Arts & Entertainment
A strong Vineyard contingent turned out to help warm the new House of Blues in Boston last Saturday night. It was an old-home night of sorts, with singer-songwriter Carly Simon making an unscheduled appearance to dance and belt out a number on stage with Dan Akyroyd. Judy Belushi Pisano, a Vineyard Haven resident and widow of John, one of the original Blues Brothers, was a key mover in getting the Vineyard crowd to Boston — and on its feet. But truth to tell, few Islanders need much of an excuse to get off the rock in February.
Dental Grant
The Oral Health Foundation, funded by Delta Dental of Massachusetts, recently awarded $4 million in grants to Massachusetts organizations working to improve oral health throughout the state. The Martha’s Vineyard Hospital received $12,599.
The foundation is investing in affordable, and preventive oral health services for children, elderly and families in Massachusetts.
Medical Reserve
The Martha’s Vineyard Medical Reserve Corps has announced its new officers: chairman, Shirley Fauteux, Oak Bluffs health agent; vice-chairman, Chuck Cotnoir, Dukes County emergency management director, treasurer, Matthew Poole, Edgartown health agent; clerk, Carol Bardwell, hospital chief nurse executive.
The Vineyard Nursing Association has announced a plan to expand its services to include hospice care, directly competing with Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, a 28-year-old Island institution which operates solely on donations, unfettered by the constraints of insurance regulations.
Vineyard Nursing Association has applied to become a licensed hospice provider certified under Medicare.
Lyme Disease Education
The Martha’s Vineyard Lyme Disease Association is launching an Islandwide campaign this summer aimed at reducing the incidence of Lyme disease on the Island.
The association provides education and information to businesses, individuals and organizations on tick-borne illness. The association is a nonprofit organization and works with other health organizations.
Improvised Success
For the second time the Impers, the Island’s teen professional improvisational troupe, has been selected as an apprentice team for the Chicago Improv Festival. In April the troupe will travel to Chicago to receive hours of professional coaching, see the best improv in the world and perform their own show. Next week the troupe will launch a six-week fund-raising campaign. For more information go to the Web site troubledshores.com or e-mail [email protected].
