All of us have been shaken and bewildered by the many drug overdoses which many times have resulted in the deaths of those we are acquainted with or loved dearly. We share the sorrow and fears of the many families that have been broken by the results of this devastating epidemic. Now we have taken the first step toward recognizing the disease of addiction, and many are sharing their stories in attempts to help others. The shame is not in the addiction, but in the reaction of many who pull back and isolate those affected by this illness. Now that we are aware, how much better to assist in the healing by offering a listening ear and whatever help we can give. Billy Pfaff, the founder of “Heroin is Killing My Town,” will be speaking in the Library at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School at 2:15 pm on Friday, May 13, and again that evening at the Oak Bluffs school from 6:30 to 8 pm. Please listen, learn, and help.

Here is your opportunity to save lives. The Red Cross is holding a blood drive today, May 5, from 1:30 to 6 pm, and tomorrow from 9 am to 2 pm. The drive will be held at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. To donate blood only takes around an hour, and it’s possible that an hour of your time could result in a longer life for someone else. Please call 800-RED-CROSS to register.

Sincere condolences to the family of Louise Davies, a sweet lady who was so loved and well taken care of by her family and friends. I will miss seeing her come to Mass Saturday afternoons, always accompanied by a daughter. You could see the faces of the parishioners light up as she walked into church, always smiling. We are so sorry.

The Tisbury fifth graders are holding a family yard sale to help raise money for the fifth grade trip on the Shenandoah. The yard sale takes place at the school on May 21 from 9 am to noon, with a rain date of Sunday, May 22. There will be three themed raffle baskets with values from $300 to over $650, and a bake sale by the students. 100 percent of the proceeds go to help fund the trip. For more information, contact Krista at kristaelliottriley@gmail.com.

Oak Bluffs’ own Randall Jette has signed as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers. The graduate of MVRHS and soon-to-be-graduate of UMass Amherst was an outstanding football star in both high school and college. Congratulations, Randy, and we have no doubt that we will be seeing a lot of you in the future.

Ninety staff members across all programs offered by Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, along with 20 board members, are participating in a 30-day challenge wellness program called WILD 5. The 30-day program started May 1, and is ongoing through May 30. The overall goal of the program is to improve mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, and once the staff and board members have completed the program, it will be shared with clients that MVCS serves day in and day out.

Our library is offering a Coffee and Computers workshop on May 11 from 10:30 to 11:30 am. The workshop is free, and will take place at the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging. The workshop topics will range from Microsoft Word to Facebook. Here is your opportunity to socialize with your friends as you learn important computer skills.

We send birthday smiles to Lisa Cottrell on the 8th, Marguerite Cook and my grandson Marques Rivers on the 10th, Olympia Hall and Preston Michael Averill on the 11th, and MaryBeth Grande Naron and Marion Cardoza on the 12th.

Enjoy your week. Peace.