Town Column : Edgartown
By Caroline Beetz Fenske
Published: December 10, 2009
A lot of discussion has taken place this past week about the Edgartown selectmen's concerns associated with the Island Plan. I worked on the Island Plan as a volunteer when time allowed over the last three years, mostly providing advice on economic matters. I speak from personal experience when saying that I believe Mark London, the other staff members at the Martha's Vineyard Commission, and the steering committee did an exemplary job seeking public input, providing forums for discussions, and keeping the public informed of development throughout the entire period that the Island Plan was being formulated.
Once the Island Plan is adopted, I think there will be plenty of opportunity to discuss ways to implement recommendations as deemed appropriate, at the town level and Island-wide.
Due to the economic climate and other circumstances beyond their control, the Red Stocking Fund is low on toys this year and could use your help by donating new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls in need this year. Typical items requested are dolls, doll carriages, portable CD players, skateboards, makeup, baseball gloves, games, puzzles, action figures, Lego's, soccer balls, and arts and craft supplies. The Red Stocking Fund also accepts "gently used" bikes, free of rust or broken parts. You can drop items off at Grace Church on December 14 through 16, or contact Gail Gardner at ggardnermv@yahoo.com, and she will arrange to have the items picked up.
The Annual Red Stocking Bazaar takes place in the Edgartown School cafeteria this morning. This event is exclusively for the students, giving them the opportunity to shop for gifts for their families at a low price. Children treasure this day, coming away with a sense of pride from being able to give nice holiday gifts to their parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles.
Mark J. Hoover, a Boston attorney and former Martha's Vineyard Regional High School graduate, will present "Be a Parent, Not a Pal" tonight from 7 to 8:30 pm at the Hebrew Center. His talk is sponsored by the Youth Task Force to help inform the Vineyard community about the risk of teenage drinking, not only the risks to the health and wellbeing of the children, but the legal risks to the family. Paddy Moore explains, "The new Social Host Liability law has not been much understood, or enforced, but the potential consequences are serious, and we believe that families - both teenagers and their parents - should understand."
There are an impressive number of events taking place this weekend as part of the Christmas in Edgartown weekend. Breakfast with Santa, sponsored by the Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, is being held on Sunday from 8 to 10:30 am at The Wharf Restaurant. Pancakes, eggs, sausage, and home fries will be served, and the children can have their picture taken with Santa. Proceeds from this event benefit the Jim Lambert Memorial Scholarship Fund, providing financial assistance for Vineyard students enrolled in post-secondary programs.
The Plum Hill School's Elves' Faire, an event my family has enjoyed for many years, will be held on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm at the Federated Church Parish House. The Faire will offer various craft-making projects for children, including gingerbread houses, candle decorating, and snow globes. The day's activities also include a puppet show and a silent auction, with a wide variety of generously donated unique items and services. Food items and baked goods will also be for sale.
And don't forget that the Christmas parade that travels along Main Street starts at 10 am on Saturday.
It is also a festive and holy time for our Jewish community, with the eight-day Hanukah holiday starting Friday at sundown.
Make every day sparkle.
