Edgartown

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What a turnout we had this year for Christmas in Edgartown. So many familiar faces on both the parade floats and the sidewalks, and a ton of visitors as well. My family and I crowded on Gino Courtney’s stoop in front of Scoops to watch the parade roll by, accompanied by Gino’s bench buddy and my across-the-street neighbor, Joe Cazeault, and Donny Welch fresh up from Florida. I spotted my oldest friend, Andrea Dello Russo, with her children, Summer and Hudson, and their cousin Ruby, wandering along the parade route.

The parade was quite a spectacle compared to years past. From the Rise dancers to Randy and Jill Walpole in their antique aqua Nash Metropolitan, the level of participation was fantastic. The morning rain created some stress for Randy as he considered what exactly he would do with his stockpile of candy, should he have to sit out the parade due to weather. Really, this must be one of the primary concerns of an antique car owner in Edgartown, if you ask me.

Another parade highlight was seeing Vinny Paciello up in a truck bed spot us on the stoop from about a block away: I thought his arm would fall off, his waving was so enthusiastic.

Have you seen Kevin Searle’s Christmas display on Chase Road? I think we may finally have an Edgartonian who rivals the Gatchells of Oak Bluffs in holiday cheer. (Note: the Gatchell’s display is phenomenal this year as well — a must-see.) I have put off mentioning Kevin’s wonderland, as for a while, there seemed to be more decorations popping up each day, and I wanted to wait until I was assured that his magnum opus was complete. He is ready for all to behold the glory of his creation. In exchange, you are welcome to drop canned goods in the Food Pantry box on the porch. And try not to cause any traffic situations.

Victoria Scott and Warner Hess had a joint birthday bash at the Dr. Daniel Fisher House Friday, Dec. 2, attended by both fifth grade classes from the Edgartown School. There was a DJ and lots of dancing at the Winter Wonderland themed party. The girls’ actual 11th birthdays are Dec. 10 for Warner and Dec. 12 for Victoria. Happy belated, ladies!

“As A Witness,” a Christmas pageant for the 21st century, will be performed at the Old Whaling Church on Sunday and Monday, Dec. 18 and 19, beginning at 6 pm. The cast features a wide variety of ages from preteens to retirees and members of at least three different churches. Chappaquiddick resident Luke McCracken plays one of four children who get pulled into the play from the audience. The angels are created by Anna-Liza Villard (who grew up on Chappy, but now lives in Bourne) and Alison Taylor, whose daughter Kathryn Antonsson will appear as the Virgin Mary. The production is written and directed by another Chappy person, E. St. John Villard. Donations will support the cost of repairing the historic “Welcoming Christ” window, which is part of the East face of the Old Stone Church in Vineyard Haven, by the Connick studio in Boston. Sunday Night’s performance will follow the Traveler’s Candlelight service, which begins at 5:30 pm. Monday ‘s performance will follow the regular community supper offered by the United Methodist Church of Martha’s Vineyard in the Baylies room at the Whaling Church at 5 pm. For further information, call Liz Villard at 508-627-8619.

A correction on my reporting last week regarding the awesome accomplishments of Amy Bates: Amy was part of the administrative staff of Fleur de Lis Camp where she actually trained the counselors in training as the CT Director. She herself had been trained prior to that in various leadership roles both at Northeastern and at Fleur de Lis. Sorry I fudged this detail!

Morning Glory Farm will host an open house tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 16 from 5 to 8 pm. Festivities will include a brass band, a fire, Christmas trees, chestnut roasting, and ample holiday cheer. Chef Judy will whip up some of her best winter recipes.

Purchase your dinner and decorations while enjoying the holidays. For further info, call 508-627-9003.

Birthday wishes go out to Lauren Florio, who celebrates Dec. 15 and to Meghan Kill, Dec. 20. For Joe Rossi, who celebrates Wednesday, Dec. 21, we send out the hope that the Pats keep piling up those Ws.