We are heading into a busy, busy week as I write this. Illumination Night is on Wednesday, the Ag Fair starts on Thursday, and the fireworks are scheduled for Friday night. What a fun-filled week! I must confess, I don’t do the fireworks or Illumination Night. I just can’t deal with those crowds. But I know it’s a lot of fun for those who partake. You will see me at the Fair, likely more than once. That crowd is a little more manageable for me, and, even though the location has changed, it’s a long-held tradition for me. I don’t really have a lot of traditions that we take part in anymore. I need to keep the few I’ve got. Plus, it’s fun. And it’s a great excuse for fried dough!
The Edgartown Firemen’s Association is hosting its annual Pancake Breakfast/Open House on Sunday, August 21, from 8 to 11 am. All are welcome. Donations are appreciated. There will be kids’ activities, fire demonstrations, tee-shirts, and more. The event happens at the Edgartown Fire Station, 68 Pease’s Point Way South.
There’s always lots to do at the Edgartown library. On Tuesday, August 23, at 3 pm, Todd Brodeur, a two-time World Free-Style Frisbee Champion will demonstrate his skills for all to enjoy. And on Friday, August 26, at 10:30 am, have some science fun making your own paper airplanes, with goals for distance, accuracy, and time in the air.
Coming up on Labor Day, the Friends of the Edgartown Library have announced plans for their fourth annual Pennywise Path 5K Run/Walk to the library. This USATF-sanctioned event, is set for Monday, Sept. 5. Runners will gather beginning at 8 am at the Edgartown School and be shuttled by bus to the start on Pennywise Path, which runs parallel to the Vineyard Haven Road. The route winds along the path, connecting with the bike path for the last mile through town to the library.You can pick up registration forms at the library, or go to bit.ly/libraryrun to register online.
As summer begins to fade, I thought it might be helpful to share some important dates with you. Teachers head back to school on Wednesday, August 31, to start preparing for the year. In reality, teachers will have returned well before that anyway, but that is our “official” first day. Teachers continue preparing on Sept. 1 and 2, and entering freshmen have their orientation day at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School on Friday, Sept. 2. The first official day of school for all teachers and students will be on Tuesday, Sept. 6. As school starts up, please remember that there will be a lot of kids walking, riding bikes, or waiting at bus stops to get to school. Drive with caution.
Happy birthday wishes go out to Rebecca Norris, who celebrated on August 17, and to Robin Davies on August 20.
Looking for another 5K to run? Sign up for the 5K Run for Jabberwocky and Fun Run on Saturday, August 20, at 8:45 am. The race begins and ends at the Farm Institute in Edgartown and goes to South Beach. For information and registration, contact them at roadrace@campjabberwocky.com.
MA Service Alliance/Commonwealth Corps and Island Health Care Community Health Center are recruiting service members to engage the Island community in the MV Partnership for Health’s wellness and healthy living goals. Members must be Massachusetts residents, 18 years of age or older with an interest in community advocacy and development, in keeping with the Commonwealth Corps mission. Members will serve half-time from August 29, 2016 to June 24, 2017, including training and development, with a semi-monthly stipend, and assignment to specific project(s). For job description and application, contact ksamways@ihimv.org, or call 508-627-5797, ext. 114.
On Thursday, August 25, at 7:30 pm at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center, Dow Jones award-winning writer, performer, and lecturer Lee Wolf and her performing partner, novelist, biographer, and playwright Julie Gilbert, will be part of a tell-all conversation about the life and work of Dorothy Parker, Edna Ferber, and Lillian Hellman. A short film will accompany the performance. All proceeds from the event will benefit Martha’s Vineyard Community Services and the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center. General admission is $100 and sponsor tickets are $200 and include reserved seating. Tickets can be purchased online at bit.ly/LadiesLetters, or checks can be made payable to MVCS. Contact Lee Wolf at 412-638-1219 or leejohnwolf@yahoo.com for more details.
Go out there and make it a great week. Don’t wait for inspiration. Be the inspiration!
