Town Column : Edgartown
The Fishing Derby's Kids' Day, held on the Oak Bluffs Steamship pier, was a definite success again this year. The morning featured calm seas and clear blue skies. When I arrived around 6:30 am, Meghan Sawyer was carrying a good-size striped bass over to the Derby desk to be measured. Soon after, I spotted Shay Sullivan walking briskly by in the same direction with a nice-size scup. Also on the dock was Ed Jerome, Derby president, who was in great spirits, as usual. Whether kids caught a fish or not, they were all winners, with each child taking home a kid-designed derby shirt and a prize.
Students at the Edgartown School had the opportunity to show off their beautiful garden to their parents at the school's open house last week. The mid-September harvest included corn for popping, pumpkins, wax beans, and carrots. The beauty of the garden was enhanced by sunflowers, nasturtiums with bright reddish-orange flowers, and colorful tiles that last year's seventh-graders made in Lisa Magnarelli's art class.
We owe a great deal of thanks to Melinda Defeo, member of the Island Grown Initiative, the teachers, as well as parent volunteers who rotated weeks over the summer to keep the garden watered and weed-free. Principal Stevens said that the garden yielded $300 in produce sales at the school's farmers' market this past summer, with earnings used to purchase garden supplies. The school garden has certainly created a sense of pride, and is allowing wonderfully fresh food to be incorporated into the school cafeteria menu.
Island Cub Scouts had their first pack meeting last week. Cub Masters Kevin Oliver and Drew Bradshaw were happy to report that the number of scouts that signed up this year increased substantially over last year. Both men have predicted a wonderful year ahead, full of fun and challenging activities for the boys. Be on the lookout around town for Cub Scouts selling popcorn during the month of October. Tins full of specialty popcorn will be available for purchase, and they make great gifts for the holidays. The Cub Scouts can also fill you in on an exciting program that allows you to buy popcorn for military personnel serving overseas.
I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome back James Hagerty, who just arrived home after his second deployment in Iraq.
On Friday, at 3:30 pm, Edgartown librarian and resident artist Donna Blackburn will teach children how author Eric Carle makes his wonderful book illustrations using tissue and textured paper. On Saturday, at 2 pm, the Edgartown Library is holding a Roald Dahl party. The movie "Revolting Refreshments" will be shown and children's posters will be on display.
Felix Neck is offering kayak trips on weekdays this fall, through October 16. You'll be able to enjoy Sengekontacket Pond at your own pace on a self-guided tour, which includes Quest Clues. The Quest Clues will help you uncover the story of the pond's people, places and wildlife. Your Quest ends after you find the hidden Quest Box.
The FARM Institute is now accepting pre-orders for pasture-raised turkeys and Peking ducks for the holidays. You can contact Chrissy at The FARM office by calling 508-627-7007.
Make every day special.
