Town Column : Edgartown
Somewhat unexpectedly, I had one of the best experiences of my life this week: I took my first biplane ride with my son, Charlie. I had a clear view of Nantucket, and saw some of my favorite spots on Chappy, before flying over my house in Edgartown. It was like nothing else, being in the front of the plane and having the wind at my face (Doug Chaffee, the pilot, was seated in the rear seat). If you would like to take a ride, you can call Classic Aviators or stop by the Katama Airfield. Keep in mind that between August 21 and August 30 the planes will not be running due to flight restrictions associated with the Obama family visit.
Eighty some residents gathered at the Chappaquiddick Community Center last Saturday morning to discuss a "shared-use path" on Chappy. I spoke to Bob Colvin, a doctor at Mass General Hospital and part-time summer resident, who is a member of the Chappy Path Committee. Bob commented, "I think the path is feasible and the vast majority of the meeting's attendees were in favor of it, including the majority of mothers and grandmothers, who expressed concern for the safety of the children." Bob said the committee is looking into alternatives to black top, such as a sand and stone dust surface, similar to the bike path at Minute Man National Park in Concord. The committee plans to discuss next steps with town officials.
Children and adults enjoyed seeing real moon rocks at the Edgartown Library over a three-day period last week. Deborah MacInnus, children's librarian, was responsible for transporting the moon rock collection - in a steel NASA briefcase, if you can imagine - to the State Police barracks in Oak Bluffs each night for safekeeping.
On August 7, at dusk, the M.V. Film Society will show the film "Babe" outdoors on a big screen at The FARM Institute. If you come by early, you can explore The FARM Institute's five-acre corn maze (open daily from 10 am to 7 pm).
"Zeb-Schooner Life," the documentary produced by Detrick Lawrence Productions of Edgartown about the famed sea captain Zebulon Northrup Tilton, will have its only Island screening of the summer at the Katharine Cornell Theatre on August 12. The film is based on the book "Zeb, Celebrated Schooner Captain of Martha's Vineyard," by Polly Burroughs of Edgartown. Through historic footage and photographs, the film explores the history of schooners, the Tilton family history, the Island, and maritime lore. The film features more than 30 interviews with maritime historians and Island residents, many of whom knew Tilton or was related to.
As mentioned in last week's column, I have initiated a community collection for patient care and research at Children's Hospital Boston, a place that has successfully helped so many sick children, including ones from our own community. Following the Agricultural Fair, donations and a letter on behalf of the community contributors will be forwarded to the hospital. (If you can help, checks can be made out to Children's Hospital Trust and mailed it to: Children's Hospital Fundraiser, C/O Caroline Fenske P.O. Box 3359 Edgartown.)
Two wonderful Edgartown boys had birthdays in July: Riley Craig and Jack Murray both turned nine, and had happy celebrations with their buddies.
Make every day special.
