Less than 10 years ago, a high school photography class involved loading cameras, fussing with myriad settings and working with chemicals in the darkroom. Today photography has been democratized by technology, and most students already carry a camera around with them all day, whether it’s on their cellphone or iPod. And without having to be concerned with the cost of film, taking pictures has never been easier, cheaper or more accessible.

For a weekday in late March on Island, it was a book launch of exceptional glamour: 46 avid fans showed up. The author lectured, read and fielded questions in a turret room flanked by a small amphitheater of seats. Even paparazzi were on hand, if you count the duo from the Gazette. The reception to the reading was rousing. The questions were intelligent and penetrating. The event ended with a round of applause and a platter of cupcakes.

Zambian Open House

Coming Around Again

This weekend, winter fades further into the distance as one more harbinger of the summer ahead starts spinning again. The Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs will crank up the calliope and stock the hopper with brass rings. Easter Sunday is opening day for the Island landmark’s 135th year of operation. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

The Pathways Projects Institutes is offering several classes and performances in the coming weeks. Pathways, in seasonal residence at the Chilmark Tavern off State Road, is a gathering space for artists of all mediums and disciplines.

Thursday, April 6, this month’s Neighborhood Convention will meet at the Unitarian Universalist Society in Vineyard Haven at 10:45 a.m. The Rev. Polly Leland-Mayer will conduct the worship service, followed by talk, Harbormaster Tales, presented by Jay Wilbur, Harbormaster of Tisbury. Bring a bag lunch; dessert and beverages are provided. For details, call 508-696-8589.

Nightmares and Dreams: Immigrant Voices is a short play written and performed by a group of Vineyard women, ranging in age from 15 to 50, from Latin American countries about their experience immigrating to America in general and Martha’s Vineyard in particular. This original work will be performed free for the public in the regional high school library next Friday, April 9, at 6:30 p.m., as the closing program of the spring session of Adult and Community Education of Martha’s Vineyard.

Spring at Sassafras

Polly Hill Arboretum hosts an apple grafting workshop next Saturday, April 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. John Bunker of Fedco Trees, known in some circles as an “apple whisperer” for his natural gift for working with apple trees, will lead the workshop. A valuable tool for the propagation of plant cultivars, grafting is a technique of joining two plants to continue their growth as one on a single plant. Grafting is particularly useful in the preservation of heirloom apple varieties.

Well Done, Abigail

The Martha’s Vineyard Boys’ and Girls’ Club this week named Abigail Leighton manager of Edgartown’s Second Hand Store.