Edgartown

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It’s been a busy couple of weekends, back and forth to Boston and New York. Does everyone get that urge to travel all over the place before summer kicks in and the rates to get out of here skyrocket? We took advantage of a flight deal from the Vineyard to Westchester, New York this weekend to visit my sister, and as much as I don’t exactly love those small planes (understatement), that view of the Island from above makes me smile.

I was surprised to find myself surrounded by Edgartonians on the front porch of the Lookout in Oak Bluffs last week. With Albert and Cathy Lattanzi to the left of us and Cory Mello and friends to the right of us, we joked about remembering our passports when crossing the town line and leaving a trail of bread crumbs to find our way back to Edgartown. Joining us at dinner were Michael Barnes and wife, Alecia. Michael’s store Aboveground Records has been an Edgartown fixture for 15 years now. There is bound to be some sort of celebration commemorating this anniversary, but in the meantime, if you see Michael, tell him to keep up the good work.

The Second Hand Store has become quite the hub of social activity downtown. With Abigail Leighton and Kevin Searle running the show and volunteers such as Cheryl Welch and Barbara Morgan keeping things spiffy, it sounds like they are having a lot of fun. Go in and say hello.

Kevin Ward celebrated his birthday May 4 with the completion of another charter season as captain of the Keldi. Kevin is now with his family in Florida until they are ready to make their annual move back up here where they belong. We’ll see Lizzy and the kids, Zac and Brooke, back in town soon enough.

Happy birthday to Jim Gibson who celebrates his day tomorrow. Jim is back on the Island working at Vineyard Golf Club, and generally being a man about town. Good to have you back, Jim.

I had a call from William Marks regarding the Water Weekend that took place the first weekend in May. William was thrilled with the turnout for “Water is Life,” a panel celebrating the launch of National Geographic publication Written in Water, in which William is a featured author. The event took place at the Whaling Church, which was filled to capacity. Great to see such a turnout for a cause so dear to our hearts as Islanders.

Debby Thomas wrote to announce the birth of Isabella Ingrid Florio to daughter Lauren Thomas Florio and her husband Tan. Isabella had an unexpected early arrival on April 17. She was born eight weeks early, but is doing great and progressing quickly in the NICU at Beth Israel. Mom, Dad, and Baby are all doing well and are expected home in early June.

The annual Alzheimer’s Miles of Memories Walk steps off on Sunday, May 16 at noon. The route will follow the bike path from the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School to Dodger’s Hole and back, just under two and a half miles. The walk is in support of Alzheimer’s Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, a non-profit organization dedicated to offer supportive services to families and professionals of people who suffer from Alzheimer’s or related dementia. For further information about participation or info on how to donate, contact Tom Dresser at 508-693-1050.

The Martha’s Vineyard Hospital is hosting two community forums to discuss grants available for community health projects. The meeting times are Tuesday, May 18, at the Howes House in West Tisbury, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm and Thursday May 20, at the Vineyard Haven Library from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. A broad-based citizens planning committee has been working over the last five months to review community data and identify our most pressing health needs. Share your reactions to recommendations on the table as well as any ideas and suggestions on priorities. For more information, contact Dedie Wieler at 508-693-0410, extension 203.

Congratulations to my niece Ellie Dolby for catching her first fish. Ellie caught two trout at Duarte’s Pond at the annual Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club Kids Trout Derby. Ellie’s fish were not big enough to win an award, but to her they seemed like trophies and she showed them off proudly. She has suggested to my brother, Chris, that they keep the fish in a box in her room. We’ll see how that goes. Until next week….