With deep appreciation the Martha’s Vineyard Family Center acknowledges the generous gift of an installed, energy-efficient HVAC split system from Nelson Mechanical Design for our Fannie Blair building. Brissette Electric kindly donated the electrical work to get it up and running. The result is the transformation of a cold, dank room into a warm, dry comfortable space for learning. Each year, more than 500 Island families with children 0-8 years old participate in family center activities for free, including parent education workshops, support groups, individual parent consultations, parent/child activities and resource and referral. We couldn’t do it without the support of our community partners. Thank you to the crews of Nelson Mechanical Design and Brissette Electric for your expertise, efficiency and good humor.

Martha’s Vineyard is fortunate to have a vibrant business community whose generosity benefits us all. Please remember them when you shop. Buying locally is an investment in our community in more ways than one.

Marney Toole

Oak Bluffs

The writer is program coordinator for the Martha’s Vineyard Family Center, a Community Services program.