Town Column : Edgartown
By Caroline Beetz Fenske
Published: February 12, 2009
It is week two for me writing the Edgartown column. Thank you to all of you, especially Gail Craig, who gave me kind words of support as I took on this new endeavor.
I went to Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary this week to cross-country ski. While I have been there on numerous occasions, this was the most beautiful I have ever seen it. The sun shined in such a way to create the effect of silver glitter glistening in the snow. Sengekontacket Pond was iced over, with its waves appearing frozen in mid-motion. I stopped in the office, and picked up an animal track guide. I was lucky to spot a river otter track and the otter's slide near the bridge that leads to the duck pond. Suzan Bellincampi, Executive Director at Felix Neck, told me they just initiated a new horseshoe crab monitoring program; she also asked me to announce a Senior Stroll planned for March 3.
Island students in grades 10 through 12 participated in the high school's science fair on Saturday. There were many great exhibits, including those detailing experiments on bridge designs, mold growth on bread, fruit acids to produce electricity, insulation materials for clothing, and, among the most popular, wind power designs. It was a pleasure to talk to so many friendly and intelligent students, eager to share their accomplishments.
The third grade class at the Edgartown school is skating at the Martha's Vineyard Arena today, upholding a Valentine's Day holiday tradition. Parents have been invited to join in on the festivities, and I look forward to being there with my son, Charlie, and his classmates. I often take my kids to the rink on the weekends. If they see their friends, I am on my own (unless they are ready for hot chocolate). I see so many families benefiting from public skating, and I think it's wonderful how skating combines physical fitness and a social activity for children and adults. I am dazzled by the abilities of so many young hockey players that come to free skate, including my neighbor's children - the Vukota boys.
Anne Marie Donahue, co-chairperson of the Edgartown school PTO, asked me to announce that the school is sponsoring a Valentine's Day Family Dance on Friday night. On Saturday morning, the Edgartown library is holding a Formal Children's Tea for the young ones. Remember the days when you were a child and exchanged valentines? Today's cards tend to be more elaborate; I have seen candies attached to valentines, valentines that come with toys, and even those entitling the owner to a free ice cream at Dairy Queen.
I heard a report on CNN recently about how love is "in" now more than ever during the economic recession. According to the report, people are spending less time going out, more time interacting with loved ones, and creating their own fun at home. There is merit in these approaches that we should carry on into the future. At the same time, I think we would all like to know when the economic situation is going to improve. What is apparent is that the government's economic stimulus program, and eventually measures to restructure the financial system, will help to prevent the economic situation from getting worse. The timing for an economic recovery here on Martha's Vineyard should be better understood in the coming months.
I spoke to Susan Desmarais from the Edgartown Senior Center about the highly successful knitting group that she founded five years ago. Since its inception, the number of knitters has increased from just a few per month to nearly 20 per week. The knitting group meets on Tuesdays from 5 to 7 pm, and it is open to all Island residents, regardless of age. Many of the garments, including baby hats, blankets, and scarves are donated to local and international charities. Donations of new yarn or nearly new yarn are always appreciated.
Funeral services for Don Gregory were held over the weekend; I will miss his presence on Martha's Vineyard. He built my family's house, made me laugh, and showed compassion and a zest for life.
Please call or send me your news and upcoming events. Make every day special.
