Next Saturday the Vineyard Haven Library invites preschoolers to a party to mark the first year of the “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program. The library will recognize current readers and welcome new participants, with refreshments and playtime for preschoolers. Parents who enroll a child in the program will receive a gift and may win a door prize.
“1,000 Books” is a program to promote reading at home to newborns, infants, and toddlers, and to encourage parent/child bonding through reading. Families who read aloud to young children strengthen language skills and build vocabulary. These are important for learning to read.
Register any child before kindergarten. There is no charge. Each family records the books, with rewards for every 100 books read. Since last spring, 50 families have signed up, and at least three children have read 1,000 books, including Juniper Begin and Milo Agnew, both 2½ years old.
Saturday, May 21, is National Readathon Day, celebrating the joy of reading. That afternoon from 2 to 4 pm, all books in the monthly mini book sale will be free.
Saturday morning is the Tisbury School’s family Yard Sale to raise money for the fifth grade trip on the Shenandoah. There are also a bake sale and three raffle baskets at the school, from 9 to noon. All funds go to the summer trip that all Island kids look forward to. One basket winner gets a group sail aboard one of the Black Dog ships. More at kristaelliottriley@gmail.com.
The Martha’s Vineyard Conservation Society says 300 of you helped clean up 24 Island beaches. Thanks to all of you. This Saturday morning from 9 to 10, you can walk State Beach with a Felix Neck shorebird biologist to record data, search for birds, and identify tracks in the sand. Meet on the Oak Bluffs side of Big Bridge. All ages, free. More at 508-627-4850.
This Saturday afternoon, enjoy the Musical May Tea from 1 to 3 at the First Baptist Parish Hall. Music by Martha Child, Philip Dietterich, Dorian Lopes, and Mary-Jean Miner. Tea, sandwiches, and cake served throughout the program. Enjoy the musical afternoon, or simply browse the white elephant and bake sale tables, or take part in a hat contest, with prizes. Tea tickets: $10, $5 for children under 12.
Don’t forget Spring Electronics Disposal Day is this Saturday from 9 to 2 pm at Community Services. Recycle your old air conditioners, cell phones, computers, copiers, dehumidifiers, microwaves, monitors, refrigerators, stereos, televisions, washers, dryers, and scrap metal. Costs between $2 and $30 per item, with 10 percent discount for a full car. All proceeds benefit Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. For more info, call 508-693-7900, ext. 267.
Next week the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society annual Spring Concert is on Sunday, May 29, at the Old Whaling Church at 4 pm. Kelli O’Connor (Clarinet), Jan Muller-Szeraws (cello), and Delores Stevens (piano) will perform the music of Beethoven, Brahms, Milhaud, and de Falla. $20 tickets online at ticketsMV.com or at the door, cash or check only; students always free.
Did you know there is now a bylaw in all six towns limiting the usage of fertilizer on lawns? The regulations apply to everyone, homeowners as well as lawn care companies.
Someone reminded me the other day that our Bradford pear trees on Church Street never bloomed this year. I understand that across the commonwealth, many farmers have discovered the bitter frost last February prevented the peach trees from getting blossoms and fruit. Perhaps this is why we have been deprived of our glorious Bradford pear blossoms.
After successfully raising over $8,000 for Island charities last December, our business people are looking to the future. As the new Vineyard Haven Business Association (formerly the Tisbury Business Association), they are planning more such events, as well as encouraging members to be more active in town and Island Affairs. For more, email vineyardhavenba@gmail.com.
Congratulations to Ann and Allan Davey on Tuesday.
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out today to our son Craig Mayhew, who celebrates a half-century today. Wish the best tomorrow to Lillian Hammond, Mary Cressy, and Maura Ziemian. Wish the best on Sunday to Elaine Ciancio. Monday belongs to Olyvia Houston. On Tuesday, send greetings to Ann Nelson, Shawn Townes, Leah Ellis, and Shawn Willoughby, as well as Honey (Victoria) Campos.
Heard on Main Street: Good advice from a local doctor — “When in doubt, let us figure it out.”