Town Column : Edgartown
By Gail Craig
Published: October 23, 2008
Fall is most definitely in the air. Sweaters are no longer optional and the days get dark so early now. The kids wake up in the morning and stumble to breakfast saying "I'm cold" just about every day now. Mind you, these are children that want to sleep in short-sleeve jammies and no blankets. I reckon this winter will be the winter they discover the joys of several blankets during the night, as well as flannel pajamas and slippers.
Of course, with fall comes hunting season. Remember to wear bright colors and get a bright collar or leash or even a bandana for your dog. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Statistics from the Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health show that 73 seniors 65 or older fell and injured themselves in Edgartown last year. This year Pat Tyra reports that her husband, Harold, is already an unregistered statistic. He fell at their home last month, probably breaking a bone in his hand. But since he did not go to the hospital for an x-ray, his "number" will not be counted. Makes you wonder how low the statistic might actually be with those who do not report their home accidents.
So let's try to reduce the number of home falls. On Friday, Oct. 31, from 2 to 3:30 at the Anchors, Alice Bonner, PhD, RN, from the Mass. Department of Public Health will conduct a workshop on "Reducing the Risk of Falls and Working Together as a Community to Achieve Success." She will suggest ways you can, or perhaps should, talk with your healthcare providers about your medications, obtaining home safety assessments, identify the pitfalls when your hearing and vision decline and other risk factors that increase your chances of falling (like scatter rugs and extension cords). So even if you are not worried about yourself, think about your mother, older brother, neighbor, or friends. Encourage them to attend, or go yourself, to this free workshop and share the information with them. Call Cathryn at 508-627-4368, ext. 13 to register.
At 4 pm on Sunday, Nov. 2, Peter R. Boak presents an organ recital on the 1895 Hook and Hastings organ at the Federated Church Meetinghouse in Edgartown. Peter is the Minister of Music of the Federated Church, the musical director of the Island Community Chorus, and teaches vocal music in the Tisbury School. The organ is due for restoration, and the admissions donations (of any amount) will directly benefit the Steeple Fund Capital Campaign of the Federated Church, which includes monies for the organ, and funds for the restoration and preservation of the church's three historic buildings: the 1828 Meetinghouse, the Parish House, and the Mayhew Parsonage. Those who come and enjoy this special recital will be able to appreciate not only the music but also the work that has already been completed on the buildings; residing the exteriors of the Meetinghouse and Parish House, re-roofing of the Parish House, painting of the interior of the Meetinghouse, and the redone steeple was completed last year. A wine and cheese reception will follow.
PeaceCraft volunteers are seeking a donated space and more volunteers to host their annual sale of crafts from third-world self-help projects. Organized annually since 1997, this holiday sale of beautiful, handmade gifts helps fund projects in the poorest areas of our world, and the Martha's Vineyard Fish Farm for Haiti Project. For more information, contact Margaret Pénicaud at 508-693-0368.
The high school Minnesingers auction is on November 1 at the Portuguese American Club. The silent auction starts at 5 pm and the live auction, with Trip Barnes as auctioneer, starts at 7 pm. There will be finger foods and a cash bar and tickets are for sale at the door. Proceeds from the event will help cover the group's trip to Austria this year.
Condolences go out to the family of Jerry MacKenty, who died last weekend. How lucky he was to have his family around him, supporting him and taking care of him, so that he was able to remain at home during his illness. Our thoughts go out to Maria and the rest of the family during this time.
Giving credit where it is due, Riley took the new photo being used for the column. He's quite proud, not only that I like the picture and the paper is using it but also that I told him I'd pay him the going rate if it did get used.
That's all for now. Have a great week.
