Arboretum Awarded

The Polly Hill Arboretum has been awarded a level IV accreditation, placing it among arboreta that have met the highest standards in the field.

The award, announced this week by Polly Hill officials, was made through the Morton Arboretum’s Register of Arboreta and Accreditation Program, ArbNet. The purpose of the register is to identify all of the organizations that collect and display trees, shrubs, and other woody plants for the benefit of the public, science and conservation.

Finally, some real winter!!! Last weekend’s snowstorm made all the children, young and old, very happy. Even Saturday afternoon with wind-driven sleet did not stop many of the most hardy from enjoying the hill at the Tashmoo Overlook. Then, on Sunday, even more were out and about just marveling at the beauty of it all.

A Farmers’ Roundtable will be held Feb. 2, at the Farm Institute in Edgartown.

The 2:30 p.m. event, organized by the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF), the Martha’s Vineyard Youth Leadership Initiative (MVYLI) and the Farm Institute, will bring together farmers from around New England to discuss farming issues.

Busy Farmers

And you thought it was quiet in Katama in winter. Well, not at the Farm Institute.

Winter is for doers on the farm as the winter program gets underway. Little farmers, for ages five to seven, chew their cud with the cows on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Fridays are get fit at the farm with some farm chores involving working with animals, including oxen training. Thought the weight room was sufficient? Tell that to the ox you need to move.

Arts Grants

Calling all Island artists, the Martha’s Vineyard Center for Visual Arts (MVCVA) has declared that supporting and encouraging creative endeavors is the new focus of this arts organization. And they are putting money where their mouth is with grant money available for artists of all mediums..

Applications are being accepted until April 1 and are available on the MVCVC Web site at artmv.org or by contacting Renee Balter at 508-696-7643 or rebalter@yahoo.com.

Robert Taylor (1868-1942) graduated from M.I.T. in 1892 with a professional architecture degree, becoming the first fully accredited black architect in America.

His father, Henry Taylor, a freed slave from Wilmington, North Carolina, had turned his expertise with naval supplies into a thriving business that led to his reputation during the era immediately following the Civil War as “the wealthiest black landowner in the state.” His success enabled him to send all five of his children, girls and boys, to college.

Serves Up at Tennis Center

On Saturday, Jan. 28, the Vineyard Tennis Center is hosting the Falmouth Sports Center for men’s, women’s and mixed doubles matches throughout the day. The teams are set but the public is invited to watch and cheer the home team on.

On February 3 through 5 the center will hold a fundraiser for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. This is their sixteenth year hosting this event that features mixed doubles matches for players of every level, including juniors.

The cost is $60 per player.

Admit it, you're an American Idol fanatic. Well, even if you're not, have never heard of the show perhaps, there is reason for Vineyarders to tune in to the current season.

Last week, at the Pittsburgh auditions for the show, Erika Van Pelt scored a yellow ticket to Hollywood with her rendition of Carol King’s, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.

Poet Laureate

Just one week left for West Tisbury poet laureate nominations. On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the ballot box closes and then the waiting begins. Final appointment is made in April.

Nominations forms are available at the West Tisbury Library. All forms require the nominator’s name and contact information along with the nominee’s name and contact information.

Comedy Night

Tonight Mike McCarthy is one of the headliners for a night of comedy at the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown. Who knew the guidance counselor at the regional high school moonlighted as a funny man, roaming the clubs of New England for a buck a joke payback?

Oh, wait a minute, different Mike McCarthy. Same name, totally different career track.