Town Column : Edgartown
By Caroline Beetz Fenske
Published: July 30, 2009
Singer and storyteller Mark Alan Lovewell, also known by many of you as a journalist with the Vineyard Gazette, is performing at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown, tonight at 7 pm. His performance is titled Shipwrecks, Pirates, and Mermaids, a theme that is sure to delight children and adults alike. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Martha's Vineyard Museum and the Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust.
Before Mark's performance, the Celebration of the Sea reception begins at 5:30 pm, where nonprofits will share what they are doing to promote local maritime heritage and culture. The Martha's Vineyard Shellfish Group is helping shellfishermen by spawning native juvenile shellfish: bay scallops, oysters, and clams. The Wampanoag Tribe has a bay scallop restoration program. Also exhibiting is a multi-town community group working to improve the water quality of Sengekontacket Pond. Mark said that the reception provides a wonderful opportunity for both summer folks and year-round residents to find out more about these important community-based groups.
Edgartown residents Nancy Thomas Caraboolad and Barrie Landry recently held a luncheon at their home for Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of former President George W. Bush, to honor her for her work for UNICEF. In 2007, Jenna published the book "Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope," based on her experiences interning with UNICEF in Latin America. Jenna's fundraising efforts and proceeds from her book sales have raised almost $500,000 for UNICEF programs in Latin America.
Gail Gardner Craig walked 60 miles in and around Boston last weekend as a participant in the Breast Cancer Three Day Walk. (She is probably still soaking her achy feet.) Gail walked to raise money for breast cancer treatment and honor her mother, Buzzy Gardner, who died of breast cancer five years ago this month.
The Martha's Vineyard Antique Show and Sale at the Edgartown School starts today and runs through August 2, benefiting the Rotary Club of Martha's Vineyard, the Boys and Girls Club, Martha's Vineyard Museum, and the Island Affordable Housing Fund. If you come by on Friday morning you'll also have the opportunity to visit the Edgartown School PTO Farmer's Market, which sells locally grown produce and Island-made crafts.
On Sunday, a Choral Evensong will be held in celebration of the lives of Bishop John Burgess and his wife, Esther, at Trinity Church in Oak Bluffs. Church choirs from St. Andrew's Church, Grace Church, and Trinity Episcopal Church will join their musical talents.
Children here seem to revel in all the magic that the Island has to offer. Just imagine what it must be like for children that miss out on such special times because of serious medical conditions. I was thinking how terrific it would be if community members could join together and contribute for patient care and research at Children's Hospital Boston, an amazing medical facility that helps children from around the world, including from our own community.
