I had promised myself that I would not mention weather in this week’s column, but alas, complicated March erased that promise. Oh how the wind and rain blew, canceling boat service and many plans, leaving us without mail, newspaper, heat, electricity, Internet, phones, and all the material things that we think we cannot live without, but we did, didn’t we? We lost power at my house Friday evening, and did not get it back until Saturday night. But how fortunate I was, as I had a wood stove for heat, plenty of candles, oil lamps, and a gas range to cook on. The most serious disaster in my household was the fact that when the power went out I was sitting in my power lift recliner, which operates electrically. There I was, stuck in a reclining position, and could not get out without the assistance of my daughter, who luckily was home. After we recovered from our hysterical laughter over the ridiculous situation, with her help and careful maneuvering, I was able to exit over the arm of the chair. Many other people on the Island suffered physical damage to their property from trees and wind. Through all of the three days of stormy weather, as always, many people “had our backs.” Island police, fire and EMS departments were constantly patrolling, assisting where necessary, and town highway departments were clearing roads as quickly as possible. Eversource, Verizon, and Comcast lineman worked under hazardous conditions to return things to normal, unbelievably quickly. It is impossible to give enough praise and thanks to these great people for such outstanding services. We are all so blessed. Thank you to all who helped.
The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society is seeking an executive director with hands-on arts management experience and imagination. This is a great opportunity for a creative person familiar with classical music. If you are interested, please email edsearch@vineyard.net.
The Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group’s Daffodil Time is fast approaching. Bunches of daffodils will be sold at $10 per bunch at the MV Hospital from 8 am to 3 pm on Friday, March 16, and from 9 am to 4:30 pm on Saturday, March 17, at the Edgartown Stop & Shop, Oak Bluffs’ Reliable Market, and Cronig’s Market in Vineyard Haven. All the monies collected will be used to help patients and their families with medical expenses and the cost of transportation, lodging, and food when they have to travel off-Island for treatment. This is an excellent chance to bring early spring into your life and ease some of the burden Island patients have to shoulder.
A Corn Beef and Cabbage Meal and an Irish Sing-Along sounds like a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day to me. If you would like to join in, the First Baptist Parish House will be the place to go on Saturday, March 10, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Come and enjoy a complete meal of Corned Beef and Cabbage, cornbread, potatoes, and carrots, with dessert and a beverage, for $12. Tickets may be purchased at the door, and takeout is available.
After you finish your Irish Supper, also on Saturday, March 10, stroll over to the P.A. Club in Oak Bluffs and enjoy a few hours of great music. Merrily Fenner, Pat Law, and Eddie Medeiros will be singing up a storm from 6 to 9 pm, to the great enjoyment of us all.
If you are an older Vineyarder, and continue to live in your own home, there are many times when you need a little help at home. Perhaps you need a ride to a doctor’s appointment, or to go shopping, or maybe you need a local contractor to do a “small project”? Polly Brown, from Vineyard Village at Home, will be the guest speaker on Sunday, March 11, at 11:30 am, following the morning service at the Federated Church Meetinghouse in Edgartown. Please join everyone for this discussion, which is free and open to all.
The Library Friends of Oak Bluffs are having a benefit Dine to Donate event at Offshore Ale in Oak Bluffs. The benefit takes place on Thursday, March 15. Twenty percent of pre-tax food sales (not beverage sales) will go directly to the fundraising organization. Please log on to the Oak Bluffs Library website for more info, and to access and print the ticket you will need to participate.
Get to know Big Brothers Big Sisters! Learn how you can get involved by being a Big, or joining a committee, at an informal meet and greet hosted by the Wharf, March 29 from 5 to 7 pm. Current Bigs and advisory board members will be available to answer your questions. Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be provided.
We send birthday smiles to Bill Rankin on March 9, Vick White on the 10th, Cindy Krauss on the 11th, Willie deBettencourt, Pauline Gregory, Janice Rose, and Molly deBettencourt on the 12th, Jenny Hart on March 13, and Will Farrissey on the 14th.
Enjoy your week. Peace.
