As I sit down to write, I can honestly say I’ve got that “winter chill.” You know the one. You just can’t seem to get rid of it without a nice hot shower, or an electric blanket, or a hot cup of tea and a cozy fire, or a faithful old dog or two in your lap. It feels that the weather has turned and we are slipping into wintery weather. But the sun is still warm in the middle of the day, and extra layers are cozy, so I’m going to grin and bear it with a smile on my face. Or try to, anyway.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the men and women who have served and continue to serve in our military. The services commemorating Veterans Day on Sunday were quite moving, and it is always humbling to see our veterans together to honor our servicemen and women. This year it seems that I heard more veterans repeating the phrase “Never forget,” and it struck me how few people venture out to honor these brave souls. To all the veterans and servicemen and women out there, we see you. And we appreciate you. Regardless of politics and other issues, our military members deserve the utmost respect and recognition. Thank you to all who have served.
Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Deneed Convery and Allouise Morgan on Nov. 11, Meaghan Morris and Tom O’Brien on Nov. 14, and Caitlin Nichols on Nov. 17.
The Edgartown School monthly fun run is scheduled for this Friday morning at 8:30 am. This month’s run is, of course, a turkey trot. Be on the lookout for about 400 to 450 students and staff running for health and fun, quite possibly while donning some interesting costumes.
Here’s something new and fun. The first ever Be the Maker event at the Carnegie in Edgartown is on Thursday, Nov. 15, from 7 pm until 9 pm. Adorn your Thanksgiving table with a beautiful cornucopia bursting with the colors and flowers of autumn. Donaroma’s Nursery floral designers Mariko Kawaguchi, Linda Powers, and Heather Thurber will show you how to create a gorgeous seasonal work of art that you can share with your family, friends, or gift to someone special. Wine and nibbles, sumptuous flowers, and friendly company are a wonderful way to welcome the holiday season. No experience needed. All materials provided. Space is limited. Advance registration is required, and the cost is $50 per person. To register, contact melissa@mvpreservation.org or call 508-627-4440, ext. 112.
Next week is Thanksgiving week. That got here fast. There will be no school on Wednesday, Nov. 21, as people head out on the busiest travel days of the year. My boy will be coming back for a fly-by visit. As the University of New Mexico is sort of considered a commuter school out there, they hold regular classes on the day before Thanksgiving, which means Riley won’t actually arrive on the island until Thursday morning, only to turn around and head out again on Saturday morning. But I haven’t seen him since mid-August sometime, and I’d move Heaven and earth even if I only got to see him for five minutes. I cannot wait to squeeze the stuffing out of that kid.
With the 2018 midterm election coming to a close, Edgartown community members must prepare to say goodbye and thank you to longtime town clerk Wanda Williams, who will retire on Nov. 30. Wanda has handled town elections, managed the voter lists, recorded marriages and births, performed countless duties as the person in charge of public record requests, and has done all of the above and so much more in a pleasant, fair, and unbiased manner. Her retirement, while wonderful for her, is definitely a loss for the rest of the town. Thank you for your service, to the town and to your country, Wanda. Happy retirement to you.
That’s about it for this week. Get outside during the day when you can. It gets dark pretty early these days, so enjoy the sun while you can and reap the benefits of that vitamin D. Have a great week.