Edgartown: It’s the season for Sengey

0

Things are beginning to wrap up around here. There is that nip in the air that reminds us September is right around the corner, and with the annual Illumination, Fair, Fireworks trifecta on the docket for this weekend, we watch the curtains close on another busy summer season. Of course, I remind you all each year, the Friday highlight in Edgartown this weekend is ample parking and restaurant space as the Island dukes it out in Oak Bluffs and West Tisbury for prime Fair and Fireworks real estate.

Dave and I will be up in Boston, celebrating our 11-year wedding anniversary with concert tickets and a Red Sox game. Hard to believe it’s been 11 years since we met in the middle of Green Hollow to exchange our vows — it feels like both a millisecond and a lifetime ago. Happy anniversary, Weagle. Here’s to many more!

In K9-Edgartonian news, this week, newcomer Manny Morgan had his first of many Chappy playdates with Cody Bryan. Manny, a beagle/bulldog mix, is quickly becoming a fixture among the Edgartown butt-sniffing set, as Elvis Abbott and neighbor Hannah show him the ropes. He’s a pretty mellow dude, so he’s catching on quick. Welcome to the fold, furry guy.

Tom and Laura O’Grady made their annual Vineyard visit from Connecticut this past week, with children Thomas, Charlie, and Cate in tow. The kids got in some beach fun, while the grownups highlighted the visit with a sunset dinner at Outermost Inn, celebrating Laura’s birthday.

It has been fun hearing people’s stories of presidential sightings and interactions, including protocol introductions from Secret Service personnel and meetings with the big man himself. Among those lucky enough to have had the opportunity was Mikey Rottman, whose kitchen at Farm Neck has had a revolving door of celebrity visits lately. In addition to the Commander in Chief, Mikey has had photo ops with President Clinton as well as Bill Murray this past week. Coincidentally, Mikey celebrated his 35th birthday on August 19. Not a bad birthday week, Chef.

If you haven’t made it to Felix Neck for one of their guided kayak tours, you still have time. Join a Felix Neck naturalist on an exciting kayak adventure on Sengekontacket Pond. Paddle by Sarson’s Island to see nesting shorebirds. Watch American oystercatchers, cormorants, and shorebirds feed and frolic. Explore the salt marsh and search for pond wildlife. All trips focus on the natural history of saltwater communities found on Martha’s Vineyard. Check it out on a Saturday, 9:30 to 11:30 am until September 15 or  Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 to 11:30 am  until August 28. Another option is the self-guided Kayak Quest, in which you can enjoy Sengekontacket Pond at your own pace. The rhyming Quest clues will help you uncover the story of the pond’s people, places, and wildlife. Your Quest ends after you find the hidden Quest box. Kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and Quest materials are all included. Quests are yours for the partaking Monday through Friday until September 26. Call to reserve a boat. For more info, call 508-627-4850.

The Annual Evening of Music on the Lagoon will be held at Jim and Pam Butterick’s house at 359 Barnes Rd., Oak Bluffs on August 31 at 6 pm. Enjoy wine and appetizers at sunset on the Lagoon on the last Sunday of summer, and listen to the fabulous pianist Adele Dreyer play Rhapsody in Blue, to be joined afterwards by musician extraordinaire Peter Boak for duets. Donations of any amount will be accepted for the Federated Church Organ/Music Fund and/or Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard. Please be generous. For questions email antispung@aol.com.

Birthday wishes go out this week to Brion McGroarty, who celebrates August 20; Laura Townes, Katie Fahey, Matt Frederick, and Lynn Ditchfield, August 21; Doug Heil, August 22; and Matt Sanville, August 24. Enjoy!