Town Column : Edgartown
By Gail Craig
Published: May 1, 2008
It's official. Spring is here! The pinkletinks are loud and boisterous and today, while Chester and I were out for a jaunt through the woods, I found mayflowers. I must have looked crazy because I didn't want to pick them, but I did want to smell them. As you may know, they're quite small and grow close to the ground so I did the only logical thing and got down on my hands and knees to smell the petite flowers. Then I stood up, shook my head at my weirdness, and sent a laugh and silent hello to my mom and Howard Andrews, fondly remembering their friendly competition to be the first one to find mayflowers each spring.
I've been lulled into a false sense of summer over the past week, with the beautiful weather and the kids on vacation. I continuously had to remind myself that the kids would be going back to school for two more months and that I shouldn't get too comfortable with the more relaxed pace just yet.
Sixth-graders from the Edgartown School will compete in the Martha's Vineyard Speed of Light Model Solar Car Race, which takes place this Saturday, May 3, at high noon on the basketball court behind West Tisbury Town Hall. Racers need to arrive at 10:15 am to register, test the car, make repairs, and talk with community judges before the speed race begins. Come and encourage fifth/sixth graders from our Island schools to try out their solar engineering skills and cheer them on as they race with the sun.
The 14th Annual Children's Benefit Golf Tournament, benefiting the Martha's Vineyard Boys & Girls Club and Big Brothers/Big Sisters is scheduled for Sunday, June 1 at Farm Neck Golf Club. This is a handicap-adjusted five-player scramble with a shotgun start at 8 am, complete with a continental breakfast, refreshments, a luncheon, commemorative player giveaway, and prizes. Organizers are still seeking sponsors and players. Interested parties may contact Pete Lambos at 508-627-3303. Registration forms are available at the Martha's Vineyard Boys & Girls Club or online at mvbgclub.org.
Tonight at 7:30 Felix Neck is offering up a "Pinkletink Prowl," a walk around the ponds in the area to listen for the male pinkletinks calling for their mates. Bring a flashlight to try to find some of the thumbnail-sized critters. This walk is recommended for adults and families with children over age five. Admission is free for members, $5 for non-members.
It's the season of spring sports, when every parent, particularly those with two or more kids, is running around like chickens with their heads cut off trying to get multiple kids to multiple events, often at the same time. On top of running around with their kids, many parents volunteer to coach teams as well. We are lucky enough to have Kevin Gundersen as Riley's baseball coach. He and his wife, Pia, Caroline Fenske, and Darren and Meaghan Morris are just a few of the great parents who help keep these activities running smoothly, as well as so many others that I can't name. I'm always happy to help out when I'm there, but the idea of signing on for the season just about makes my head explode. But to all those parents and community members who make the commitment at the beginning of the season to be at every practice and every game, thank you so much for your efforts. You may not always get the credit you deserve, but you are appreciated.
Saturday morning, May 3, is the annual Mytoi Spring Planting and Garden Cleanup from 9 am until 12 pm on Chappy. The Trustees provide lunch as a thank-you for spending a spring morning caring for the Island's only public Japanese-style garden. Bring your own work gloves, rakes, and shovels. You're welcome anytime during the morning but they'd love a call at 508-693-7662 if you plan to attend. As a number of our friends have participated in the year's past, I know that it is a popular event and, if the baseball schedule allows, we may just venture over ourselves this year.
The Outerland will host a night of music and fun benefiting Maynard Silva on May 4. The Luckey Strikes, Johnny Hoy & The Bluefish, and others will take the stage to raise money to help their fellow musician's medical expenses and care. The event is for anyone 21 or older; tickets are $20 and will be sold at the door at 7 pm.
As I wandered down Main Street Saturday night to meet Felicia at the ferry, I was amazed at the transformation of the Navigator building. I've been somewhat oblivious to that project until now. I sort of miss the old building and I've had concerns about this project. But they have done a great job, both on Main Street and down in Katama. We pass the Field Club regularly and it really is nice to see something beautiful going up in place of the unused pit. And the ugly rusty chain link fence along Crocker Drive is gone. I know people have had their doubts about these projects but without question this group is doing a nice job. The buildings are gorgeous, the areas are being cleaned up and maintained, and the landscaping is being improved. It's hard to fault anyone making things more attractive in town.
Word has gotten back to me that my brother has taken to planting his window boxes, with the (I'm sure much-needed) help of his girlfriend, Meg. If you know my brother, this is somewhat shocking news. I can only assume that he'll be planting dahlias next.
That's all I've got. Have a great week.
