One of the authors of America According to Connor Gifford, a book by a young Nantucket man who writes in the prologue how blessed he is to have Down syndrome, will be speaking at the Vineyard Haven Public Library next Friday, May 7, at 5:30 p.m. The event is free and all are welcome.

An Ohio native, he took many mainstream classes, and fell in love with history years before he graduated from high school is 2002. He now lives year-round on Nantucket.

Self-made millionaire and best-selling author Lynn Donohue will speak at the season’s final meeting of the Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network, on Thursday, May 6, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Ms. Donohue was living out of her car, earning minimum wage as a bar tender at a local biker hangout when she began taking brick masonry training. Before the age of 40, the former drop-out was a millionaire entrepreneur with a New Bedford-based foundation, Brick by Brick, that helps teenagers foster creativity and adults struggling with career choices.

First Aid Training

The American Red Cross will hold an Adult CPR/AED and First Aid class on May 8 at the YMCA on Martha’s Vineyard at 57 Pequot avenue in Oaks Bluffs, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $50 for CPR only, or $60 to add first aid training and certification. To enroll, see online cciredcross.org or call toll-free 508-775-1540.

A free introductory program on genealogy will be presented at the Edgartown Public Library at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 8, by the Vineyard chapter of the Massachusetts Society of Genealogists.

The program includes an overview on how to begin researching, introducing the types of charts used in genealogy and how to fill them out. Topics to be covered include the values and perils of Internet research, and accessing other genealogical sources, including those at the library.

For details, call 508-627-4221.

The Oak Bluffs Public Library, in conjunction with the annual celebration of Della Hardman Day on Saturday, July 31, is sponsoring a photography contest to select 14 images featuring Martha’s Vineyard that reflect Della Hardman’s legacy theme — “savor the moment.” The winning entries will be published in the 2011 Oak Bluffs Public Library Calendar.

Look Good, Feel Better

The American Cancer Society, Maggie’s Salon and the Breast Cancer Support Group are hosting a free Look Good, Feel Better event on Wednesday, May 5, at the Vineyard Haven Public Library from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

A similar event last May for women who have been recently diagnosed with cancer was very well received by the 16 participants. This year’s event also brings each participant a top of the line cosmetics gift bag, demonstrations with makeup and hair accessories, including wigs, scarves and caps.