Real Estate Classes

Beginning this month January, Dukes Academy, the Vineyard’s only licensed real estate school, will add to its existing continuing education curriculum in response to the current socioeconomic issues confronting the marketplace. New courses include Foreclosures and Commercial Real Estate Basics, Massachusetts Consumer Protection Law, 93A, Commonly Used Real Estate Forms, Massachusetts Real Estate License Law and Brokerage Relationships.

Slow Food at Détente

Slow Food Martha’s Vineyard is collaborating with Détente Restaurant in Edgartown. Once a month,Détente will host a dinner salon with Island foods and discussions. Each salon will feature a guest speaker to stir discussion, plus five courses with local ingredients.

Sharky’s Helps Sally

Sharky’s Edgartown cantina is hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 9 p.m. to assist Islander Sally Sylvia with her medical expenses. Located at 266 upper Main street, the restaurant is offering food, a cash bar, entertainment and a silent auction. Tickets cost $20 and are available at the door. For details, call 508-627-6565.

A Starving Artists Show — offering Vineyarders reasonably-priced art as well as a raffle for a signed, framed Ray Ellis print — is one of two imminent fundraisers for a fuel fund to help Edgartown seniors with winter fuel costs.

The art show is Jan. 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s sponsored by the Friends of the Edgartown Council on Aging. Raffle tickets will be $5 for one and $20 for five. The winning ticket will be drawn at the close of the show. Tickets can be purchased at the Anchors on Dagget street in Edgartown any time prior to the show.

Hypnosis Classes

Need help with your New Year’s resolutions? There are new group hypnosis classes with Cynthia da Silva, certified hypnotherapist, beginning Jan. 19. A four-session series, the class is designed to help you lose weight and change your eating habits. Classes will be offered in various locations and class size is limited. For details, call 508-524-9022.

The Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank Charitable Fund awarded more than $76,000 in grants to local nonprofit organizations and community groups in the past year. With support for programs in the arts, education, community affairs, health care, youth and senior programs, the fund’s grants benefited 45 organizations that contribute to a better quality of life on the Island.