Fundraising, fundraising, fundraising. That’s what we’re doing this week. I joke every year that we should all just get together at the beginning of the year and swap money. The Edgartown School’s eighth grade auction is this Friday, and we have been hard at work collecting items and making plans. It’s going to be amazing. And moving it to October was a fantastic idea. We get our fundraising wrapped up before the end of December now, and the public can get awesome gifts for the holidays, even if the gifts are for yourself. I’ve already got my eye on a few things that have passed by my desk, from shoes to jewelry to tools to travel. We’ve got it all. I just wish I had a bit more energy, a little more time, and a lot more sleep. Last time I was involved in one of these, I remember Judy Murray and myself texting each other at two in the morning to discuss details. This year my partners in crime as advisors are Jeff Majkowski and Erin Simmons, both ELA teachers, and a host of awesome parents and students. And to top it all off, Joanne Cassidy and her band, now dubbed the Vine Shakers, will be playing throughout the night for your dancing pleasure. So head to the Loft in Oak Bluffs on Oct. 19 at 6:30 for a fabulous time.
Happy birthday to my cousin and former Edgartown boy, John Goodwin, on Oct. 14, Kenny Cook, also on Oct. 14, Paul Bettencourt on Oct. 18, and Gwyneth Wallace on Oct. 20. And happy anniversary wishes go out to Bob and Donna Enos, who celebrated 25 years together on Oct. 9.
While we’re sending out good wishes, congratulations and best wishes go out to Will Fligor and April Hargy who were married on Saturday, Oct. 13. Word has it the day was a wonderful, fun-filled affair, and that the girls lived up to the tradition of wearing Converse sneaks. Congratulations to the couple and their parents, Anne and Brad Fligor, and Molly Hargy. And I have no doubt that Chris was there, watching over his family as always, and having a grand old time himself.
In other fundraising news, Tim DeFelice is sadly in renal failure, and is currently on the kidney donor list through Massachusetts General Hospital. He will need kidney dialysis if he is not matched with a kidney donor. Friends and family are holding a spaghetti dinner and silent auction at the Portuguese-American Club in Oak Bluffs on the evening of Friday, Nov. 9. The start time is to be determined. If you would like to donate goods or services to the cause, you can contact Melissa Ogden at 508-560-1056 or email Melissa Ogden at timneedsafingkidney@gmail.com in order to arrange pickup of your donation. In addition you can call Patti DeFelice at 508-274-1619 or Jennifer Cutrer at 774-836-8546, or you can email her at jen.cooganlaw@gmail.com.
Don’t forget the fall Electronics Disposal Day is this Saturday, Oct. 20, at M.V. Community Services from 9 am until 2 pm. Time to get rid of all that old electronics junk you’ve got kicking around. Visit mvcommunityservices.com/edd for more details.
I think the weather read my column last week talking about how beautiful the gardens and window boxes were. They got a little roughed up this week. While I don’t love rainy days unless I can be home cozied up on the couch with a good book, it’s nice to see some water finally showing up in places like Sweetened Water Pond and such. Boy, this Island was parched. It certainly didn’t make up for the dryness of the summer, but it helps. And if the winter is as snowy as the Farmer’s Almanac says, we should be up to snuff next spring.
Parent-teacher conferences will be happening at the Edgartown School on Oct. 23, 25, and 29. Be sure to sign up to meet with your students’ teachers. You can visit the Edgartown School website at edgartownschool.org for the link to schedule your appointments.
Congratulations to everyone involved in making another successful M.V. Bass & Bluefish Derby. I am so impressed by the spirit of this event and all of the volunteers who make it happen. I’m sure this year’s awards ceremony was a bittersweet event. But my guess is that Ed Jerome was there in spirit, as he will be for years to come. You all did him proud, I know.
The Amity Island Running Club recently announced an upcoming run for a good cause. The Run for Veterans is on for Saturday, Nov. 10. Runners will start at 9 at Right Fork Diner. No timing, no t shirts, no Porta-Potties, no water stops … just a really good cause. The suggested donation is $10, and walkers are welcome. Last year they had five people and brought in $110. This year’s goal is 10 people and $220. Let’s make it even bigger than that. I’m in so we’re up to six. Who is with me?
That’s all I’ve got. Time to plan some classes and organize some auction items. It’s going to be a long week that’s going to go by too fast, if you know what I mean. Next Saturday, we shall rest. Thanks to all who have donated and helped with our fundraising. We can’t do it without you. What an awesome community. Have a great week.