Read On, Grandparents

Grandparents are invited to share their love of reading with their grandchildren on Friday, April 29, after school, beginning at 2:40 p.m. at the Oak Bluffs School.

Felix Colon, age 8, and his father, Tim Colon, finished walking around the Island last Sunday when they rounded East Chop and came into Vineyard Haven harbor. They are pictured at the East Chop Light, about one hour from the completion of their journey.

The six-day trip began last fall and occupied more than 34 hours throughout the off-season. To cover the approximately 50 miles they trekked, the father and son swam, with gear, across three openings — Tashmoo, the Edgartown Great Pond and Tisbury Great Pond.

It’s Saturday night in West Tisbury and the Agricultural Hall is throbbing with good music, food and conversation. It’s one of those Island style potluck bashes concocted from the fact that Todd Follansbee is passing into his sixth decade. So he and Deborah Mayhew decided to celebrate with others turning 60 this year; and then — what the hell — with everyone. And most of us showed up.

Living Local’s Meaty Side

The recent move by the Island Grown Initiative and the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society to form a partnership to consider construction of a facility where Vineyard farmers can have their sheep, cattle and pigs safely, humanely and cleanly converted to cuts of meat for sale and home use is encouraging.

Take a break while you still can: Island residents may stay for nearly-free at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort, where soon the rooms will be packed with vacationers. The one-bedroom suite is free of charge (apart from a $25 housekeeping fee) when Islanders enjoy a meal at the resort’s ocean view Lure Grill.

David Rhoderick, president of the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society, has announced the appointment of Jane Coakley as its new executive director. Ms. Coakley succeeds Rise Terney, who held the position from 2009 to April 2011.

Catherine Coogan is the new director of Martha’s Vineyard Family Planning.

Ms. Coogan, a resident of Vineyard Haven, is a registered nurse with a bachelor of science in nursing from Boston College and a master’s in public health from Boston University. Ms. Coogan has 13 years experience as a medical provider. She has worked as a nurse at the Red Cross, the Boston Medical Center Adolescent Clinic, and Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Since 2006 Ms. Coogan has provided nursing and counseling services to clients at Martha’s Vineyard Family Planning.

Youth Leadership Summit

Vineyarders are invited to nominate a young person (ages 15-20) from the Island to serve as a delegate to the 2011 Youth Leadership Summit for Sustainable Development. The summit will be held from June 18 to 24. An orientation will be held on Wednesday, May 4 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the regional high school library conference room. The Martha’s Vineyard Youth Leadership Initiative is a project of the Stone Soup Leadership Institute; for more information visit soup4worldinstitute.com or mvyli.org.

Middle School Night

The Martha’s Vineyard Youth Task Force invites parents of students in grades six to eight to a free evening of delicious food prepared by the regional high school culinary arts program, and discussion and resources to support you as your children make the transition through middle school and into the high school. The event will be held on May 4 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria.

DRI Checklist Comments

The next meeting seeking public comment on the Martha’s Vineyard Commission’s revision of its development of regional impact (DRI) checklist will be held on Monday, May 2, at 5:30 p.m. at the commission office in the Olde Stone Building in Oak Bluffs. The comment session will address a variety of issues including the natural environment, historic preservation and water quality. The DRI checklist identifies which applications for development permits to towns should be referred for review by the commission.