Town Column : Edgartown
I hope that President Obama and his family are having a wonderful vacation, with lots of opportunities for relaxation, family time, and magical moments that summer days on the Island can bring. While some folks in town are disturbed by the inconveniences and fanfare associated with the presidential vacation, the majority of people I have spoken to are delighted to have the first family vacationing here. Island businesses are enjoying what will likely be a late summer bump in retail spending.
Money seems to slip out of your fingers at a rapid rate at the Agricultural Fair. There are a couple ways you can save next year: If you plan on attending multiple days, you can join the Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society, which has the benefit of free passes to the fair. Also, Friday night is "wristband night," giving riders unlimited use of all rides between 6 pm and 10 pm. On Friday night, there were many Edgartown residents enjoying the fair, including the Gundersens, Pizzanos, Searles, Drew Kelly and his boys, and Joanne and Sarah Taylor.
You may also find that many of the best things at the fair are free: Visiting the animals (this year a calf was born on Saturday afternoon), watching the shows and demonstrations, listening to the music, and viewing the art work, flowers, and vegetable entries.
Nine-year old Julia Crocker won second prize in junior photography for a picture of her twin brother, Jack, looking up toward the sky eating a hotdog, with the caption "thank heavens for hotdogs." My son, Charlie, won first place for his pottery, and my other son, Lukas, won a blue ribbon for his black-seeded Simpson lettuce.
I would like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of Elton Barbosa who died of the swine flu recently at the young age of 26. His wife works at "the Brazilian store" across from Stop and Shop Pharmacy in Edgartown. Donations are being accepted at the store to help his family during this difficult time.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health Commissioner John Auerbach announced recently that anyone with a fever and a cough, sore throat, or runny nose should call a doctor right away to discuss treatment. To help control the spread of the flu, he emphasized the importance of washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based sanitizer, covering your mouth with a tissue or your elbow when coughing, and remaining at home for the duration of your illness. If you do go to the Martha's Vineyard Hospital's emergency room because of any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you'll be asked to wear a mask.
Pia Gundersen reported she had a great time at the pancake breakfast hosted by the Edgartown Fire Department last Sunday. The kids watched a Jaws of Life demonstration, walked through a marine rescue bus, and met Sparky the fire dog.
Joseph Serpa celebrated his eighth birthday this past Sunday, with a Swiss Family Robinson birthday theme. Thanks to the ingenuity of Joseph and his parents, Lauren and Tony, the children were able to ride on a zip line, swing on a tire that reached the tree tops, and work their way through an obstacle course, parts of which included water sprays.
Thank you for remembering to email me your news. Please note that the deadline for submissions for the September 10 edition of the Edgartown Column will be earlier than usual, on Thursday, September 3.
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