm. For tickets, go to dancetheyard.org/tanya-tagaq or call 508-645-9662.
The FARM Institute will host “Grazing and Conservation on Martha’s Vineyard” on Monday, March 13, from 6:30 to 9 pm at the Ag Hall. Come hear experts speak about expanding grazing, local food production, and open land conservation; free.
Pizza Nights are back at the Chilmark Community Church starting Tuesday, March 14. Come at 6 pm; free and open to all.
The Chilmark School is introducing STEAM activities that incorporate science, technology, engineering, art, and math to Island adults so they may better understand how this curriculum builds skills. Come on Wednesday, March 15, from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Chilmark School.
The Chilmark Library offers Stories and Songs on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10:30 am. Join the Afterschool Craft Club on Wednesdays at 3 pm. Come in from the cold with your takeout lunch and enjoy it in the library’s meeting room.
Have a good week.
