Town Column : Edgartown
By Gail Craig
Published: November 26, 2008
Winter seems to be upon us. The temperatures have dropped, and it's already Thanksgiving. It just doesn't seem possible. Life seems to be passing at warp speed. It wasn't long ago that I was noticing the leaves had changed color, and now suddenly they're all on the ground. I suppose the padding on the ground is good for the safety of the hapless hunter who may fall from a tree. And the leaves make a wonderful noise when walking or running through them. But I miss the lush green of summer, not to mention the warm temperatures and hours at the beach.
I have an early deadline this week because of the holiday so I apologize to those of you who were unable to get your information included this week. Unfortunately, I also don't know the outcome of the Martha's Vineyard/Nantucket Football game. As the saying goes, timing is everything.
Happy anniversary to Mark and Kelly Hess, who celebrated last week. And belated happy birthday wishes go out to the Edgartown School's Jayne DeBettencourt and Anne Fligor, who enjoyed birthdays last week.
This Friday brings with it the Fall Festival at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary from 11 am to 3 pm. The annual autumn celebration offers hayrides, guided walks, music, face painting, crafts, food, games, and more. The cost of the event is $6 for non-members; $3 for members; free for children under 3. The rain date is November 29.
Island Ice Skating School's second annual Winter Extravaganza begins at 6:30 pm on Saturday night at the Martha's Vineyard Ice Arena in Oak Bluffs. Donations of new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots will be accepted.
Island Alpaca Company will be open throughout the weekend, where you can enjoy hot cider, learn more about the alpacas and meet the baby. They are also offering various classes each day. For the correct schedule and latest information, call them at 508-693-5554.
The Edgartown School sixth grade completed its recent Adopt a Drain Project, working in conjunction with the Edgartown Wastewater Treatment Facility. Over the past three weeks, the kids have been working on an integrative environmental science curriculum, acquainting students with the water cycle by learning how to recycle water with science labs and field trips. In one of their science labs, the Edgartown wastewater staff helped in the classroom so the students could learn about all the wastewater processes, with bacteria samples and monitoring water pH and dissolved oxygen, making conclusions on water quality.
Last Thursday and Friday the kids, accompanied by their teachers Kathy Smith, Gale Meister, and Arik Goff, Principal John Stevens, and Joe Alosso and some of his staff from the wastewater plant, braved the cold temperatures and ventured into town, installing the new Adopt a Drain medallions. If you're walking through town, take a close look at the new blue medallions as you go. They are quite lovely and will be a reminder to us all to take good care of our limited water resources.
Just a reminder that we need floats for the Christmas in Edgartown Holiday Parade on December 13. Come on out and join the fun. Line-up is at 9:30 am at the Edgartown School, and we kick off at 10...or maybe a bit sooner if we really can't stand the cold any longer. We need music, dancers, bikes, walkers, cars, floats - anything festive and in the holiday spirit.
As this week is Thanksgiving, I thought I'd share a few things that I'm thankful for this year. I am, of course, happy for the good health and happiness of my entire family, and the smiles and love of my kids. But this year, what I am most grateful for are my "girlfriends." Throughout my life, for whatever reason, I always had a lot of male friends, but Buzzy always told me that the day would come when I would want and depend on my girlfriends, that they would always be there for me, to understand me and support me through the bumps that life would inevitably bring my way. For fear of leaving someone's name out, and because of space constraints, I just want to say a very heartfelt thank you to all my girlfriends - and you know who you are - for your support, love, generosity, and kindness always, but particularly over the last few months. You've made a bumpy time more bearable.
That's all I've got. Feel free to send me some things you're grateful for this Thanksgiving season or just send along some tales of your Thanksgiving celebrations this week. If you think someone might be alone over Thanksgiving, invite him or her to join you for Thanksgiving dinner. You never know whose life you might change with the offer.
Have a great week. Enjoy the holiday.
