Town Column : Edgartown
By Caroline Beetz Fenske
Published: February 19, 2009
I have heard people on Martha's Vineyard say that living here is like being on a college campus. I can see why. Some days I am amazed by the number of familiar faces I see at the Stop & Shop, the post office, and other frequented spots around town. While I may not know all of the peoples' names, the longer I live here, the more people I come to recognize. The time I really notice this is when I take an extended trip off-Island. It is always a comforting feeling upon my return to see so many familiar faces and friends.
I had coffee with Dr. Connie Breese last week. She told me she had been talking with fellow Island veterinarians, and they were concerned about the closing of the MSPCA. Dr. Breese spoke fondly of how the cats and dogs have been cared for at the animal shelter. She explained that the closing leaves a void for the care of homeless animals and cremation services; Dr. Breeze hopes that these services will be quickly taken up by another entity.
Bonnie Deitz, Edgartown School math teacher, has just been awarded the Silver Beaver Award by the Boy Scout's Cape Cod and Island's Council for her outstanding commitment to scouting and community. I can attest personally to Bonnie's dedication to Cub Scouts. Last summer, my sons and I went to the Cub Scouts' family camp at Camp Greenough in Yarmouthport under her supervision. It was a memorable weekend, sleeping under the stars, swimming in the clearest water imaginable, and sharing stories around the campfire with Bonnie and her lovely children.
Jack Murray, Riley Craig, and other Cub Scouts from Edgartown participated in the Pinewood Derby earlier in the month. The scouts were each given a five-ounce block of wood, nails for axles, and four wheels to design their own cars. The boys had a great time on race day comparing car speeds on an inclined track. To learn more about scouting opportunities, please call Amy Zhan at 508-362-4322.
Over winter break, Charlie Morano is taking his kids to Tortuga; I hope they have a wonderful trip. For those not flying south, the Edgartown library is holding a Mardi Gras party for children this Saturday afternoon. There will be crafts, samba, and limbo dancing, and refreshments. The library is also sponsoring the last of the Edgartown 101 series on Wednesday night. It is sure to be a lively discussion with panelists from the Land Bank, Conservation Commission, and the Board of Health.
Political season is here. I had a nice chat with town clerk Wanda Williams who told me that there are 12 positions on the ballet for the annual town election. As of February 11, one person has filed nomination papers to replace an open slot on the Financial Advisory Committee; the rest of the incumbents are seeking another term. It is nice to hear that so many dedicated people holding positions in town government plan to run again. The deadline for submitting nomination papers is February 24.
Ann Hoyle, Enrichment Coordinator at the Edgartown School, spoke proudly about 10 sixth graders that used their lunch periods to "invent." Utilizing LEGO technology, the students built and programmed robots, which they entered in a school-sponsored robotics competition last week.
It is black history month, and children in Cindy Smith's third-grade class at the Edgartown School read biographies and reported on famous African Americans. President's Day was also celebrated, and some of the classes used the opportunity to write letters to President Obama. It couldn't be a better time to show support for our President.
I have received positive feedback from many of you about my column. (I hope you are not just being polite.) Drew Kelly suggested I include more about the social scene in town. I think that is a great idea, but I'll need your help. If you have news about a social gathering, an exotic vacation, or if you are celebrating a special birthday or anniversary, please call or email me and I'll include it in the column.
Make every day special.
