I’m writing this week’s column from the reservation line in Woods Hole. Is there anything more painful than the car ahead of you in the standby line being the last car on the boat for the earlier boat? Especially when you saw him pass you when you were gassing up before coming home. Ouch. That hurts. But it’s a lovely day, the sun is shining, and I can hear the ocean as I write. There are worse places to be, right?
Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Julie Williamson on April 2, Louis Smith and Joanna Van Gelder on April 3, Deborah Alpert on April 5, Patricia Gazaille on April 6, and Brad Hill and Heidi Cook on April 7.
The Martha’s Vineyard Figure Skating Club’s 34th annual Ice Show is Friday, March 31, from 6 to 8 pm at the MV Arena. The theme this year is “Lights, Camera, Action.” Tickets are $5 for students and seniors, $10 for adults, and $25 for a family. The show will happen a second time on Saturday, April 1, at 1 pm.
April 1 brings Vineyard Confections Spring Egg Hunt. Eggs will be hidden around the Island, with clues provided for some of the locations throughout the morning on Facebook and Instagram.
And on April 2, Vineyard Confections will also sponsor its Quest for the Golden Egg. Check out its Facebook page or Instagram for details about both events.
On April 4 at 9:30, the M.V. Family Center will present “Teaching Your Child How to Handle Anger,” with Jeanine Fitzgerald and other caregivers. They will discuss what anger looks like in different kids, and how to support them in handling it. Child Watch is available to registrants. Email Haley for details at mvfamilycenter@gmail.com.
Island Alpaca Farm is celebrating the season with its Easter Event on April 1 and 8, from 1 pm to 3 pm. You can meet the Easter Bunny and visit with the alpacas. Plus refreshments. Sounds like fun. Click on islandalpaca.com to register for the Easter Event. Island Alpaca will also have a 15-percent-off sale on many items from 10 am to 4 pm, both days.
It’s standardized testing season for the Island schools. Edgartown students in grades three through eight will be taking the ELA MCAS this week. Remind them that they are more than a test score! Their results are just one small part of their educational experience, and don’t define them as people. The most important thing is that they eat a good breakfast each morning, get a good night’s sleep each night, try to relax, and not put undue pressure on themselves, and do their best.
The M.V. Cancer Support Group is having its annual Daffodil Time fundraiser on Saturday, April 1 — no fooling! Daffodil bunches will be sold at Reliable Market, Stop & Shop Edgartown, and both Cronigs. The hours are 8 am to 12 pm, or until the flowers run out. Your purchase allows this group to continue their financial support of Island cancer patients for many of the costs associated with their treatment, such as transportation, hotel stays, copays, parking, and gas.
Sunday is Palm Sunday. My mom and I used to spend Palm Sunday together as a special mother-daughter day. We’d go for a walk, and then visit all of the nurseries around the Island that opened their doors to the public with lovely displays for the Easter season. I think back on those days with great fondness, and miss them terribly. I can’t bring myself to continue the tradition without her, so it’s been close to 20 years since I’ve done it, I think. Maybe I’ll venture out this year. We’ll see.
This week also marks the one-year anniversary of losing my dad. The “firsts” are always so difficult, aren’t they? First birthdays without them, holidays, anniversaries, and such can be challenging, and I’m no exception. This whole year has been a challenge for me. I was talking with a friend about it, and we agreed that losing the first parent is extremely difficult, but you still have a parent to sort of pour that attention and love on. But then losing the second parent means there isn’t anywhere else for that affection to go. If you are going through similar things and experiencing grief, know that you are not alone.
I wish you all a great week. And stay kind. Kindness is never wasted, and often leads to more kindness. May it spread person to person in great measure.
If you have any Edgartown Town Column suggestions, email Gail Gardner, ggardnermv@gmail.com.
