“When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” –Alexander Den Heijer
This lovely quote is seen often in early-childhood circles, and can also apply to so many other aspects of life — gardening, friendship, marriage. Thanks to Annie Palches for sharing it with me!
No fooling — the April full moon rises on the 1st. It is called the “Pink Moon” for the wildflowers that traditionally begin to blossom in April. This one is important, as it is the Paschal moon this year, ushering in the first evening of Passover, and setting the date for Easter, which is Sunday, April 5. Easter always occurs on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox on March 21. That is why Easter seems early this year — hope the weather warms up for the egg hunts!
I was heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of Joel DeRoche, retired police sergeant and father of two beautiful daughters. Deepest condolences to his family.
Everybody’s favorite event is back: The fifth annual Lip Sync Contest is this weekend, Friday, April 3, AND Saturday, April 4! This is at the P.A. Club, to benefit Martha’s Vineyard Sexual Wellness (formerly Family Planning MV — same great organization and services, new name). Now, the contest begins at 7 pm, but the doors open at 6, and if you have been before, you know that this is a sellout. It is $25 at the door; the performances and costumes are always fabulous; bring your dancing shoes for DJ Dern!
Making sure that you are registered to vote is more important than ever. Annual town meeting and town elections are coming up soon, and you must be registered to vote by Friday, April 3, to cast your votes. If you are going to vote by mail-in ballot, the deadline to apply for the ballot is April 9. The Oak Bluffs annual town meeting is Tuesday, April 14 at 7 pm, at the MVRHS Performing Arts Center. Town elections are April 16 at the Oak Bluffs library, from 10 am to 7 pm. You can see the town meeting warrant and get more information about registering and voting at oakbluffsma.gov.
Save the date: April 11 is the M.V. Hospital Community Health Fair. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with wellness practitioners and vendors. They offer free screenings, information about current health issues, panel discussions, and more. It is from 8 am to noon, and it’s free — don’t miss it!
Happy Birthday on April 2 to Michael Barnes and Casey Ciciora! On April 3, we celebrate the lovely Rita Chiaravalle, who shares the day with Jane Goodall. April 4 is the day for Stephen Grace, who will be celebrating on the road as he and Renee Nolan make their way back East from Palm Springs, Calif. Happy birthday also on the 4th to Albie Robinson and Deborah Mayhew, who share the day with Maya Angelou. Guinevere Rebello celebrates on April 8.
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