Spotlight on: Debbi

Debbi is a native of Winchester, MA. She and her husband Stanley have been connected to Martha’s Vineyard since the early 1990’s. At that time, they owned land on Nantucket, but were re-directed to consider opportunities on the Vineyard. Debbi and Stanley have now lived on the island full-time for the past decade and enjoy involvement in a variety of island-based organizations. Stanley serves as president of the island’s Big Brother, Big Sister organization, as well as treasurer for the Menemsha Water Company and Vineyard Preservation Trust while Debbi is a board member for the Chilmark Pre-School in addition to VIP.

During a five-year stint living in Washington, DC, Stanley worked with Special Olympics, which led to ongoing family support of that organization and its mission. In recent years, Debbi and Stanley have regularly attended the Special Olympics Winter Games; VIP-ers will remember their slideshow presentation of the most recent Games in Dubai.

Debbi’s career focused on special education in several schools in Massachusetts, along with a stint in Virginia. Eventually she became principal of Chandler Elementary School in Duxbury, MA, a position from which she retired in 2009. Debbi and Stanley’s son Ben is a friend of VIP, having given memorable DJ contributions to our last several community dances. Ben has resided in Edgartown for the last several years and is employed as assistant manager at the Boneyard. Daughter Linzy recently welcomed a daughter (Debbi and Stanley’s first grandchild) and resides elsewhere in Massachusetts.

Debbi joined VIP’s board five years ago through a connection with Mary Beth and Allison at Chilmark Chocolates, from where she also volunteered. Presently she serves as clerk of the board and participates in group activities when her schedule allows. Debbi enjoys supporting the VIP community through its range of activities and events.