Town Column : Edgartown
It's always great when you find out that the lessons you are trying to teach your kids are actually sinking in. Riley and Amelia confirmed for me this weekend that they are, in fact, learning many of the things that I have been trying to teach them over the years. I now know that when I think I am wasting my time trying to impress certain values and ideas upon them that they are actually absorbing them, even though they appear to be completely ignoring me.
I find that life is very clear in the eyes of five and seven year olds. The rules are the rules. Include everyone, be fair, be honest, friends are always friends, that sort of thing. And these are things that we as parents almost universally try to teach our kids but don't always live by ourselves, and there are times when the rules of adulthood somehow become much more grey. And maybe that shouldn't be the case. Maybe the world would be a much better if we all saw it more through the eyes of kindergarteners and second graders.
On Saturday, April 5, the Martha's Vineyard Film Society is presenting "The Price of Sugar," a documentary about one man's efforts to change the living and working conditions of Haitians in the Dominican Republic. Paul Newman narrates and Bill Haney directs. The screening is at 7:30 pm at the Katharine Cornell Theatre in Vineyard Haven. Admission is $10; $8 for film society members. Proceeds from the screening benefit the Martha's Vineyard Fish Farm for Haiti Project and will aid the group in continuing the fish ponds and farming projects, completion of the school, and other self-help projects in Lilavois, Haiti.
The Martha's Vineyard Chamber Music Society will present its spring concert for Islanders at the Old Whaling Church on Saturday night, April 15. The concert, entitled "The Phantom Violin" features works by Schubert, Beethoven and others. To see the complete program their website at mvcms.org and click on "Spring Concert". Artistic director Dee Stevens has returned from Los Angeles to put together another wonderful program. Let's support her with an appreciative audience! The fee is $15 at the door. A reception will follow.
Condolences go out to the extended family and friends of Benjamin Viera following his unexpected passing last week. I didn't know Mr. Viera personally but have heard nothing but kind things about him over the last week. I hope the Viera Family takes comfort in knowing that the Island community is thinking of them during this difficult time.
I haven't heard the ultimate effects of the Lights Out Martha's Vineyard event last week, where people were asked to turn off all lights and unnecessary electrical devices between 8 and 9 pm. We took part in it, and it was really kind of nice. The kids agreed to allow their closet lights and hall light to be turned out. And we turned off all our lights and unplugged computers, etc. Jamie did some work. I read on the couch using a book light, with Chester on my lap to help keep me warm. It was actually very relaxing. And looking around the neighborhood revealed that a number of neighbors also took part in the event. It was an interesting concept, and I look forward to finding out more information about how many people took part in it and what the ultimate results were, according to NStar.
Last week's political debate at the Old Whaling Church, put on by the League of Women Voters, was very successful. I think all of the candidates did a great job, and that the night opened a lot of eyes and raised awareness about the political process in Edgartown. It was very well attended, the community posed excellent questions, and it provided a great forum for the public to learn about the candidates. Thank you to the League of Women Voters for sponsoring the event and to all the candidates and community members who attended. For our political system to work, both locally and nationally, everyone needs to be involved and informed.
That's all for this week, I guess. Slow news week. Be sure to get me your news. Have a great week.
