Town Column : Edgartown
By Caroline Beetz Fenske
Published: July 2, 2009
Summer is finally in full swing. I hope that many of you are reading the paper from one of the Island's beautiful beaches. Sand and wind can make reading on the beach a bit challenging, but isn't it great when there is nothing else to occupy your time but to sit in the warm sand, swim, eat (as the beach has a way of boosting the appetite), and pick up something to read when the moment seems right?
My son, Charlie, turns 10 years old on July 2. He is very excited about his big day and reaching double digits. Because he had a birthday party last weekend, he will spend his real birthday visiting some of his favorite spots on the Island, including the Dock Street Coffee Shop in town (Charlie swears by the French toast). In celebration, my son will also be taking his first biplane ride at Katama Airfield.
I was doing a little research about the airfield and thought I would share some of what I learned. The Katama Airfield was established in 1924, after the land was purchased from the Vincent family, who used it as pastureland. It is the largest grass airport in the United States, with three runways, the longest one running parallel to Herring Creek Road and measuring 4,000 feet. Located on a coastal plain, it is also the home of over 25 rare or endangered species of plants and animals, including the short-eared owl and the regal fritillary butterfly. A number of summer residents use the airfield to arrive at their seasonal homes. Pilots and passengers also fly in for the day, and taxi up and spend the day on the beach, before returning home before nightfall. The town of Edgartown and the Nature Conservancy controls the airfield jointly.
This month, the Edgartown Library has many exciting events planned for children relating to the moon and outer space. There will be a Celebration of the Full Moon on July 7, and on July 14 children can learn about the aurora, and make a model one to take home. On July 28, children will have the unique opportunity to see real moon rocks from NASA, thanks to the diligent effort made by Children's Librarian, Debra MacInnus.
ArtFarm Enterprises is presenting the play "Kim and Delia," written by Brian Ditchfield and directed by Matt Gabor. Performances will be held in front of the horse barn at The FARM Institute July 1 to July 12 at 5 pm (except for July 4 and 6 when the July 2 show will be at 10 am). The play, intended for children ages six and older, is about a young girl's imaginary adventures to save a family farm. Rob Goldfarb, development director at The FARM Institute, is thrilled to host this community event, and told me he is really enjoying watching the rehearsals. Twenty percent of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to The FARM Institute's scholarship fund.
For the third year in a row, the Federated Church is holding chowder dinners (with a salad, drink, and a chocolate chip cookie too) on Tuesdays in July and the first two Mondays in August from 6 to 7:15 pm. Proceeds benefit the Island food pantry.
This past week, I had the pleasure to finally meet Kathie Case while shopping at Donaroma's Nursery. I am really enjoying reading her Edgartown column in the Vineyard Gazette.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to my sister, Ann Lisitano, her husband, Rick, and my nephews, Joe, Mark, and John from Guilford, Conn. They have been visiting me and my family for many years now, and have come to like it so much, they decided to rent a house in town for two weeks this year.
Remember, the Fourth of July parade in Edgartown starts at 5 pm, and the fireworks over the harbor begin at dark (rain date is July 5).
I am taking next week off, so the next town column will appear in the July 16 issue.
Make every day special.
