Town Column : Edgartown
By Gail Craig
Published: September 18, 2008
And they're off! Nothing marks the fall season for Martha's Vineyard like the M.V. Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. It kicked off in full gear this past weekend and as I tuned in to the derby website, many familiar names were already on the leader board. Good luck and safe fishing to all the competitors, and condolences to all of the derby widows and widowers who won't be seeing their significant others for the next month. Be sure to share your fish tales with me for the column.
I'd like to just take a brief moment to whine and commiserate with all the other parents out there. Why does every single extra-curricular activity have to begin in the same week? So much money goes out in the first full week of school when signing kids up for things. Then of course, they all continue on the same quarterly cycle. It's painful, even when only making partial payments. And all the programs seem to conflict with each other in terms of scheduling. We seem to need multiple personalities, all of which need a driver's license and a bottomless wallet. But as I said, I'm just whining. Or perhaps venting is a nicer term. All parents suffer the same fate.
There will be a memorial service for Jonathan Sawyer this Sunday, September 21, at 11 am at the Westside Cemetery in Edgartown. All those who knew him are invited to attend.
Condolences go out to Jan Pogue and family upon the unexpected passing of John Walter following complications from surgery. I have had the pleasure of meeting both Jan and John on several occasions as they published Delish, the cookbook my in-laws wrote last year. John was a delightful man and he will be greatly missed.
Alzheimer's Services of Cape Cod and the Islands announces the annual walk to raise support and funds for Alzheimer's will take place at noon on Sunday October 5. This year the walk will be along State Beach, from Little Bridge to Big Bridge and back, less than two and half miles. An added feature is a kayak component: paddlers are welcome to circumnavigate the walk route. For further information, contact Tom Dresser (tomdresser@aol.com), 508-693-1050 or Christy Stusse of Alzheimer's Services at 508 775-5656. For further walk information, visit alzcapecod.org/walk.
Amy Brown celebrated her 80th birthday on Wednesday, September 10. According to her son Bob, the occasion has been a three-month-long saga of family celebrations, with triple bypass surgery thrown in to keep things exciting. According to Bob, she is now tearing up the rehab center with her exploits on the treadmills.
The next Harmful Household Materials Collection is from 9 am to12 noon at the Edgartown Transfer Station. Use boxes and not black trash bags to transport. A maximum capacity of 15 gallons of oil base paint is allowed. Cash or check. Call 508-627-4501 to review your inventory.
The Class of 1988 is holding their 20 year reunion this year. My cousin Nancy Corwin is heading to the Island for the fun, so I expect to hear some tales of the evening. I hope they have a fun and safe night. Be sure to share any funny stories here.
Word has it that Ursula Prada is progressing nicely. It's going to be a slow uphill battle for her but considering what she has been through, she is doing an amazing job in her recovery. This is where that strong, stubborn personality of hers will serve her well. Keep up the good work, Ursula. Your friends and family are behind you and look forward to your full recovery and return to the Island.
The busy schedules and poor weather have prevented any real beach time over the last week, but I'm still hoping to get some quality swims in before it gets too cold. Amelia has already complained that we didn't go to the beach enough this summer. Mind you, that was due to the fact that it was torture trying to get her and Riley to agree to go to the beach in the first place. But now I get to hear the complaints because I didn't "force" her to go. My heartfelt apologies go out to my parents. It is truly a thankless job, in which you just can't win, a lesson you just don't learn until you have kids.
Have a great week. Be sure to get me your news.
