Silent Stigma
We do not talk much about mental illness. Considering how widespread such disorders are — whether depression or dementia, bipolar or anxiety disorders, schizophrenia or some of the two hundred other possible diagnoses assigned to tens of millions of Americans each year — it is remarkable how singularly ill-prepared we are to cope with finding out someone we love is suffering from a mental illness. Family, where we take everything to heart, becomes a place of seemingly inexpressible heartbreak.
Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m 64?
Those iconic words have rattled around in the back of my head for more than four decades. It never crossed my mind I would someday reach that milestone. Sixty-four! Why that borders on the upper end of middle age, for goodness sake. But here I am, ready to face the music, so to speak.
Up-Island School Values
The cost of operating the Chilmark School is on the table for discussion again — this time in West Tisbury, which will carry the heaviest burden this year for the up-Island Regional School District budget.
The added cost burden can be tracked to increased enrollment of West Tisbury students in the Chilmark School. The two schools serve the three up-Island towns of Aquinnah, Chilmark and West Tisbury, which are all members of the regional school district.
Welcome Banjamin
Amanda Dickson and Matthew Parker of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Benjamin Arthur Parker, born on Jan. 31, 2011, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Benjamin weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces at birth.
JUNE D. MANNING
508-645-2574
(lthslnks@gis.net)
The Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living would like to thank one and all for another successful cultural luncheon at the Grill on Main on Jan. 29. Thank you to Chef Tony Saccoccia and his staff for hosting us and a most delicious luncheon. Keynote speakers included Carrie Tankard, Elaine Weintraub and Tom Dresser, who spoke on the contributions and influence of the African American community on Martha’s Vineyard.
JANE N. SLATER
508-645-3378
(slaterjn@comcast.net)
Chilmark has seen the last of January. Actually she treated us better than many other places in New England. As I write midweek, the ground is clear and very little snow remains. The rains were hard for awhile this week and more welcome than snow. What’s next is anybody’s guess.
