It takes a village to organize an eighth grade fundraiser! The Edgartown School eighth grade’s annual Auction takes place this Friday night at the Loft, which means lots of planning and organizing. And we couldn’t do it without the help of Liz Burnham, Caroline Fenske, Cecily Stibitz, Suzanne Rollins, Rebecca Norris, Julie Hatt, and Judy Murray. Judy and Julie are particularly helpful to me, because they are both wedding and event planners, and as hockey moms, they’ve organized a number of auctions in the past. They’ve taken charge of the organizing and planning, and have made the experience far less stressful. I am beyond grateful! Having changed venues this year for the first time in many, many years, we really don’t know what to expect. Fingers are crossed for a great turnout to dance the night away to Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish and win some great stuff too. The dance party/auction starts at 6:30 Friday night at the Loft; all are welcome. Come join us for a fun night and support our efforts to get 41 kids to DC — we hope to see you there.
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum and Oak Bluffs library are collaborating to celebrate Women’s History Month. Photo portraits of 14 Island women are featured along with the women’s stories in “Voices of Vineyard Women,” now on exhibit at the library for the month of March. Interviews conducted with the museum’s oral history curator, Linsey Lee, provide the basis for the exhibit. Visitors to the library can listen to each woman tell a story from her life. Topics include overcoming the barriers of racial prejudice, the feats of caring for a family of 13, delivering aircraft in WW II, challenging the roles of women, journeying on a whaleship, and more. Using a smartphone, visitors can hear the voices of Dorothy West, Shirley Steere Smith, Loïs Mailou Jones, Ruth Stiller, Nancy Whiting, Pastor Marcia Buckley, and more. In conjunction with the exhibition, two events will be held at the library. On March 19, join Linsey Lee, along with WMVY’s Laurel Reddington and the Oak Bluffs library’s Nate Luce, for an oral history workshop for young women from 1 to 3 pm. Additionally, on March 31, Ms. Lee will give a talk on the exhibit, which will include audio and video clips of the women featured, at 6 pm. “Voices of Vineyard Women” is located at the Oak Bluffs library in the teen lounge and by the reference desk. The exhibit is up for the duration of March.
The Big Moon Owl Prowl at Felix Neck sounds like it could be a pretty exciting, or at least beautiful, event! Join them for a bright moon walk to look for nocturnal birds on March 23 from 7 to 8:30 pm, and find out “hoo’s out there.” Free for members, $5 for nonmembers.
Grandparents who find themselves raising their grandchildren don’t have to go it alone. Martha’s Vineyard Community Services Family Center, in collaboration with the Island Wide Youth Collaborative, is co-hosting a Grandparents Raising Grandchildren group. Information about trends and issues facing grandparents raising grandchildren is shared over coffee and discussion. Martha’s Vineyard Community Services Family Center (Fannie Blair Building), Saturday, March 12, from 10 to 11:30 am.
Perhaps the biggest Edgartown news this week is that Edgartown boy Sherm Burnham bought a new car last week. Or a new-to-him car, anyway. According to his daughter, Jessica, he is the proud owner of a new, used 2004 Jeep Cherokee. Why is this purchase so newsworthy, you may ask? Well, apparently Sherm hasn’t purchased a car in quite some time. He had had his previous vehicle, also a Jeep I believe, since 1986, making it older than his oldest grandchild! Congratulations on your new wheels, Sherm. It’s going to take us all quite awhile to recognize you in your new ride, I’m sure.
The First Baptist Church is offering their annual corned beef and cabbage dinner on March 12 at 6 pm. Enjoy a complete meal with corn or soda bread, potatoes, carrots, dessert, and beverages, and listen to lively Irish music at the First Baptist Parish House, 66 William Street, Vineyard Haven. Bring your fiddle or fife and join in! Takeout is also available. Tickets are $12. Call 508- 693-1539 for more details.
Tracker Home Décor in Edgartown participated in Lee Industries’ “Lee Loves Local” event for the month of February. Lee Industries is promoting shopping locally and giving back to the community. This year Tracker chose the Martha’s Vineyard Animal Shelter to be the recipient of what the shop raised. A percentage of all Lee Industries upholstery sales during February resulted in $3,822.24 being raised for the shelter. Tracker thanks all of their clients who helped them raise this money!
Looking for something to do with the kids Saturday night? The Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School is hosting a movie and hot fudge sundae night at the Charter School from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on March 12. The movie is “The Minions,” and you can wear pjs and bring a blanket or pillow to sit on. Admission is $5, with proceeds going toward the fifth and sixth grades sailing trip on the Alabama in June, an annual rite of passage for Island kids.
Have a fabulous week. And remember: The best way to predict the future is to create it!