Town Column : Edgartown
By Gail Craig
Published: December 24, 2008
I'm sitting here next to the Christmas tree still amazed that it's already Christmas. To be fair, I must share that I actually think that we have a lot more ornaments and lights as opposed to tree. Charlie Brown would be proud. It's quite cute, really, and with the snow this week, we are all quite festive for the holidays.
Happy birthday to Kelly Hess. December is a big month for her, as she celebrates her birthday, Hanukah, and Christmas. I don't know that it was actually related to these events, but on Sunday she and Owen enjoyed (a term I use loosely here) the Patriots game in Foxboro. The pictures of the day looked brutal with all the snow falling, but I'm sure they had a great time regardless, die-hard fans that they are.
Happy birthday wishes also go out to my favorite triplets, Molly, Paige, and Spencer Pogue, who turn seven this week.
Last week, the Edgartown School held their annual winter concerts. I was unable to stay for the older students' concert, due to a sick child of my own, but the lower grades performed wonderfully to a very pleased and adoring crowd. While everyone did a great job, I wanted to make a particular note of third grader Samantha Cassidy, daughter of Deb Grant and Mike Cassidy. Wow. As many you know, Samantha has been battling illness for more than a year at this point, with a little longer to go with the treatment. She has struggled through some pretty difficult times and I was so impressed to see her step up to the microphone for a brief solo during the concert. And the voice that came out of this exhausted child was amazing. It was strong and clear and, simply put, perfect. Congratulations, Samantha. Keep on singing. You have quite a talent.
We finished up with the Red Stocking Fund work last Friday, helping out about 345 kids in need this year. It's always a week of such mixed emotions that by the end of it we are all completely wiped out, physically and emotionally. We are saddened that there are so many kids who need help. If you think about the number, it is comparable to the enrollment in one of the down-Island elementary schools. This Island community is truly very generous. So many do so much and we appreciate all the help.
I would like to note my particular appreciation to Beebee Horowitz of the Toy Box in Vineyard Haven. Year after year, Beebee steps up to the plate, generally on the last day of organizing everything, doing her very best to fill in for things that are still needed. She never asks questions or complains. On the contrary, she is always excited to help. So thank you to Beebee for all her help through the years, to Grace Church for letting us pretty much take over everything for a week, and to all the volunteers, donors, and supporters of the Red Stocking Fund and the work we do.
Happy holidays to all. Be sure to get me your news. I have another early deadline next week due to the holiday. Enjoy this time with your family and friends and share your stories here.
