Award-winning dancer and choreographer Nora Chipaumire enraptured students across the Island last week in The Yard’s artists-in-the-schools program. Ms. Chipaumire, associate artistic director of the acclaimed company Urban Bush Women, teaches a blend of Southern African and modern dance.

By LYNNE IRONS

The attendant at the Phalaborwa gate of Kruger National Park in South Africa greeted us with the words: “Are you going to look for the big five?”

For a moment Flip and I paused, not understanding what he was saying. Then Markus, our driver and guide, spoke up and informed the attendant that we were going to the park to look at birds. If we saw the big five, that would be an additional bonus. The attendant thought we were a bit nuts, but let us pass through.

The other night I had the strangest sensation that I was sleeping with Dracula.

Morning brought not the prince of darkness, but another vampire-like creature. Unlike the original scourge of Transylvania, this small blood-sucking beast took to my leg rather than my neck and was still with me by the light of day.

There are many things Vineyard beaches are known for — nude bathers, unearthed shark teeth, clay cliffs — but sledding? It’s for the dogs! Literally.

Last weekend, while most of the Island slept soundly under a clear sky, a team of five adults and a pack of 14 Siberian Huskies took to South Beach for a dog sledding adventure. Two by two, the dogs ran, their path lit by the bright, full moon overhead.

The West Tisbury Congregational Church choir will perform Frostiana, Seven Country Songs, words by Robert Frost and music by Randall Thompson, in an upcoming afternoon concert also featuring pianist Dr. Lisa Weiss playing Twenty-Four Preludes, Opus 28, by Chopin, and Elite Syncopations and Pine Apple Rag by Scott Joplin.

The concert is set for Sunday, May 4 at 3 p.m. at the church in West Tisbury, with a reception following. The choir will be directed by Linda Berg. The suggested donation is $15, to benefit the choir’s Italy trip.

Natalie Arrives

Desi and Collin Evanson of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Natalie Jane Evanson, born on April 15 at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Hospital. Natalie weighed 9 pounds, 6 ounces at birth.

JUNE MANNING

508-645-2574

(lthslnks@gis.net)

Spring has arrived in Aquinnah with the grass getting greener each day, daffodils in full bloom, forsythia flourishing, and a few herring starting to appear in the run. Tulips are about to blossom. Go Hillary!

The Rev. Roger H. Spinney and his wife Sharon have returned from their more than well-deserved two-week vacation. While away, the Rev. Arlene Bodge and the Rev. David Berube filled in at Community Baptist Church and the congregation thanks them for their assistance as always.

Violet Arrives

Elizabeth Luce and David Johnson of West Tisbury announce the birth of a daughter, Violet Grace Johnson, born on April 19 at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Hospital. Violet weighed 6 pounds, 1 ounce at birth.

JANE N. SLATER

508-645-3378

(slaterjn@comcast.net)

What a wonderful week it has been for a school vacation. Chilmark has been quiet as many families are off Island enjoying spring somewhere else. It has been grand here with quiet times and beautiful bloomings and wonderful sunshine. A surprise from April, which is usually cold and rainy.

Will Holtham is here preparing the Home Port Restaurant for the coming season. He tells us to look for his opening sometime mid-June this year.