Town Column : Edgartown
There is something special about being a second-grader at the Edgartown School. Students get to play soccer, kickball, and other games outside with second-grade teacher Chip Story during recess. Chip plays organized games with the children from the three second grade classes and other young students that have overlapping recess time just about every day. Chip says the exercise is great for the kids, and he enjoys the opportunity to get a workout too.
My son Lukas often comes home from school and tells me how much fun he has playing games with Mr. Story. I am thankful to Chip for helping to keep my son active at school between his gym classes. I know other parents feel the same way. Chip celebrated his 40th birthday on November 8. He and his students ate brownies in his classroom last Friday to celebrate.
The Dinner Theater for "The Wizard of Oz" play at the Edgartown School last Saturday night was a delight for people of all ages. A number of greeters at the door were dressed in Wizard of Oz costumes, including the school's computer specialist Darren Belisle, who dressed as Dorothy. And if you were not there to hear Darren sing during dinner, then you really missed out. Teachers Cindy Smith and Jennifer Fournier were among the gracious volunteers that served a delicious dinner.
"The Wizard of Oz" play, directed by Beth Carr and Donna Swift, was extremely well done with a talented group of performers, including Gabriella Hoxie as Dorothy, Anne Fligor as Auntie Em, and on down to each and every munchkin. Music, lights, and sound were also handled beautifully.
An old tradition of morning coffee at the Edgartown Library has been revived. You can bring your own coffee mug, or they can provide you with a cup, and enjoy some quiet time reading from the library's collections. It sounds so inviting - I hope to make it there myself sometime soon.
Edgartown School's fourth-grade class is presenting its Theater Project at the Vineyard Playhouse on Saturday, Nov. 14, with performances at 2 and 7 pm. "Cave Critters Unite" will be performed by Bridget Mello's class and "Derby Drama" will be performed by Ms. Herr's class.
Vineyard Playhouse theater instructors have worked with the students to give them hands-on theatre experience as part of their language arts curriculum. Some of the students will act in the performance, others are in charge of making costumes and props, and still others control lights and sound. MJ Bruder Munafo and Georgia Morris initiated the 11-week introduction to live theater for fourth-graders in 1994. The project is supported by the Martha's Vineyard Cultural Council, the Sharp-Curtis Foundation, and a number of local businesses.
A potluck supper for returned Peace Corps volunteer and staff will take place this Saturday night. Chris Murphy and Jim Newman asked that I spread the word. For details, please call Chris at 508-693-6610.
The FARM Institute is selling organic turkeys from Family Farms Organic as a fundraiser this holiday season. You can order online through The FARM's website: farminstitute.org
Paul Coughlin retired from the post office after 34 years on the job at the end of October. Paul was always very kind, and had a knack for remembering all of our post office box numbers. Best wishes in your retirement, Paul.
Make every day special.
