Happy October! I’m beginning to see Halloween decorations popping up around town these days. And of course, the stores started with Halloween displays ages ago. The sun is even supposed to come out a little bit this week, which would be nice. I’ve had enough rain and gray skies. I want some bright, crisp, fall days.
Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Jessie Merriam, Sandy Joyce, Tricia Willoughby, and Erin Simmons on Oct. 2, Kathy Verner on Oct. 5, and my niece Abby Gardner on Oct. 6.
Awardwinning author and pop culture historian Marty Gitlin presents “The Greatest Sitcoms of All Time” as a lunch and laugh event at the Anchors at 11:30 am on Friday, Oct. 6. This is an interactive and lighthearted program about funny programs, which is sure to please. You must register in advance by calling 608-627-4368.
Also at the Anchors on Oct. 10 is a wellness clinic, from noon to 1 pm. You can go by and get your blood pressure checked, or consult with the nurse about your health.
Edgartown School is holding its curriculum nights on Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 5:30 to 7 for K-fourth grade parents, and Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 6 to 7:30 pm for fifth to eighth grade parents. These adult-only nights are a great opportunity to learn more about your students’ classes and teachers.
The Edgartown library offers ukulele jam sessions every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Players of all ages and levels are welcome. Some instruction will be included, focusing on strumming and fun. Bring your own instrument to join the fun. The library also has two ukuleles available for patrons to borrow, using their library cards.
Tisbury is holding another First Friday on Oct. 6. Join everyone for an evening of art, music, shopping, food, and inspiration as Vineyard Haven opens its doors to celebrate. Fun for all ages, First Friday starts at 4 pm in Owen Park, and will feature live music performances. Over a dozen local artists and artisans will also be selling their wares. Starting at 9 pm, there will be a silent disco sponsored by Pathways Arts.
You’ll find the Fall on the FARM Festival at the FARM Institute on Oct. 7, from 10 am to 2 pm. Pumpkin picking in the patch, wagon rides, pumpkin scavenger hunts, squash bowling, kids’ crafts, pumpkin decorating, and of course, lots of fun with barnyard animals. Food from the Scottish Bakehouse and beer from Bad Martha will be available for purchase separately. Pricing options include both admission with a pumpkin to take home and admission without pick-your-own-pumpkin. Additional pumpkins can be purchased onsite, based on availability. Preregistration encouraged. This is a weather-dependent program, and will not run in inclement weather. You will be notified on the day of the event by email if it will not run. Contact the FARM Institute, at lbrown@thetrustees.org or 508-627-7007, to register.
The third annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration and commemoration on Nôepe, with Wôpanâak speakers and drumming, is organized by Sassafras Earth Education and presented at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Monday, Oct. 9. This event is open to all, with limited outdoor seating. You are welcome to bring your own chair.
That’s all I’ve got, folks. Short and sweet. I could use some news and events from all you wonderful people out there. Feel free to send me stuff at ggardnermv@gmail.com. In the meantime, have a great week.
If you have any Edgartown Town Column suggestions, email Gail Gardner, ggardnermv@gmail.com.