Town Column : Edgartown
By Caroline Beetz Fenske
Published: February 5, 2009
Gail Craig informed us last week that she was leaving the Edgartown column to focus on her teaching and graduate studies. I will miss reading her column, full of unique perspective, good humor, and careful reporting of events and times in the lives of Edgartown citizens.
Gail and I have had a lot of shared experiences; her son, Riley, and my son, Charlie, are great friends, and her daughter, Amelia, and my Lukas were born on the same day. As I write the column for the first time, I can't help but think of Gail, and the nice things she has written through the years about me, my husband Reiner, and our kids. I am sure I speak for many of the town's people in saying, thank you, Gail, for brightening our lives with your column.
Besides being a wife and mother, I am a freelance writer and economist, and so I may sprinkle a few thoughts about the local economy into the column from time to time. I know the economic recession has been tough on people on Martha's Vineyard, but keep in mind that business cycle swings are normal and expected (this one is just more severe than most because of weak government regulations and enforcement).
But I have been reflecting on the positives this week. Have any of you, like me, been searching through your closets for items you need instead of impulsively buying new things? The way I have been approaching life lately reminds me of the way my grandparents lived; taking advantage of sale items and using coupons, turning down the thermostat in favor of a blanket or sweater, and making more home-cooked meals. I believe it is a new day, with more wholesome approaches that consider our environment, living within our means, and saving for the future.
In keeping in touch with the past, the Martha's Vineyard Museum is offering a program to learn more about the life of Vineyarders in years gone by; "Treasures from the Attic," will be held this Saturday morning. Also, mark your calendar for the third annual Mid-Winter Silent and Live Auction at the Harbor View Hotel on February 12. The eighth-grade students at the Edgartown School are aiming to raise money for their spring trip to Washington, D.C. What a wonderful and historic time it is for the children to visit our nation's capital. If you can donate an item or service for the auction, please contact the school.
I talked with Felicia Cheney, Edgartown Library Director, and she said with Valentine's Day approaching, the children might enjoy, "Making a Valentine for Your Sweetheart," at the library this Saturday afternoon. The library is also sponsoring its fourth gathering of the Edgartown 101 Series next Wednesday night. School committee chairman Susan Mercier and school principal John Stevens will talk about how the school committee functions. John Stevens told me that he will also be happy to answer any questions about the school, including concerns about the budget, curriculum, and extra-curricular activities.
People at the Federated Church and Sharky's Cantina that I spoke with have been talking about how they feel relaxed this time of year, with the holidays behind them and summer still at a far reach. The month of February on Martha's Vineyard is a great time for reflection, catching up on some long overdue projects, or giving time to your favorite hobby.
Groundhog Day brings with it the reminder that spring may be just around the corner. First graders in Ms. Joanne Saunder's class at Edgartown school celebrated Groundhog Day as part of their study of animals and animal habitats. The news was greatly anticipated by her students: Since the sun was shining, and that cute furry creature popped its head out of the ground and saw its shadow, it means we are in for six more weeks of winter. The children are thrilled to have the snow keep coming.
Please call or send me your news and upcoming events. Make every day special.
