Edgartown

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I have devoted a lot of this column in past weeks to my admiration of our local emergency personnel, but I never thought I would be on the receiving end of their expertise and professionalism. Amid the revelry of Fourth of July weekend, I had a good crash on my bike that left me with a broken foot and various bruises (red and blue all over — very patriotic!). Alex Elias, the officer who responded to the call, was awesome. He was able to calm me down when all I could do was blubber incoherently, and his laid-back demeanor was contagious. Marlon Garcia deftly wrapped and iced my foot. Also on site were Jake Sylvia and James Dropick, adding to the feeling of being surrounded by big brothers in an otherwise traumatic situation. Thank you all.

I have no idea who made the 911 call, as I was pretty out of it, but it was clear that there were several people who pulled over to see if they could offer assistance. With all the stories in the news these days about people passing those in need without stopping to help, it is a testament to our community and our summer visitors how many stopped to express their concern and offer aid.

I did eventually make it up to our new hospital and was amazed by how “off-Island” it felt. Everything is so new and modern and efficient, and the same old staff we’ve always had offer the professionalism we have come to expect, fancy new hospital or not. Dr. Zack is my new best friend.

Well, enough about me.

I am almost too jealous to report that Jen and Tom O’Hanlon, along with Tom’s children, Hilly and Katie, went to Boston to see Lady Gaga in concert. I never would have taken either of them for Gaga fans, but luckily they listened to the kids and got to witness firsthand the talent and spectacle. Still, to hear Tom list his favorite Lady Gaga songs is somewhat surreal.

It’s babies, babies, everywhere! Ian and Jamie Murray welcomed Miss Katama Tiernan Murray to the world on June 21 at 7 pm. Katama weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and emerged complete with her father’s black curly hair. Can’t wait to watch this little one grow. Soon she’ll be crawling around on the beach with the rest of her cousins.

After a long wait and several false starts, Andrew Charles von Schilling Smith Jr., my first-ever nephew, has finally made his debut. Andrew arrived July 1 at 12:53 am, weighing 7 pounds, 8 ounces Parents Andy and Shannon Smith plan on traveling to M.V. to show off their new addition very soon.

Sydney Asbury, chief of staff to Governor Deval Patrick, will be at an open meeting of the M.V. Democratic Council on Saturday, July 10, at the Howes House in West Tisbury, from 9 to 11 am. This is an opportunity to ask questions about wind power, casinos, education, health care, and everything in between.

Tom Dresser emailed to announce publication of his latest book, “African Americans on Martha’s Vineyard, from Enslavement to Presidential Visit.” He mentioned that “there was an intriguing tale of an escaped slave who made her way off a ship moored in Edgartown harbor in 1854.” You can pick up a copy at Edgartown Books, and be sure to watch for book talks and signings, the first of which will take place at the Oak Bluffs Library on Friday, July 9, at 11 am.

Well, there goes Fourth of July, and on we go with this continuous glorious weather. Get outside and enjoy it while it lasts, because who knows what Mother Nature could have in store. Time for me to go ice and elevate my foot. If you see me out and about, please come on over and share your news — I’m not so good on the crutches yet.