Town Column : Edgartown
By Gail Craig
Published: August 14, 2008
As is always the case every four years (or as it is now with the alternating summer/winter schedule, every two years), I become a super couch potato, watching the Olympics, which is one of my favorite pastimes. For the first time that I can remember, however, I didn't watch the opening ceremonies. I also have to admit to being frustrated when I find out the outcome of events before I get to watch them. I feel like I have to walk around for two weeks with my eyes closed, fingers in my ears, and humming so I don't hear any early results.
As mentioned here on other occasions, the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School class of 1988 is having its 20-year class reunion on Sept. 20. Anyone who has not received an invitation may contact Nancy Corwin at 508-428-6830.
Most readers have heard by now that Ursula Prada was flown to Boston last week for a medical emergency. It seems that Ursula suffered a cerebral aneurysm, requiring surgery and extensive medical care. Ursula has been surrounded by friends and family throughout her ordeal and will likely require a lengthy stay off-Island to recover. I am keeping in touch via email with mutual friends and will try to keep you updated each week. Needless to say, Barbara will have her hands full for awhile, so if you would like to relay your care and concern for Ursula and her family, the best bet would probably be to touch base with someone at the Town Hall for the time being or send me an email which I can then forward on to the family.
The Built on Stilts Dance Festival will take place at Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs from August 15 through August 19, and also on August 23 and 24. This year, instead of running for eight consecutive nights, the festival will be broken up into two portions due to Illumination and Fireworks nights. Performances begin at 8 pm and are free to the public, though donations are appreciated. To learn more about Built on Stilts or for more information regarding who are performing this year, visit their website at builtonstilts.org.
Belated congratulations go out to Joanne (Cassidy) and Joel DeRoche, who welcomed daughter, Georgia Marie DeRoche to the family on July 24. Georgia has to be one of the cutest names I have heard in a very long time (an ode to Ray Charles, perhaps?) and the pictures show that she is just as cute as her name. Rumor has it that Joanne and Joel have already experienced sleepless nights and all the other challenges that come with having a newborn in the house and that their little cutie is somewhat reluctant to sleep. Over the next several weeks and months, Joel and Joanne are going to learn firsthand how much a person can actually accomplish while completely sleep deprived. Welcome to the club, guys.
Happy birthday to Felicia Cheney, who celebrated on August 10. I realized tonight as I looked at the calendar that, although I spoke to her today, I didn't note the date so didn't wish her a happy day. Sorry, Felicia. Hope you had a great day.
Herb Ward has donated his award-winning quilt "Island Daylilies" to raise money for the Federated Church Choir trip in 2009. Look for him and his quilt at the Fair, or you can call him at 508-693-7683 for raffle tickets. Tickets are $5 each or five tickets for $20.
On Tuesday, August 19, at 6:30 pm, the Friends of the Edgartown Library will present music on the lawn. Adele Dreyer, noted pianist and Edgartown seasonal resident, is providing an encore performance, and will play ragtime and other popular tunes. The public should bring blankets or lawn chairs. In the event of rain, the program will be moved to the Anchors building at the Council on Aging on Daggett Street.
I think that's it for now. Have a great week.
