Edgartown

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Columbus Day weekend is upon us and what a beautiful fall it has been thus far. Here we are, well into October, and I have yet to pack away the flip-flops for the season. Sure, we’ve had our blustery days, but the sun has not been too quick to quit on us either. I can’t believe how many flowers are still in bloom. For example Charlotte Walpole’s dahlias on the corner of Pinehurst are looking quite lovely.

I love when things come full circle: Back in my first column, I mentioned that Hannah Murphy, daughter of Sean and Lisa, was appealing for a K9 addition to the family. Negotiations were stalled at the time, and Hannah was forced to make do with Kay, of the clean and quiet Stuffed Animal breed (not yet recognized by the AKC). Well, I am thrilled to announce Hannah now has a living, breathing, drooling dog. The family recently adopted Ozzie, a min-pin/shepherd mix. Congratulations to Hannah on winning her case. Perhaps someone will be following Daddy’s footsteps to a career in law?

While foraging for news, I heard a few weeks ago about an Island tradition in its 19th year of existence. The Bruce E. Bruce boat race from Martha’s Vineyard to Nantucket, started by Bruce Farland, takes place the third weekend in September each year. The object, if I understand it correctly, is to be the first to reach Nantucket, and there are special points for cheating, though the rules can change arbitrarily at Bruce’s whim. The winner earns a bar napkin signed by the participants. This year’s winners were Jonathan and Kim Morse, though as the prized napkin ended up in the washing machine soon after — a true sacrilege — the two are disqualified from winning next year. Sounds like these guys all have a good time, and I could tell from how excited they all were to discuss the race that it is a much anticipated event each year. Sign me up for 2011.

Sadly, it’s time to start thinking about flu season. The All-Island Flu Clinic will take place Veterans Day, November 11, at the high school from 8 am to 12 noon. High school freshmen and older are encouraged to partake of this free offering. Tetanus and pneumonia shots will be available as well. If you have Medicare you should bring your card. The date is a little ways off, but as we’ll begin to see flu shots available for purchase soon, it is good to know there is a free option forthcoming. For more information on this and upcoming flu clinics, call 508-687-7158 or contact the Board of Health office.

Happy birthday to my oldest friend, Andrea Dello Russo, who celebrated October 5. Hope you had a day filled with family, laughs, and tractor rides.

We have a couple of marriage milestones to celebrate this week: Donald and Hildie Mitchell celebrate 59 years of marriage October 8, while Roy and Ginny Langley will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on October 12. Happy anniversary to all!

Stop and Shop is offering a new way to support the Edgartown School via their A+ program. If you have a Stop and Shop card, you can register your card number by filling out the simple form (seriously, it’s only two blanks) at www.stopandshop.com/aplus. The code for the Edgartown School is 06789. Any time you use your card from October to March, a portion supports the school. Reports Janna O’Shaughnessy, last year the school received a check for $2,753.46. All for swiping a card for stuff you were going to buy anyway. Can’t beat that.

October 15, Adult and Community Education of MV (ACE MV) will host a Cultural Festival from 6 to 9 pm at the Performing Arts Center of MVRHS. It is a benefit for ACE MV, as well as a celebration of Ethnic Studies Week and Island diversity. The event features an ethnic food court, booths, vendors, and displays, plus a silent auction, and a concert with performances representing local and global cultures.

The Edgartown Library has organized a new series of critically acclaimed foreign films for viewing in the months of October and November. Each film will be presented on the eight-foot screen downstairs on a Tuesday evening at 7 pm. For further info, contact the library, 508-627-4221.

Let’s hope the sun doesn’t hold out on us this holiday weekend, and if you do anything fun, you better let me know.