The lilacs are in bloom and looking quite beautiful. I haven’t had a chance to stick my nose in a bloom yet, but there is no better spring smell than that of fresh lilacs. Nancy Whipple tells me the blooms are about two weeks ahead of schedule. I thought they seemed a bit early, because I always associate them with Memorial Day, but there you have it.
The annual Memorial Day March to the Sea takes place tomorrow, when the children of the Edgartown School march down to Memorial Wharf with lilacs in hand to honor those who served. Kindergarten teacher Denise Searle was telling me that this year the children will be reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in sign language, and she was proud to announce that her daughter, Emma, will be leading the charge.
Rainbow Place Preschool will be holding a yard sale Saturday, May 29, from 9 to 2 pm at the high school, rain or shine. Thirty families have contributed to the loot, so there should be something there for everyone. Contact Judy Murray with questions 508-627-0868.
Congratulations to Brooke Zywien on her first brand-new car, purchased this past weekend. I’m sure we’ll all see Brooke making good use of her new wheels this summer as she finishes up another year of teaching at West Tisbury School, just in time to shuttle between various jobs and bride-to-be related errands. Now she can do so in style.
I’ve noticed a ton of new stores popping up downtown, luckily none of which appear to be tee-shirt shops. I have been watching the Courtney boys hard at work renovating the shop spaces on lower Main Street and am excited to see the end results. I definitely plan to poke around this week and will report my findings.
Speaking of downtown, my deputy reporters down at the Second Hand Store are holding a Customer Appreciation event Saturday, May 29, from 4 to 6 pm. They will provide light appetizers and refreshments. For more info, call 508-627-5683.
A Legacy of Learning Essay Contest, sponsored by the Edgartown Library Foundation, in cooperation with the Edgartown School and the Edgartown Public Library, is open to all Edgartown students in grades 1 through 8. This year’s topic is “The Edgartown Public Library & Me: What’s My Story?” The deadline for entry is June 11, and winners will be honored at A Legacy of Learning Summer Brunch on July 11 at The Field Club. Prizes will be awarded to winning essays from grade levels 1-3, 4-6, and 7-8, with the grand prize of a netbook computer. For more information, contact the Edgartown Library, at 508-627-4221.
The Edgartown Lighthouse opens for the season May 28. The lighthouse will be open weekends from 11 am to 6 pm until June 19, when daily tours commence. Additionally, the lighthouse will be open Memorial Day. Admission is $5 for adults, free for Museum Members and children under 12. Contact Betsey Mayhew for more information at 508-627-4441.
Congratulations to Ryan and Angela Welch on their new home in Dracut. The Rankow and Welch families were happy to have their grandchildren, Liam and Keira, here for a couple of weeks while the house purchase was completed. While here, Keira celebrated her first birthday, complete with pink balloons and her own piece of cake with which to make the traditional first-birthday mess.
There are so many birthdays coming up in the next couple of weeks — the Geminis seem to be well represented in Edgartown. My sister-in-law, Liza Dolby, celebrates today, followed by John McCarron May 31, then Hilary Grannis on June 2. I hope you all have lovely days and get everything you wish for when you blow out the candles.
Well, I’m off to the mountains for the weekend to watch the US Open of mountain biking, so I will rely on all of you to report any fun or interesting goings on from the holiday weekend. Hope you all have a fun, safe holiday, and amid the summer kick-off revelry and discount shopping, that you find a moment to consider those who have served.
Happy Memorial Day.
