I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend last weekend. Easter brought with it beautiful weather, many open businesses, time with friends and family, and tons of people! Our little Island woke up from its long winter’s nap. We went off-Island Saturday to drop Riley at the Coast Guard Station, and Woods Hole was jumping. Our return boat was packed and we didn’t know a soul, a sure sign that summer is coming faster than we realize.
Happy 14th birthday to Brant Maynard, who celebrated her special day on Easter Sunday, April 16. I hope you had a fantastic day and that you were spoiled!
Also celebrating birthdays this week were my favorite sister-in-law, Meg Archer, and Lindsay Mercier on April 16, Barbara Binder on April 18, and Jamie Craig on April 19. Happy spring and happy birthday wishes to you all!
The Felix Neck Sanctuary invites folks to become citizen naturalists. Learn from on- and off-Island naturalists and scientists during this six-week adult natural history series featuring hands-on explorations of local flora and fauna as well as lessons in naturalist skills including tracking, species identification, and field guide usage. The schedule of lessons is as follows: Shellfish Biology and Coastal Ponds at the Vineyard Haven Shellfish Hatchery on Thursday, April 20, from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm, Mammals of MV and Tracking with Biodiversity Works at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary on Thursday, April 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Birding 101 with Robert Culbert at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary on Saturday, May 6, from 9 to 11 am, Whelk and Lobster Biology and Fisheries with Shelley Edmundson at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary on Thursday, May 11, from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm, Wild Edibles and Plant Identification with Suzan Bellincampi at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary on Wednesday, May 24, from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm, and Macroinvertebrates and Water Quality with Dick Johnson at the Wakeman Center on Saturday, June 3, from 1 until 5 pm. This program is free for members and $5 per session for nonmembers. Registration is required. For more information, call the sanctuary at 508-627-4850, or email them at felixneck@massaudubon.org.
On Thursday, April 20, at 10:30 am there will be a meeting of the Caregivers Support Group at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services in Conference Room 1 of Building C. This group is for caregivers caring for a loved one with a physical illness or dementia. The group provides a forum for caregivers to meet and connect with others in similar circumstances. Group support and discussions include topics such as wellness, meditation, challenges and joys of caregiving, reducing stress, and increasing knowledge on caregiving issues and needs. For more information and confirmation of time and place, please contact Allison McKinley at 508-693-7900, ext. 217.
I’m again saddened to learn that Nelson Smith and Peter Bettencourt both passed away last week, and my thoughts are with both families. Nelson was such a town figure, a military veteran who always had a story to tell and a smile or laughter to share. I always enjoyed those times that I’d run into him on the street and have the opportunity to chat with him. I always learned something new and interesting. It saddens me so when we lose these “old-timers.” So much history is lost with them.
Though I didn’t know Pete Bettencourt very well, he was my neighbor for many years when the kids were little, and he maintained the roads of the development. I lost count how many times he would bring Riley into the Bobcat with him while he worked, which for a small boy is pretty much the greatest thing that could ever happen. At the time, Riley had trucks and such out in a sandbox in the yard, and he had two male dolls that drove the trucks. Out of his pure adoration for Pete, he named the larger of the two dolls Pete and the smaller one Little Pete. Sweet memories of a man who clearly knew what was important to a young boy.
In that typical small-town way we have here, a fund has been created to help the Bishop family with expenses, following the death of their father and husband, Bill. Among other things, the family had to arrange for private transportation to get Bill home at the end, and the cost was exorbitant. The tax-exempt account has been set up as part of You’ve Got a Friend, and contributions can be made by check payable to “You’ve Got a Friend, Inc.” with honor of Bill or William Bishop in the memo section, to ensure that the money goes into the correct account. Donations may be mailed to George B. Brush, 459 State Road, West Tisbury, MA 02575.
Don’t forget to stop by the Edgartown School garden on Saturday to help prep for planting in honor of Earth Day. All are welcome between 10 am and 2 pm to get the garden ready for the upcoming growing season. No experience necessary, and all ages are welcome.
I started writing this week’s column on Sunday, and I’m finishing up on Monday night, while seeing so many posts and stories about the Boston Marathon. I must be getting soft in my old age, because I’ve teared up more than I would expect. So many stories touch my heart, such as the runners carrying other runners over the finish line; a Marine who lost a leg in Afghanistan running while carrying the flag; Katherine Switzer, who registered back in the ’60s as K.V. Switzer so they wouldn’t know she was a woman, running again today, 50 years later, to commemorate the event and the fact that they are retiring her number. And of course, just the fact that so many others face the challenge of the marathon itself. I’m sure I’m more emotional about it since the events of 2013, or maybe I just pay more attention. I don’t know. But I know that one does tend to see a lot of what is good in people on Patriot’s Day in Boston each year. I really like to see the good. It gives me hope.
Have a great week!
