This past week seems to have been the pivotal week in feeling like not only is the island defrosting, but so are we. Once again, sunshine is the subject of this column, but after a long, dreary winter, what else do we really want to talk about?
On the 28th at 6 pm at the Harbor View Hotel, you’ll find me having a culinary experience with local chefs, with proceeds supporting the Island Food Pantry. It’ll be a great time to connect with local chefs, chat with them about what they have in the works for the summer season, and maybe ask them for a pro tip on what to do with your upcoming supply of summer vegetables. Maybe they’ll know what to do with the endless pounds of zucchini that are bound to come out of your gardens this season. Talking about gardens, on the 29th at 1:30 pm at the O.B. library (important information for all Island residents), there will be a climate discussion on the proposed regulation of gas leaf blowers. The bylaw seeks to reduce air and noise pollution, and will be voted at town meetings in five of our six Island towns. This session at the Oak Bluffs library is for all Island residents, and will provide information and the opportunity to discuss the proposed bylaw.
And then, somehow, April arrives, and with that, the reopening of our seasonal Edgartown businesses. If you’re an Edgartown business owner in need of staff, there will be a Spring Job Fair at MVRHS, which offers students the opportunity to meet with recruiters from local businesses and nonprofits, with the goal of finding jobs and career opportunities. A career fair at my culinary school 15 years ago was what brought me to Martha’s Vineyard, so it’s definitely something I love supporting. If you’re a business wanting to hire, email business teacher Jeff Levy at jeff.levy@mvyps.org to sign up, and if you’re a student looking to secure a job this season, make sure to stop by the MVRHS Gymnasium on April 2 from 11:30 am to 2 pm. On the note of careers and job postings, which are surely going to flood social media in the next month: My two cents (and a hill I’ll die on) for business owners posting job opportunities — a reminder about posting pay ranges. In 2025, this isn’t just a best practice, it’s a commitment to building a stronger, more equitable Island community. Transparent pay not only fosters trust between employers and job seekers, but it also ensures everyone (no matter their education, gender, or race) starts the conversation on equal ground. It allows the job seekers to make informed decisions, eliminates guesswork, and signals that a business values inclusivity and fairness. Overall, when transparency becomes the norm, we all rise together. Consider this the next time you’re writing a help wanted ad.
Now that I’m off my soapbox about pay transparency, let’s take flight to somewhere different. A few days after the career fair, Mass Audubon’s Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary and Featherstone Center for the Arts flock together to celebrate the art, beauty, and function of wild birds. This artistic flight of fancy will highlight local and worldwide species, encouraging the creation and purchase of art inspired by these creatures of land, sky, and sea. Soar with them on an adventure to learn about their habits, homes, and history through collaborative programming for adults and children. Two fun days fall on Saturday, April 5, 10 am to noon: Bird House Building at Felix Neck, and then Sunday, April 6, 4 to 6 pm: Opening Reception at Featherstone. If you get giddy over seeing an osprey build a nest, these events might just be your kind of fun!
Until next week, a reminder to be fair, to be kind, and to love everyone — even the skunks!
If you have any Edgartown Town Column suggestions, email Marnely Murray, marnely@gmail.com.
