Author talk: “Historic Storms of Martha's Vineyard” with Tom Dresser

The Vineyard Haven Library is pleased to welcome local historian Tom Dresser for a presentation on his latest book, “Historic Storms of Martha's Vineyard,” which chronicles the major storms of the past four centuries on Martha’s Vineyard, including the Great Colonial Hurricane of 1635, Hurricane Bob, and the No Name Storm of 1991, among others. 

This event will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, May 26th at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, located at 51 Spring Street in Vineyard Haven (above Tisbury Town Hall). Free and open to the public. No registration required.

“Historic Storms of Martha’s Vineyard” is a compilation of the fiercest weather challenges of the past four centuries on Martha’s Vineyard, beginning with the Great Colonial Hurricane of 1635, the granddaddy of our major storms. Dresser also takes note of “the year without a summer,” the devastating Portland gale, and Hurricane Edna, concluding  with Hurricane Bob and the No Name Storm of 1991, a pair of obtusely named windstorms that shook us up but were not in the category of the 1635 tempest. 

Tom Dresser came to Martha’s Vineyard in 1995 to visit the woman who would eventually become his wife, Joyce Dresser. Since then he has written dozens of books, booklets, and articles about the history of Martha’s Vineyard. Tom has also worked as a teacher, a school bus driver, a tour bus operator, a walking tour leader, and a speaker on various aspects of island history.

For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.

Virtual Tick Talk: Permethrin-treated clothing with Insect Shield

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome Jason Griffin of Insect Shield for a virtual presentation to share information about the use of permethrin-treated clothing for the prevention of tick bites and tickborne diseases. The program is hosted in collaboration with the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program. This virtual program will be held via Zoom at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, May 13th. Click here to register.

The Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program has long recommended permethrin-treated clothing as its number one tick-bite prevention method. Yet many still have questions about this tool. Join Jason Griffin, president of Insect Shield, and the MV Tick Program for a virtual Q&A about the innovation and technology behind permethrin-treated clothing, its long-established safety record for human use, and the benefits of long-term permethrin-treatment in preventing tick bites. Insect Shield achieved the first-ever EPA Registration for long-term permethrin treatment of clothing, providing treated clothing to 30+ outdoor suppliers, and supporting human health worldwide.

Jason Griffin joined Insect Shield in October 2002 as the vice president of strategic marketing. He helped manage the military and brand partner business for several years. He subsequently started and led the direct channel as the president of Insect Shield International, LLC. Prior to joining Insect Shield, Griffin served in several management positions at Dobson Cellular Systems, Inc. including acquisitions manager, market manager, and finally national sales director. Griffin holds a Bachelor of Science in engineering science/management of technology from Vanderbilt University and is a graduate of Woodberry Forest School. He has served on the finance committee at Canterbury School which his two children attended.

The Martha’s Vineyard Tick-borne Illness Reduction Initiative (aka the Tick Program) is dedicated to reducing the number of ticks and tick-borne illnesses on Martha’s Vineyard through education, advocacy, and cooperation with other organizations and individuals. First founded in 2011 by Dick Johnson, current Tick Program staff include tick & deer biologist Patrick Roden-Reynolds and epidemiologist Lea Hamner. 

For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.

 

What's New at MVH, #2: The Surgeon’s Secret–It's Not Just About the Cut

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome a team of clinicians from Martha’s Vineyard Hospital to share information about some of the newest surgical procedures and diagnostic services available on the island, including what patients can expect from modern knee and hip replacement surgery, the latest techniques in foot and ankle care, new developments in general surgery, and the expanded imaging capabilities now available on the island. This event will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, May 12th at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, located at 51 Spring Street in Vineyard Haven (above Tisbury Town Hall). Elevator available. Free and open to the public. No registration required.

Dr. Sophia Solomon, a board-certified podiatrist who specializes in advanced foot and ankle care, will share insights into the latest techniques she uses with patients of all ages. Dr. Peter Hedberg, a general surgeon with both Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and Mass General, will talk about new developments in general surgery and the expanded imaging capabilities now available on the island. Anthony Piland, PAC, will walk us through what patients can expect from modern knee and hip replacement surgery, along with other orthopedic services offered at the hospital.

Sophia Solomon, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist and skilled foot and ankle surgeon with a focus on sports injuries, deformities of the foot and ankle, wound care and pediatric footcare. Dr. Solomon specializes in arthroscopy of the ankle, lateral ankle stabilization, Achilles tendon repair, minimally invasive bunion and hammer-toe surgery, plantar-plate repair and fracture reduction/fixation.

Dr. Peter Hedberg, MD brings a wealth of medical expertise to his roles as Chief of Surgery at Martha's Vineyard Hospital and as a surgical instructor at Harvard Medical School and MGH. Alongside his civilian practice, he proudly serves as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. Passionate about health optimization, longevity, and how new technologies like AI are shaping the future of medicine, he enjoys sharing his insights with the community. When he isn't practicing medicine or teaching, he can often be found swimming, fly fishing, or enjoying the outdoors around his home right here in Vineyard Haven.

Anthony Piland, PA C, MBA is a lead orthopedic physician assistant at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital with more than 25 years of clinical experience. Since joining MVH in 2008, he has delivered comprehensive orthopedic and surgical care across inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings, including first assisting in joint replacement procedures. Anthony holds a Master of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies and an MBA in Healthcare Management from Quinnipiac University. His diverse professional background includes orthopedic surgery and emergency medicine. In addition to his clinical practice, Anthony has played an active role in system improvement initiatives.  He serves on the hospital Medical Executive Committee and is the co-chair of the Advanced Practice Provider Council at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.  He also served as a credentialed Epic trainer and was recognized with the Partners in Excellence Award for his contributions to Epic implementation. A U.S. Air Force veteran (Gulf War Era), Anthony is dedicated to advancing high-quality, patient-centered orthopedic care for the Martha’s Vineyard community.

