News
In Brendan Coogan’s classroom at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, student Amy Fligor daintily painted her nails; all fifty of them. “We have a pot, like a deep fryer that we melt wax in,” Amy said. “I stuck my fingers in the wax . . . Now I’m trying to make the fingernails a little more pink.” Amy is one of 33 Martha’s Vineyard Regional High school students who received an award at the Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards competition. Her waxed fingers holding a cup described by her as “holding the world in the palm of your hand,” received an honorable mention.
Every Wednesday afternoon Martha’s Vineyard Rotary members meet for lunch at the Ocean View restaurant and drop happy dollars into a bucket. “I have a happy dollar for my last tuition paid for Kate, at least she swears it is,” said Chappaquiddick ferry captain Liz Villard, referring to her daughter’s master’s degree.
“Happy dollar for Liz, for another great job with the soup supper,” said Mike McCourt, referring to Ms. Villard, who coordinates a community supper hosted by the rotary club at the Edgartown Whaling Church.
With the hiring of a new director of development and community relations, planned changes to its annual summer fundraiser, and a continued search for a new executive director, Martha’s Vineyard Community Services is spending its winter on a forward path.
“I’m excited; I’m looking forward to this next phase,” said Victor Capoccia, chair of the nonprofit organization’s board.
That next phase involves a greater push for outreach and connection in what is already an invaluable resource for many on the Island.
The Edgartown Planning Board Tuesday unanimously approved a plan to place a cell antenna in an abandoned silo in Katama, despite some opposition from neighbors. At meetings over the last few months, Katama residents had opposed AT&T’s plan to place the antenna in an abandoned silo at the Farm Institute, citing perceived concerns about radiation affecting property values and the Farm Institute’s donations, sales of produce and meat, and summer camp program. Farm Institute representatives said if the tower posed a risk to visitors or livestock, they would not have let the project go forward.
The Federated Church in Edgartown is stepping into the void to make sure anyone who needs a hot meal can do so every day of the week. After realizing that the Islandwide soup suppers occur every day but Sundays, the church decided to begin holding a free lasagna luncheon on Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. The lunches begin on Feb. 10 and continue to March 24.
Tuesday is not just another Tuesday. It’s Fat Tuesday and that means Mardi Gras and pancakes.
On Tuesday, Feb. 12, the West Tisbury Congregational Church is hosting its third annual Mardi Gras pancake supper and party. The pancakes will be made from local ingredients including Morning Glory Farm eggs and Mermaid Farm yogurt. The music is homegrown too. Rick Bausman, Brian Weiland and Hudson Bausman will lay down a Caribbean groove complete with steel drums. Beads and coins, too, naturally.