Town Column : Edgartown
By Gail Craig
Published: June 12, 2008
Welcome to summer. Today was definitely one for the memory books. What an unbelievably perfect day. We enjoyed several hours at the beach, the usual crew - the Hesses and the Hammonds - assuming the usual spot at the usual beach. Then the kids and I finally planted the garden, something we've been doing, somewhat halfheartedly, for several years now. But I can honestly say that the kids were genuinely helpful this time around and are very anxious to maintain the garden throughout the summer, though Riley did voice the hope that he won't have to work in the garden every day.
One of Amelia's favorite yearly events is to hit the nursery and purchase plants for the gardens and pots. She loves flowers. Her joy as she runs around the nursery excitedly choosing flowers is palpable. However, I was very specific at the beach today, and stressed that we were going for vegetables today, not flowers. Needless to say, we came home with a car full of flowers. Alas, it's hard to say no to a girl full of joy.
The First Congregational Church of West Tisbury is holding the 20th annual Strawberry Festival on June 21 from 1 to 4 pm. They have ordered 550 pounds of strawberries to accommodate the overflow crowd expected at this popular Island event. Families, friends, and visitors await this special day to celebrate the beginning of the summer season with delicious treats. Church members volunteer in shifts all day beginning at 9 am, when the fresh berries are prepared, and continue their work into late afternoon. It is always hoped that sufficient berries, shortcakes, ice cream, and whipped cream have been ordered but sometimes the demand exceeds the supply. It is best to go early and not miss out. All proceeds benefit the ongoing preservation of the historic church. For more information, please call 508-693-2842.
Happy birthday wishes go out to Julia and Jackson Crocker, who turn eight years old on June 15 and to Owen Hess, who also celebrates his birthday on the same day. Their grammy Joyce and great aunt Janet will be visiting next weekend to help celebrate.
Happy anniversary wishes go out to Meaghan and Darren Morris, who celebrated on June 7 and to Pia and Kevin Gundersen, who celebrated, if rumors are true, by helping Kevin's father, Roy, launch a boat on June 9.
Don't forget to call Kelly at 508-560-0525 or email tennis555@gmail.com if you want to sign up for the adult tennis camp at the Edgartown Tennis Courts behind the Boys and Girls Club on June 20 and 21. Local tennis instructors will be on hand to offer players of all abilities their tips for improvement. The cost is $99 for both days and the instruction will run from 9 am to 12 noon each day.
Don't forget the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, taking place at the high school track. The event kicks off at 3 pm tomorrow and continues overnight, closing at 12 pm on Saturday. Even if you aren't walking or partaking in the event directly, it is always worth a visit to the track, particularly on Friday night to see all of the luminarias honoring those who have battled cancer, successfully or unsuccessfully, around the center of the track. It's breathtaking, heart-wrenching, and frightening all at the same time.
I am completely in awe of the fact that Colin Day, son of Felicia Cheney and Bob Fynbo and Charlie and Dana Day, has graduated from high school. I think Colin was about five when I first met him and now he'll head off to the University of Chicago in the fall. Where did the time go? Congratulations to Colin and all the other members of the Class of 2008.
I'd like to offer thanks to the lovely and generous women of the Garden Club, who donated trees, shrubs, tools, and labor, with the help of Janna O'Shaughnessy and AnneMarie Donahue, to the Edgartown School to spruce up one last section of land outside the gym. We also owe thanks to Paul Brewer, T.M. Araujo, and Hilary Grannis, all of whom were spontaneously recruited in different capacities, when various complications set in. The new plantings look great.
That's all for now. Be sure to get me your news and events. Have a great week.