For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.

Tick Talk Thursdays: Weekly Community Q&A with the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program

With tick season upon us, the Vineyard Haven Public Library and the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program are pleased to announce the launch of weekly, virtual office hours, where members of the community can ask questions, share experiences, and learn more about ticks, tick-borne diseases, and Alpha-gal syndrome. This community Q&A will be held via Zoom from 12:00-1:00 pm on Thursdays, beginning April 30th. 

Tick science can be complicated—but getting answers shouldn’t be. “Tick Talk Thursdays” offer a space for the community to ask questions, share experiences, and learn more about ticks, tick-borne diseases, and Alpha-gal syndrome.

These sessions are informal, conversational, and grounded in local experience and public health science. If we don’t have an answer on the spot, we’ll help find it. Members of the community can drop in anytime—whether they have one question or many.*

*Note that individual medical advice will not be provided. Please consult your medical provider if you have questions about your own health.

The Martha’s Vineyard Tick-borne Illness Reduction Initiative (aka the Tick Program) is dedicated to reducing the number of ticks and tick-borne illnesses on Martha’s Vineyard through education, advocacy, and cooperation with other organizations and individuals. First founded in 2011 by Dick Johnson, current Tick Program staff include tick & deer biologist Patrick Roden-Reynolds and epidemiologist Lea Hamner. 

This event will be held via Zoom. Interested patrons may register on the library’s event calendar at www.vhlibrary.org to receive the Zoom link. For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.

Special Events for April Break: Live Animal Show, Interactive Princess Bride Movie!

Join us for two special events for kids and families during April school break!

The Wild World of Animals Live Animal Show, 3:30 pm Wednesday April 22nd at the Tisbury School gymnasium

Amazing Animal Ambassadors will bring the natural wonders of our planet right to you in this free, live animal show. We’ll learn about creatures from Africa, South America, Australia, Europe, Asia, and even right here in the United States. During the show, audience members will have the opportunity to handle several animals that you may never have thought possible, and save time for great photo opportunities! There is a lot to learn about wildlife and our planet. No registration required for this free event sponsored by the MV Library Association.

Interactive Movie: PRINCESS BRIDE

11 am Sunday April 26th at the MV Film Center (Ticketed event)

Unfortunately the film SHREK has been cancelled due to a license issue — but not the free family event on March 26th. Join us for an interactive screening of one of Rob Reiner's most beloved films, The Princess Bride. Based on the novel by William Goldman, Buttercup is a beautiful princess who--after being separated by her true love Westley--is captured by and forced to marry a conspiring prince. As the wedding day approaches her true love, a vengeful Spaniard and a kind giant come to her rescue. Filmgoers will get a bag of props and a script of things to do during the movie. Sponsored by the Friends of Vineyard Haven Library & the MV Film Society. 

Free tickets available through the Film Center Website while supplies last,  limit 4 per family. If you already had tickets to Shrek they will be transfered to the new film.

In Collaboration with the MV Film Center, we present a fun, free event great for all ages! Film goers will get a bag of props and a script of things to do during the movie. Shrek sparked a motion picture phenomenon and captured the world’s imagination with…the Greatest Fairy Tale Never Told! Shrek (Mike Myers) goes on a quest to rescue the feisty Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) with the help of his loveable Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and win back the deed to his swamp from scheming Lord Farquaad.

Spring Library Hours Update

 ** Library Hours Update **

This Sunday March 22nd will be the last Sunday the library is open for the Season -- the library will be closed on Sundays until the fall.

 
Starting in April, the library will also be CLOSED ON MONDAYS, to facilitate planning and preparation for the reopening of the renovated building at 200 Main Street. Monday hours will resume when the Main Street library reopens. 

We regret any inconvenience to our library patrons, but hope this approach will minimize the need to fully close the library for an extended period prior to reopening.

Wutahkeemôwun: Best Practices for Working With Indigenous Content, Citizens and Communities

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome Wôpanâak educator Brad Lopes for a workshop on best practices for approaching Indigenous content, working with Native communities, and building relationships with sovereign Tribal Nations. The workshop is designed for educators, but non-educators are also welcome to attend. Free and open to the public. No registration required. 

This program will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, April 14th at the Tisbury EMS Facility, located at 215 Spring Street in Vineyard Haven. Attendees may park in the rear of the building and enter through the back entrance.

For many Native students and staff, school can be challenging. With roots in settler colonialism, schools today often fail to reflect the traditional pedagogies and methodologies Native people have employed for thousands of years. Join Aquinnah Wôpanâak educator Brad Lopes as he introduces an array of best practices for approaching Indigenous content, working with Native communities, and building relationships with sovereign Tribal Nations. Participants will learn about and discuss multiple pedagogies and methodologies grounded in Indigenous practices and traditions. Exploring epistemologies thousands of years old, this workshop aims to prepare participants to best support Wampanoag and other Native students, staff, and community members.

Brad Lopes is an Aquinnah Wampanoag citizen and life-long educator currently working within the traditional homelands of his people, the Wampanoag Nation. He currently serves as the Education Manager for the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribal Education Department (TED) and as the Education and Public Programs Manager for the Aquinnah Cultural Center, an Aquinnah Wampanoag museum located on Nôepe (Martha's Vineyard). Prior to this, Brad went to the University of Maine Farmington, located in Wabanaki Homelands, and graduated with a degree in Secondary Education before spending five years teaching Social Studies to students in 7 - 12 grade. In his time in education, Brad has sought to decolonize the pedagogies, content, and ways of understanding education, including the ways in which public education can reinforce stereotypes and harmful understandings of Indigenous people.

For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.