Town Column : Edgartown
Edgartown families that wanted to have their elementary school-aged children vaccinated for the H1N1 virus had the opportunity at the Edgartown School this past Thursday. The process went smoothly with about 200 children vaccinated in less than an hour. Nurse Donna Joyce said that the second dose of the vaccine will be administered at the school after the appropriate waiting period and as supplies become available.
I spoke to two moms while the vaccines were being administered, and they both would like to share their stories about the H1N1 virus in an effort to help others. Edgartown school mom and hockey coach Julie Hatt was not planning to vaccinate her three children for the swine flu, that is, until she herself became extremely ill with the virus. Julie said she changed her mind in favor of vaccinating her children because she never wants Kaleb, Kenny, and Kiley to be as sick as she was. Fortunately, Julie is doing much better now.
Tamara King is an ESL (English as a second language) teacher at the Edgartown School. Her eight-year-old son Christian recently contracted the swine flu, and became extremely sick, despite no other health problems. Within 36 hours of showing signs of illness, he was flown to Children's Hospital, where he spent three days being treated for pneumonia. Thankfully, Christian is fine now. When discussing her experience, Tamara spoke about the importance of remaining calm in such a situation. She is thankful for the excellent care given by Dr. Karen Casper and other medical staff at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital.
There are many wonderful events taking place over the holiday weekend. Felix Neck is holding a guided bird walk with author Susan Whiting at 9 am on Friday. She will be signing copies of her book. The annual Fall Festival is also the day after Thanksgiving from 11 am to 3 pm. From 12 noon to 1 pm, Luanne Johnson will talk about otters and their habitat. If you take a walk through the property, you may spot an otter slide.
The 5K race 5K for KJ will take place this Saturday, Nov. 28. Race proceeds will benefit the MVRHS scholarship fund, and will be run in memory of former cross-country runner Kevin Johnson. Registration is from 8:30 to 10:30 am on Saturday at the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School gym. The race begins at 11 am, and will take place at the MVRHS cross-country course.
On Saturday at 3 pm, the Martha's Vineyard Museum celebrates the opening of its new exhibit, "Those Who Serve - Martha's Vineyard and World War II," with an afternoon program featuring Vineyard veterans of World War II. Guest speakers will include Ted Morgan, Betty Honey, Hector Asselin, and Meverell Good. The program will be held in the parish hall of the Federated Church, followed by an unveiling of the exhibit and a reception at the museum.
