November is here, and for that I am thankful, and at the same time, a bit confused as to how this year flew by so quickly. It seems to happen quicker and quicker as I grow older, so this might be my own personal reminder to enjoy the present a bit more. I’m one to try to capture everything on camera because my memory is that of a goldfish. One thing I do remember constantly is the phrase “memento mori”, Latin for “remember you must die.” I’ve taken this to heart, a philosophy that in two words reminds me that this is not forever, so let’s enjoy it to the best of our abilities.
It’s good to start appreciating life early on, and the Edgartown library is doing just that with a “Letters of Gratitude: Kids’ Letter Writing Workshop” on Mondays in November from 3 to 4 pm. No registration is required, and your children will learn how to address an envelope, where to place a stamp, and practice writing from the heart. If anyone from the library is reading this, please consider doing an adult version of this workshop!
Quickly after that, on Nov. 5 at 2 pm, Chef Chris Look will be presenting a salad symposium, starting with a Thanksgiving chicken salad. Register online for this delicious-sounding event! This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library.
If you’ve read this column enough, you know my love for our local library is deep, but I recognize there’s so much more happening in town, so here are some Edgartown updates you need to know:
- Juniper is having a pop-up shop Fridays through Mondays from 10 am to 4 pm, running through Dec. 21;
- Harbor Homes has reopened its annual winter shelter at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church;
- Morning Glory Farm has started its winter hours, 9 am to 5:30 pm;
- Edgartown Police Department hired their second Portuguese-speaking officer, Officer Miguel Jarillo, on Oct. 19;
- Indigo Martha’s trivia night on Wednesdays starts at 6:30 pm, with Ryan and Doug as your hosts;
- Town Bar & Grill has a new fall/winter menu, developed by yours truly, so go check it out and let me know what you think;
- Edgartown’s recreational scallop season began on Oct. 1 for dip net only, in the ponds, and commercial begins on Oct. 26 for dip net and dragging, Rob Morrison, Edgartown shellfish constable, said. Scallop drags are used only in and around Cape Poge, and there is no dragging allowed in Sengekontacket. Family shellfishing limits for Edgartown are one bushel per week for recreational shellfishing, and commercial limits are three bushels per day.
Some things to keep in mind as November rolls in: First up, don’t forget that Veterans Day is Nov. 11, and I’m asking Edgartown businesses to consider a Veterans Day special for those who have served our country so honorably. Next up, Thanksgiving is now just three weeks away, and there’s plenty of options in town if you plan on getting assistance partially or fully from an outside source that’s not your own kitchen. Harbor View Hotel is hosting a Thanksgiving buffet meal; Edgartown Meat & Fish Market will have turkeys, prime rib, and expertly made sides; Morning Glory Farm is taking orders for turkey from their friends at Out Post Farm in Holliston. Let me know who else is doing something special for Thanksgiving! I’m still unsure if we’ll be cooking at home or getting some sort of delicious takeout, but I’m glad to see all the options.
I’ll leave you with one last request: I’m looking to interview island locals about their December holiday traditions for the upcoming Grapevine. If you have a unique or special friends and/or family tradition, send me an email and let’s chat. As a reminder, it’s marnely@gmail.com. Thanks!
