I’m writing this now, the day before the presidential election, and I can’t tell you how excited I am to turn on my TV on Wednesday to no political ads. No more phone calls just as you sit down to a hot meal. No more Facebook rants by someone you sat next to at a wedding five years ago. No more bumper stickers. Phew! I appreciate the democratic process and all, but it’s time for a little reprieve.
Ryan Murtha has arranged for a truck to take disaster supplies to New York to aid those struck hardest by Hurricane Sandy. He will be collecting donations at the Edgartown Park and Ride lot today, Thursday, from 5 to 7:30 pm. Donation suggestions include: water, blankets, jackets, clothing, batteries, diapers, toys, nonperishable food, pet food, flashlights, and of course monetary offerings. Anything you think could be helpful.
Felix Neck will host their 22nd Annual Fall Festival, Friday, November 23, from 11 am to 3 pm (rain date: Saturday, November 24, 2012). Enjoy hayrides, face painting, live music by The Flying Elbows, food, wreath-making, and crafts for kids — fun for the whole family. Other highlights include a Guided Bird Walk with noted Island birder Robert Culbert as well as a visit from Marla Isaac of New England Reptile and Raptors and her birds of prey, including turkey vultures, osprey, and a variety of owls. For a full schedule of events, call 508-627-4850.
Lee Dubin called to inform me about a fundraiser at the P-A Club this Saturday, November 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. On the docket is a gourmet Italian dinner, and funds raised will go toward spaying and neutering our Islands cats. For more info, call Lee at 508-696-3869.
Donna Swift reports that the kids in Edgartown are working hard on their school play, Honk!, a contemporary retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling.” The production is brought to life by 20 actors in grades six through eight with stage direction by Ms. Swift and musical direction by Kelly Sullivan. The show follows the duckling as he works to make peace with the fact he is different from the rest of his flock and doesn’t fit in on the farm. When he wanders away from the farmyard, he finds a cast of colorful, funny characters who try to help him find his way back to his mother while avoiding hunters, farmers, the winter, and a villainous cat. The performances take place Friday and Saturday, November 16 and 17, at 7 pm. For more info, call 508-939-9368. Sounds like a quacking good time.
Harbor View Hotel and The Kitchen Porch will co-host a week-long festival called Swine & Dine, November 11-18, designed to underscore the importance of local agriculture. The Kitchen Porch’s Jan Buhrman and Aaron Oster will lead festivities at both the hotel and their own establishment, ranging from butchering workshops to a BLT competition, all offering ample opportunity to enjoy locally raised, USDA-certified pork. For a full schedule and registration info, visit www.kitchenporch.com.
For more information on the Harbor View Hotel and the Swine & Dine festivities, please visit www.harbor-view.com or call 508-627-7000.
The FARM Institute announces Shearing Day, a fun-filled fiber event. Professional shearer Andy Rice will demonstrate the how, when, and why of shearing. Also on tap are fiber arts, story time, oxen rides, and lamb pictures. Learn about TFI’s heritage breed Cotswold, Icelandic, and Navajo Churro sheep. Other upcoming events include a Vineyard Conservation Society walk of historic Katama Farm, a talk on the history of turkey farming and the heritage breed birds that are raised at TFI, and a Harvest Potluck. Also, it’s time to place your order for a Heritage Breed Thanksgiving Turkeys. These free-ranging foraging fowl are known for their superior flavor. Call 508-627-7007 for info about these and other TFI programs.
The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society will hold a Thanksgiving concert on Saturday, November 24, at 7:30 pm at the Old Whaling Church. Performers will included acclaimed musicians Hye-Jin Kim, Scott Woolweaver, Ronald Lowry, and Delores Stevens performing music by Chopin, Hummel, Korngold, and Saint-Saens. So go get your culture on.
Happy birthday to Jen O’Hanlon, who celebrates November 10. Hope Tom, Grace, and Jerry make it an extra special one.
Don’t forget that Sunday is Veterans Day. Thanks to all our service men and women overseas and here at home for everything you do.