Edgartown: Congrats to Avery Simmons

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I am writing this week’s column as the clock ticks down on February school vacation, which, for me, was productive rather than tropical. We weren’t able to pull off a destination vacation this year, so I took advantage of the week off to wrap up my bookkeeping clients for the year, do some class planning, work on the yearbook, and begin to gather evidence for my annual teacher evaluation. In between I managed to find some time to sleep in mornings, watch movies, and goof off with my kids, and have a pretty nice break from “real” life. That said, I am hoping for a warm destination trip next February.

Happy birthday wishes go out to Drew Kelly, who celebrated on March 7, and Richard Prieto, who celebrates on March 10.

Congratulations to Edgartown eighth grader Avery Simmons, who won the school spelling bee on Feb. 22. I can’t even begin to guess how many rounds the bee actually went. We have some mighty good spellers at our school, apparently, and the final battle between Avery and fifth grader Nicholas Carpenter was a real nail biter. Other participants in the bee were Nolan Murphy, Frankie Paciello, Daniel Serpa, Micah Simmons, Clarissa Pinto, Ashley Brasefield, Cicero Batista Neto, and Dylan Burke. They all did a spectacular job!

Don’t forget the annual Edgartown School eighth grade auction and night of dancing with Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, at the Loft this Friday night, March 10. This year features a chowder bar and door prizes, with the silent auction starting at 6:30 and ending at 8 pm. The live auction happens after that, and you can enjoy dancing throughout the night as well. Items on the auction block this year include an autographed golf bag, a biplane ride, rounds of golf, 100 gallons of propane, beach permits, and fishing charters. Come support the Edgartown eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C., and win some awesome prizes as well, all while having a grand night out.

Today, March 9, bring your friends and family and enjoy lunch or dinner at Offshore Ale Co., and 20 percent of your pretax food sales will be donated to Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS). Dine to Donate runs from 11:30 am until 4 pm, and again from 5 pm until 8:30 pm.To make reservations, call 508-693-2626. Parties must present a Dine to Donate coupon in order for the donation to take place. You can access the coupon on the organization’s website, mvcommunityservices.com.

This is for any parent looking for a quiet moment to talk with other parents about parenting issues and child development. A group will meet on Friday mornings, 9:30 to 11 am, at the Martha’s Vineyard Family Center. This multiweek series requires preregistration, and offers onsite childcare. Call 508-687-9182.

On March 11, from 11 am until 12:30 pm, the Island Wide Youth Collaborative offers a drop-in group designed to provide an open opportunity for parents and caregivers of trans and genderqueer young people to ask questions, get information, and build a supportive community. The group will provide a space for nonjudgmental and uninhibited conversation, support, and resources. No registration necessary. For more information, contact Rikki Pashen, Psy.D., at rpashen@mvcommunityservices.com.

Another helpful gathering coming on March 15 is Act Your Age, with Jeanine Fitzgerald. Before the age of 12 years old, most children display at least six developmental behaviors. While these behaviors are normal, they can drive any adult crazy. This session offers easy-to-understand information about developmental behaviors that are common in the toddler and preschool years. The event is at the MV Family Center from 5:15 pm until 6:45 pm; dinner and childcare are provided. Preregistration is required by calling 508-687-9182.

The Scottish Society Songsters will present a concert titled “My Heart’s in the Highlands” at the Edgartown Public Library on Saturday, March 11, at 3 pm. Songs by Scotland’s favorite poet, Robert Burns, will be sung, along with a new “Scotland Song” by Island poet Steve Ewing, set to music by Dorian Lopes. Philip Dietterich directs the Vineyard Scottish songbirds.

On Saturday, March 11, at 6 pm, the First Baptist Church in Vineyard Haven will have its annual St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner with Chef Roger Spinney. Stop on over for a complete and delicious dinner with corn or Irish soda bread, potatoes, carrots, choice of dessert, and a beverage, all for just $12 per person. Call 508-693-1539 if you would like more information, or for reservations. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

We’re already a week into March; this coming weekend we change the clocks ahead, which means more daylight, and spring is on the very near horizon. This is my mantra on these cold, cold days we’ve been experiencing this week. We’re almost there. I for one cannot wait for spring to arrive. I wish you all a wonderful week.