Mother Nature is certainly playing with us this fall, isn’t she? We’ve had swimming in October, unseasonably warm days, crazy rainstorms and flooding, and snow — yes, snow — early Saturday morning. What could possibly be next? Wait … maybe I shouldn’t put that out there!
I’ve got to give you all some serious thanks this week. I actually have news! Fun stuff. Important stuff. I had forgotten how exciting it is to actually receive information from you all. Every call or message I got this week truly made me jump up and down! It might be silly to say, especially for those of you who know me, but it really is the little things in life that mean the most.
First off, not to toot the horn of the MVTimes family, but sometimes, that horn deserves a good toot. Hannah Rabasca, Edgartown eighth grader, and daughter of the MVTimes’ own Kristofer Rabasca and Rebecca Norris, is not only beautiful, sweet, and smart, she is also one heck of a tennis player. On Oct. 18, she won her flight at Mid-Cape Racquet Club Tournament by scores of 6-0, 6-2, 6-3. Way to go, Hannah. Be on the lookout for this one on the Tour down the road a bit.
Congratulations to one of my favorite young Edgartown ladies, Alissa Habekost. She was the Junior All Tackle Boat Bluefish Daily Winner in the Derby on Oct. 15, with a 10.39-pound bluefish! And she had the wounds to prove it. When I saw her the next day to congratulate her on her hard-fought battle, she was wearing a brace because she hurt her arm reeling that big fish in all by herself. That is one strong little fisherwoman.
Actually, as I look at the results on the Derby website, I see quite a few Edgartown names up there, many of them current or former students. In the overall standings, some of the names I recognize in the Junior and Mini Junior Divisions are Brendan Morris, Victoria Scott, Emma Fisher, Tristan Blair, Joseph Medeiros, Cuyler Fisher, Lily Fisher, Jocie Smith, Paige Smith, and Seamus McKeon. Looks like the tradition of the Derby is in safe hands for the future with these kids involved.
Of course, who could mention the Derby without commenting on the ultimate big winners? With the fishing coming to a close Saturday night, the final eight took the stage on Sunday to try their luck at the famous keys to the boat and truck, listening for that exciting click, as Derby president Ed Jerome tried each of their keys in the lock. In the end, Miles Whyte took home the Eastern boat with his winning shore bass, while Stephen Pietruska went on to win the truck for his boat bass win. Miles apparently added to the excitement by proposing to his girlfriend while onstage. I guess he doesn’t want her to be “the one that got away.” Sorry — I know that’s a terrible pun, but I couldn’t resist. Congratulations to all. And to all the spouses, significant others, and family members of the Derby fisherman, congratulations on getting your loved ones back finally!
Are you a former MVRHS Minnesinger? Or do you just love this long-lasting group of always talented performers who sing their way into our hearts each year? I myself was once a member of this fun group back in the day. That said, now is the time to come out and support the current group of performers at the MVRHS Minnesingers Homecoming this Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 pm at Atria. This fundraising event is for Minnesingers old and new, and those who love them. Offering hearty hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, past and present performers will provide live entertainment while you partake in live and silent auctions, as well as cash raffles. Tickets are $30 at the door or from any Minnesinger. Parking for the event is at the Edgartown School.
Paddy Moore emailed that the Martha’s Vineyard Healthy Aging Task Force, a subcommittee of the Dukes County Health Council, is working to assess and meet the needs of the Island’s growing elder population, collaborating with the towns, the county, and all island organizations that serve elders, as the 65-plus population is expected to more than double in the next 15 years. In addition to looking at health, mental health, and home health care needs, they are assessing needs related to transportation, housing, caregiver support, and community engagement, among others. The survey will be mailed to all residents who are 65 or older, and the task force is hoping that at least 40 percent of those who receive the survey will return it. The Councils on Aging will be available for those who need some help filling it out, but answers are confidential. The survey, which is easily identifiable by the large yellow Island pictured on the mailing envelope, will also be available online, with the link to the survey included with the survey materials. Please don’t throw it away, thinking it’s junk mail. This is an opportunity to improve the quality of life for our aging community on the Vineyard, and they hope Island residents will take the time to share what they think and what they need.
Have a great week, friends. Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible!
