How much more pleasant is my view out the windows, as now the tulips, crocus, grape hyacinths, and tulips are now in full bloom. The shrubs also are getting into the act and sending out green leaf buds. Spring is definitely in the air, and after this long winter, and the many limbs and trees that have fallen this past month, the sounds of chainsaws echo once again as cleanup of the fallen debris takes place. Soon most traces of the violent past windstorms will disappear as they become shielded from view by new growth in the woods.
I wonder if we perhaps take for granted the services we have access to here in this small Island community, under the umbrella of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. Counseling services, Connect to End Violence, Recovery Coaches, support for both mental health and substance use disorders are a few of the services offered by this Island institution. Now they have expanded their services with the opening of the Island Intervention Center and new Suboxone Clinic. To celebrate the opening of the clinic, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, May 22, at 12 noon on the MVCS campus. This new clinic will provide a triage system for urgent care, emergency service, brief intervention, assessments, and immediate access to appropriate services for people who need a higher level of care. The opening on Tuesday is open to the public, and members of the media are encouraged to attend.
“Climate Change and Impact on Invasive and New Species” is the subject of a public education meeting at the M.V. Agricultural Society Hall on Tuesday evening, May 8, by the Dukes Soil Conservation District, co-sponsored by the Agricultural Society, Island Grown Initiative, and the Polly Hill Arboretum. Funds for this program were provided through a grant from the Executive Office of Environmental and Energy Affairs. The program starts at 7 pm, and is free and open to the public. It will feature Dr. Bethany Bradley, University of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Conservation, and Tawney Simisky, Extension entomologist with UMass Extension. The topic is the likely impact of the climate change we are experiencing on the interaction between invasive species and native communities.
Yes, there are still comic books. The Y will be holding a free comic book day on May 5 from 1 to 4 pm at Alex’s Place. There will be two free comic books given to each person for as long as the supply lasts.
Calling all kids ages 3 to 12. It’s time for the Martha’s Vineyard annual Festival Fishing Tournament, sponsored by the M.V. Rod and Gun Club. Saturday, May 5, starting at daybreak but not before 4 am., Duarte’s Pond at Lambert’s Cove is the place to go. There will be lots of fishing and lots of prizes. But be sure to bring rain clothes, and remember, parents must be present for the prizes.
Conversation Corner will take place at our Oak Bluffs library on May 8 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. This is a weekly opportunity for non-native English speakers to practice basic conversational English in a relaxed, comfortable place. Come meet new friends as you learn by talking together. No registration is required.
And May 10 from 6 to 7 pm, come and join the Armchair Traveler: Jonathan in Death Valley.
Congratulations to Noah BenDavid, Griffin Craig, Madison Curelli, Ryan Heidt, Gus Lambert, Melissa Louback, Dylan Mone, Hollis Oliver, Margaret Pacheco, Charlie Sebastian, Alicia Silva, and Grace Voshell from Good Shepherd Parish of Martha’s Vineyard, who will celebrate their first Holy Communion on Saturday, May 5.
The Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group presents the Shellfish Extravaganza on May 4 from 8 to 10 pm at the Chilmark Community Center. Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish will be playing, and there will be a silent auction, chowder, and free raw bar. Entrance fee is $40 at the door.
We sent birthday smiles to Skip Campos on May 4, Fred Hall Jr. and Todd Alexander on the 5th. We remember Marilyn Rebello on the 7th, smiles to Lisa Cottrell on May 8, and to my grandson Marques Rivers and Marguerite Cook on May 10. Kathy and Andy Farrissey celebrate their wedding anniversary on May 6, and Nora and Gary Jardin will celebrate theirs on May 10.
Enjoy your week. Peace.
