The Oyster and The Pearls: Island Time, February 25
February 25, 2021
Congratulations to everyone who has soldiered through January and February on Martha’s Vineyard (or anywhere) – during a pandemic! Monday is March 1, unbelievably. And in the spirit of fresh starts, your Island Time newsletter is introducing a lively addition to our regular preview of events and activities on the Vineyard. Starting today, Island Time will also include the Oyster, created and written by author and Islander Alex Bullen Coutts.
The Oyster (formerly Oyster MV) began as an off-season survival guide for young adults looking to build community throughout the long and solitary winters. (And this was before “quarantine” entered our daily vocabulary!) Over the years the newsletter has evolved into an online home for Islanders young and young-at-heart, newcomers to year-round Island life, and anyone who has ever asked the question, “Is there anyone else like me out here on this curious floating rock?”
Starting this week, you’ll find the Oyster tucked into Island Time. Scroll down and check it out for news and events from local upstarts and inspiring creative folk, info on classes and workshops, job opportunities and more.
Want more Oyster? Follow along on Instagram at @OysterMV.
Want more events? As always, find the entire line up at The Complete Martha’s Vineyard Calendar. But first, be sure to check out some of this week’s highlights below.
Today (February 25) brings three heavy-hitting speakers to a screen near you. At 4 p.m., Oak Bluffs author Skip Finley speaks on William Martin and the Whaling Captains of Color.
Also at 4 p.m., Martha’s Vineyard Poet Laureate Jill Jupen discusses the poetry of Bob Dylan’s lyrics in the first of two hour-long talks, concluding March 4.
And at 7 p.m., actor and author Michael J. Fox speaks with Harlan Coban about Mr. Fox’s compelling memoir, No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality. (Read The Vineyard Gazette’s interview with Michael J. Fox this week.)
The Martha’s Vineyard Film Center in Vineyard Haven is screening the acclaimed film Nomadland, Feb. 25 & Feb. 28 at 4 p.m. and Feb. 26, Feb. 27, March 3 & March 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Owls live by night and fly silently, but you’ve got a good chance of spotting one or more when Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary holds its monthly Big Moon Owl Prowl Feb. 26 from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration is required.
Heat up the winter with Afro-Brazilian rhythms when Music from the Sole, a tap dance and string bass duo, hosts a virtual community workshop March 6 at 3 p.m.
Hello!
For those of you new to the Oyster community, I’m Alex, and I’ll be your friendly tour guide here at the Oyster’s new home in Island Time. When the Oyster newsletter started a few years back, we called it a “survival guide;” the idea was to connect young adults who may have been wondering what on earth people do here in the off-season, while offering a curated selection of events, classes and opportunities of interest to…well, anyone, really. We weren’t picky.
Since then, it’s become clear that young adults around these parts are doing more than just surviving. They’re opening businesses, running workshops, starting movements and generally getting sh*t done. As the Oyster settles in to a new home here at the Vineyard Gazette, we’ll be focused on championing these inspiring humans, showcasing some of their work, projects and favorite things, as well as continuing to highlight noteworthy happenings and opportunities for growth and connection. (Remember connection? More of that, please.)
Questions? Comments? Ideas for new shows I should watch? (I just finished the first installment of this collection of films and can’t wait to devour the rest.) Find me here or on Instagram @oystermv.
So very happy to be here with you,
Alex Bullen Coutts
This or That?
Saturday, February 27, 11:00am
Free
Salsa Suelta Cubana goes virtual! New to salsa? Try this partner-less Cuban style from the comforts of your living room. In collaboration with Slough Farm, instructor Christina Montoya will lead the class virtually on Zoom.
In-theater or Screen at Home
MV Film Center
Who was Frida Kahlo? Everyone knows her, but who was the woman behind the bright colors, the big brows, and the floral crowns? Take a journey through the life of a true icon, discover her art, and uncover the truth behind her often turbulent life. Watch online at the MV Film Center’s Virtual Film Center.
OYSTER SPOTLIGHT
Alexandra Pratt tackles her new job as executive director of the West Tisbury library. | Zephir Plume keeps things growing at the Community Greenhouse. | Gavin Smith hosts cooking classes online.
Now Hiring!
Seaweed’s, a queer-owned natural wine bar serving locally sourced food in Oak Bluffs, is looking for a chef for the 2021 season. Thoughtful, hard-working and good communication skills are a must — formal training not necessary. BIPOC & LGBTQ candidates encouraged to apply! See full job description here.
South Mountain Company is seeking a Service & Renovation Lead. Welcoming candidates with strong organizational skills and leadership capability. Family-friendly compensation package including health and dental insurance, profit sharing, 401K and the opportunity for ownership. Find out more.
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