As the 79th annual Fishing Derby comes to a close, I am reminded of all the people in my life who have contributed to and worked so hard for this event — one person in particular, who was inducted into the Derby Hall of Fame in 2023: Paul Schultz. He was a lifelong friend to my family; I can imagine the fishing trips they all took together. Paul’s first Derby was in 1962, before he was drafted into the Army and deployed to Vietnam. After years of service, Paul returned to the Island and resumed his tradition of participating in the annual Derby.
My aunt, Claire Pond, met Paul when she was studying to become an EMT in Edgartown in 1981. Paul was one of the instructors for her program, and was introduced to my grandparents in 1983 when they began building their house in Edgartown. He served on the Derby Committee from 1981 to 1997. His extensive shore guide knowledge of fishing on this Island extended to all those around him during these weeks in September and October, every year, each person a bit better for it. I know my grandparents in particular always counted on Paul’s advice when it came to fishing. This began a lifelong friendship that has lasted beyond their passing, and stands to this day. He is an amazing part of our community, and well-loved by so many, especially my family.
Kick off the fall season at the Trustee’s FARM Institute for “Fall on the Farm,” Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 am to noon. There’s truly no better way to celebrate the fall season than with pumpkins, wagon rides, a scavenger hunt, face painting, kids’ crafts, pumpkin decorating, and the FARM’s barnyard animals. Each family admission (member family, $15; nonmember family, $25) includes up to five guests and one pumpkin. Additional pumpkins are available through preregistration for $5/ per pumpkin, or onsite based on availability.
Sunday, Oct. 13, is the annual Derby Sunday at the Carnegie Heritage Center. It’s a free event, fun for the whole family, showcasing a live painting demonstration by Island artist Elizabeth Whelan, and seafaring tales of Edgartown’s whalemen by maritime historian Matthew Stackpole. There will also be refreshments, and Bass in the Grass displays.
As spooky season is quickly approaching, join the annual “Edgartown Tour: Gossip, Ghost, and Downright Scandal.” The last of these events takes place on Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Edgartown Village at 6 North Neck Road, from 6 to 7:15 pm. The tour is a lighthearted walk through Edgartown Village’s history. It includes visits to haunted houses, colonial homes, Greek Revival churches, and much more. Perfect evening event for both fun and historical facts of the “village” we call home. Special thanks to Elizabeth Villard of Vineyard History; contact evillardmv@gmail.com for more information and tickets.
Harland J Gibbs turned 93 on Oct. 5; my best wishes for a year of health and happiness!
If you have any Edgartown Town Column suggestions, email Ashley Wheeler at ashley@mvtimes.com.