Paul Carrick wrote and illustrated Watch Out for Wolfgang. And it’s a keeper.

To have illustrated and written his first children’s book is obviously very exciting for Mr. Carrick. “There’s something magical about seeing it neatly bound together in a complete package,” he said. “It was a special experience to be involved in all aspects of its design: I got to pick the book’s dimensions, the typefaces — everything.”

Lights Out Martha’s Vineyard? “I saw something on TV about it,” drawled the NStar service representative. When he learned it was scheduled for 8:30 p.m., he scoffed, “You can’t do it on Saturday night. Everyone’s home watching TV.”

That’s the point.

I went to New Orleans because my daughter Jill has a house in the city and teaches third grade at Langston Hughes Charter School. Her students had spent the previous two years in Houston, exiled by the ravages of Hurricane Katrina. Now Jill is doing her part to bring the city back from that devastating storm. It was a good time to visit with her.

The stage is set: Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School drama students will perform tomorrow in the semifinals of the statewide drama guild competition with an original play written by drama teacher Kate Murray and students Kirkland Beck and Kenny Stone. Islanders are invited to attend the contest performance of the play, called Letters, in Fall River, to see a production that already has earned the cast and crew awards.

Sheila Bracy, Executive Director of Women Empowered, stumbled on a unique idea for her March 8 fundraiser. “Zephrus is offering a wonderful opportunity for Women Empowered to celebrate International Women’s Day with its supporters and to raise money for our program.” Dinner this Sunday is open to the public, and 20 per cent of the proceeds go to Women Empowered.