Cold Water Challenge a highlight of the week

0

I somehow survived the long weekend. Something like 16 barbecues later, here I am back at my desk, craving green vegetables after multiple burgers, steak tips, and ribs. Definitely not complaining, but it is absolutely time for a salad or three.

I logged about five miles walking around Edgartown on Saturday in the beautiful weather, the smell of lilacs in the air. My walk took me through the old side of the cemetery, where I wandered among the headstones of residents passed, paying close attention to the flags of those who served. It felt like an appropriate way to commemorate Memorial Day in my own quiet way, and meditate on those we’ve lost.

Members of the Martha’s Vineyard Public Safety community posed a challenge this past weekend: jump in the frigid water or make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project. Once “nominated,” the nominee must make and document his or her plunge and pay forward the nomination to a few other colleagues. So far, I have watched the Cold Water Challenge videos of James Dropick, Kara Shemeth, Kate Conde, Paulo DeOliveira, Jake Sylvia, Mike Gazaille, Will Bishop, Zach Townes, and Michael Klimek. It is great to know our rescue men and women can rise to this challenge. I have yet to hear of anyone who has declined, to the detriment of the chosen charity, so in honor of our brave, shivering rescue personnel, I’m going to make a donation to Wounded Warriors Project — feel free to join me if you feel so inclined, woundedwarriorproject.org.

I had an email from Ed and Maryanne Jerome about an upcoming fundraiser in son Joseph’s name being held June 14 at the Chappy Golf Course to benefit Island families with chronically ill children. As the Jeromes have learned first-hand, the cost for Island families to get their chronically ill children back and forth to the Boston hospitals, on the SSA, stay overnight, park their car, pay for gas and food, etc. can be overwhelming, especially for those who make many trips there in a year. For the Jeromes, there were years in which they spent nearly 100 days in hospitals. So, the Jeromes have created this fund to help those Island families facing this heavy financial burden. They have already been able to help several families this year and plan to help many more.

The golf tournament will take place at the Royal and Ancient Chappaquiddick Golf Links, est. 1886, followed by a silent Auction, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres at Brad Woodger’s camp house atop the beautiful cliffs of Chappaquiddick overlooking Edgartown Harbor. For further information, contact Doug DeBettencourt 508-560-1286, Susan Mercier 508-939-0063, or Ed Jerome 508-627-8510.

Vineyard Montessori will host two fundraising events on May 31. First, Flyin’ MV, a day of aviation fun for the whole family, will take place 11 am to 2 pm at Katama Airfield. Next, parents can put the kids to bed, swap out sneakers for dancing shoes, and hit the Field Club for “Fly Me to the Moon,” an evening of dancing, cocktails, small plates, and auction items, which will take place from 7 to 11 pm. For further info or ticket purchasing, either call up one of your Montessori parent friends, or call 508-693-4090.

Paint Corner Art Bar continues their lineup of fun events with a painting party at Among the Flowers Café, Thursday, May 29, from 6 to 9 pm. Art Bar leaders will guide you step by step in creating your own masterpiece, while eating, drinking, and mingling with friends. No experience required. Visit paintcornerartbar.com for info and to sign up.

The Relay For Life, an event to raise money for the American Cancer Society (ACS), will take place this weekend starting Saturday, May 31, at 9 am, and continuing until Sunday, June 1, at 9 am at the MVRHS track. There is still room for teams, volunteers, and survivors who wish to participate. Visit RelayForLife.org/MarthasVineyardMA for more information on getting a group together and signing up.

Birthday wishes go out this week to John “Duzza” McCarron, who celebrates May 31; to Hilary Grannis and Mary Johnson, June 2; to Taylor Pierce, June 3; and to Neil Flynn and Kate Conde, June 4. Hope you have a good one!