I’ve just returned home from the Rise showcase, the local performance of the dance company’s competition pieces. And it finally hit me. These little girls, some of whom have been dancing and competing together since they were 4 or 5 years old, aren’t little girls anymore. They’re amazing, talented, beautiful, and charming young women. It has been quite a ride for the past 11 years, and there is now a little bitter mixed with that sweet as a few more girls graduate and move on each year. It has been a pleasure watching them grow.
Edgartown’s Hob Knob Hotel is kicking off the season with a women’s weekend highlighting the creative writing process with author Holly Hodder Eger, whose debut novel, “Split Rock.” was a finalist in the William Faulkner–William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition in 2015. She teaches writing in Northern California, and is a seasonal Martha’s Vineyard resident. Her book chronicles a woman’s self-exploration during a summer on the Island, and she’s currently working on her second novel.
The women’s weekend workshops, scheduled for April 13-15 and Oct. 26-28, include discussions with the author at Hob Knob, a picnic lunch at Lambert’s Cove Beach, and visits to the other iconic island locations featured in “Split Rock.” The cost is $300 (plus lodging), and includes a signed copy of the book. Island residents may sign up without lodging. Complete details on the women’s weekend getaways at Hob Knob can be seen at http://bit.ly/2G4gyE5. For more information on the hotel, visit hobknob.com.
There are five special services at the Federated Church heading into Easter. March 25, at 10:30 am, will be the Palm Sunday service, followed at 12:30 with the last free lasagna luncheon of the year. March 29 is Maundy Thursday, and gatherers will reflect on the somber occasion of the Last Supper at 7 pm. Good Friday is on March 30, and from 9 am until 3 pm, the Meetinghouse will be open to anyone who wishes to stop by for meditation, reflection, and silent prayer. Easter Sunday on April 1 will be celebrated with two services, a 6:30 am sunrise service on the lawn of the Mayhew Parsonage, and the Easter Service at 10:30 am at the Meetinghouse. All are welcome! For more information call 508-627-4421, email admin@federatedchurchmv.org, or check out their website at federatedchurchmv.org.
Happy birthday wishes go out to Zach Townes on March 19, and Dwight Kaeka on March 23.
Congratulations to Bruce McNamee, the new Edgartown police chief. After a brief interview and deliberation, Bruce beat out two other finalists for the position. Bruce is married to Mary Healey, the daughter of David and Lu Healey from Oak Bluffs. Our families were great friends growing up, as the Healeys were part of that circle of friends that we came to lovingly refer to as “the Oak Bluffs Wall.” I have certainly disagreed with the process, but I do welcome them both to the Island. I hope he has a long, long tenure as chief.
Unfortunately, I’m nursing quite a headache tonight, and it is late. It has been a very busy day, so I’m going to cut it short. Thankfully, it was a slow news week. I wish you all a wonderful week ahead.
