So what are your New Year’s resolutions? Let’s make some as a town. Let’s resolve to get out more, to walk a trail we’ve never walked, sit at the finger piers and watch the ducks, stop reserving the beach for the warm summer months. Let’s resolve to see our town as a tourist — or a child — might from time to time, with fresh eyes and anticipation. Let’s try new places, taste new foods, choose something other than plain old vanilla — mint chocolate chip, anyone? One of my favorite books is The Phantom Tollbooth, and in it there’s a town in which all the buildings, trees, cars — the entire landscape disappears because people no longer take the time to notice it. Let’s resolve to notice the landscape, to slow down and take a look around once in a while. You never know what you might find.
Well, I hope everyone had a lovely holiday. My pre-Christmas festivities included a visit to Lee and Cheryl Welch’s where they entertained a bunch of little ones, including their grandchildren, Willa, Josie, Beatrice, Liam, and Keira. There was a special visit from Mr. Claus, which was very exciting. (As an aside, has anyone ever seen Santa and Wally Morrison in the same room at the same time? Just sayin’….)
Following that, we headed over to Jon and Denise Searle’s for a little neighborhood revelry. Bob Hayman was there with daughters, Addy and Lee. I could hardly believe it when I stood next to 12-year-old Addy and found myself dwarfed by her height — and I was in three-inch heels! Also present was the entire Shemeth clan, as well as our good friend Ed Gargan, who Santa had shipped in from China for our particular holiday enjoyment.
Christmas has come early for the Avakian family. Derek and Brooke welcomed baby Cooper Michael to the world December 19 at 8:28 pm, weighing in at 7 lb., 11 oz. Reports say, the little guy was born with a fishing pole in his hand. Can’t wait to see you catch the Big One someday, tiny friend.
Another debut occurred December 21 at 2:47 pm, as John “Jack” Francis Moriarty III joined proud parents, Eileen and Robb. Weighing in at 9 lb., 10 oz., Jack is one cute bundle of joy. That stork sure has been busy!
The Wharf sure has been busy celebrating the birthdays of regulars lately. We threw a surprise party for Tom O’Hanlon at my place on December 19, and Bruce Farland showed up with the paddle from behind the bar to give Tom a friendly birthday tap. The paddle made it back to its home just in time to wish Bruce a happy day December 21. Don’t worry guys — you’ll be able to sit comfortably again someday.
Lucy Whittemore wishes to send some special birthday love to her mother, Susie, who will be 85 years young on January 2. She has resided in Edgartown for 57 years. Hope you have a lovely day.
Birthday wishes go out to Kevin Foran, Seth Butynski, and Matt Dello Russo who celebrate their day December 27, to Dan Cassidy who celebrates December 29, to Alex Avakian who celebrates December 30, and to Elizabeth Rothwell who celebrates December 31. Confetti, horns, and silly hats all around.
