Spring Forward, Towards the Light: Island Time, March 11

Spring Forward, Towards the Light: Island Time, March 11

March 11, 2021
It may only be mid-March, but signs of spring are everywhere on Martha’s Vineyard. Snowdrops are blooming, the first red-winged blackbirds have returned and seasonal businesses are planning their 2021 re-openings. And as of Sunday, we’ll have an extra hour of daylight at the end of the day. (Remember to turn your clocks ahead on Saturday night.)
 
Plus: Baby lambs. No need to say anything more about that.
 
Hey, don’t miss our newest addition to Island Time, the Oyster, written by Alex Bullen Coutts for young adults, the young at heart and anyone wondering where to meet up with like-minded folks on this idiosyncratic Island. (Find the Oyster a little further down on this page.)
 
The Complete Martha’s Vineyard Calendar is filling up, too. Here are a few picks for the weekend and days ahead on the Island. FYI, Island Time has returned to its weekly schedule, so you’ll hear from us again on March 18.
 
 
The latest exhibition at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, Family Stories, spotlights the work of photographer Hollis Engley, who began his career as a Vineyard Gazette photojournalist. The exhibit opened this week; the museum is open daily except Monday, with timed ticketing available online.
 
And at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 12, Engley will “share the stories behind the stories” in a virtual gallery talk.
 
 
 
Amy Brenneman and Tsilala Brock star in the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse’s return engagement of The Niceties, a play that grippingly tackles the deepest divide in American culture.
 
A live online performance March 15 will then be available for streaming the 16th through the 28th.
 
 
 
 
A Hawaiian vacation, a custom private dinner by Chef Amy and professional fitness services are just some of the auction lots available for online bidding from the night of March 15 until March 21. The event, called Hearts of Gold: Bids for the Kids, is raising funds to benefit the Chilmark School Outing Program.
 
 
 
The jewelry and ceramics studios have reopened at Featherstone Center for the Arts. Sign up for a class in Beginner Wheel-Throwing on Monday, March 15 at 4 p.m. or check the calendar for more Featherstone classes and events.
 
 
 
Just who was St. Patrick, anyway? Find out March 13 when Cape Cod-based Irish scholar Sean Murphy discusses the life and times of the patron saint, including Patrick’s own writings as well as the myths and legends that surround his history. This is a virtual event sponsored by the Chilmark and Vineyard Haven libraries.
Hello!
 
Well here we are! A full year into a global pandemic, and almost half-way through March, which as far as I’m concerned is a terrible, no-good month that seems to last forever. But warmer days have me almost convinced that spring is around the corner (I spied a tiny crocus), and there’s many a distraction to move us towards the light that surely must be somewhere at the end of these many tunnels.
 
Out in the big bad world, from Oprah’s royal interview to the Derek Chauvin trial, it’s hardly been a slow news week. (Do those even exist anymore?)
 
And here on the Island things are also heating up. (By heating up I of course mean restaurants are openingteachers are getting vaccinated and the sun no longer sets at 3:30 p.m!)
 
No matter the weather or the season, the Island community is hard at work creating opportunities for hope, entertainment, education and connection. Read on for a sampling.
 
Or, if you’re not quite ready for prime time and have vowed to get through as many Golden Globe winners as possible before winter’s end, why not start here? I did, and I don’t regret it.
 
March on,
Alex

Taking Part

 
If you haven’t yet seen On Island — the documentary following Island residents who have struggled with substance use disorder or have been touched by addiction in some way — you should. It’s free to watch and an incredible display of the selfless bravery of all who share their story and are working to de-stigmatize addiction.
 
 
 
The MV Housing Bank is back — in coalition form — and hoping to hear from you! Are you a seasoned Island Shuffler? Are you worried about unstable housing now, this summer and beyond? Have you normalized “yurt life” to the point of no return? Do you want to fight for a community that preserves its people AND its land? Check out the Coalition to Create the MV Housing Bank online and get involved today!
 

Now Hiring!

The Island Grown Schools Educator maintains robust gardens at schools and offers standards-based lessons on food, farming, cooking and nutrition in the classroom and garden. Email [email protected] with your resume and cover letter, and see full position details here.

Going On

 
Sure, you’ve been for walks. But have you been for a walk…with an alpaca? Alpaca Walk & Talks are available daily at Island Alpaca. For $30 you, too, can get your hands on your very own soft and furry walking pal. Pre-registration required.
 
 

 Photos: Featured, Ray Ewing; top, Albert O. Fischer; bottom, Tim Johnson

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