My friend Kasia would skydive every day if she could. There are people who are adrenaline junkies—those who live on the edge: swimming with sharks, driving fast on switchbacks, jumping out of airplanes, and the like. It sounds exciting and terrifying to me, but I have no desire to do any of it. I just like living too much. I once went to one of those big amusement parks with a group of friends. I loved riding on the roller coasters, but I was the crazy lady that screamed the whole time and then got off the ride with a smile. For an extra thrill, the guys in our group decided to do the free-fall bungee jump. I watched as they were tied up to a tiny fish hook and hoisted above the park. Then the line dropped them and they fell straight down and into a swinging motion high above the crowd below. Two of the guys looked happy the other two looked like they wanted their mothers. They were insistent that I try it, that I would love it, it would be the thrill of my life. So, begrudgingly, I put on the little safety vest and attached myself to the fishhook. As soon as my feet left the ground, I knew that it was a bad idea. I looked out over the crowds as they grew smaller and smaller, and suddenly the line dropped. I was falling. It was one of those moments in life when time seems to stop. I remember people turning and looking my way. It seemed like much longer than a few seconds. I was screaming so loud and for so long that I could have sworn that my lungs were going to come flying out of my mouth and splatter on the people and pavement below. The others all loved it, but I knew it wasn’t for me. I get my thrills from watching my students have “aha” moments when everything just seems to click, or from being with my family. I don’t have any ill will toward the adrenaline junkies. They can do all the crazy things they want—heck I’ll even cheer them on—but I’m never putting the fishhook on again. Extreme sports can give people an adrenaline rush, but so does helping others.
This Saturday, September 26, Dream Extreme combines the two with their 6th annual Dream Extreme Fundraiser. During the day, there will be kiteboarding workshops and other exciting activities. Then in the evening, the Dinner Gala will begin at 7 p.m. and will include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, auctions, music, and dancing. All the proceeds raised go to Hour Children, an organization working toward ending the cycle of intergenerational incarceration. For more information about the event, go to their website at www.dreamextremenewyork.com.Wednesday, September 23, is Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement. Services will be held at the Chabad of the Hamptons throughout the day. There will also be a special buffet at 7:45 p.m. to break the fast. For specific times and information, contact goldie@jewishli.com or call 329-5800.
If you are looking for a quiet out-of-the-way place to wander through beautifully manicured gardens, stroll past sculptures and koi pond, and soak in the beauty of nature, you’ll be happy to know that the LongHouse Reserve is now open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment, until October 10. Admission is free for members and children under 12 accompanied by an adult and $10 for adult non-members. For more details and information, go to www.longhouse.org.
There is a lot going on at the library this week. On Wednesday, September 23, kids can get themselves organized for the school year with the Back to School Survival Kit class from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The workshop targets students in grades 6 to 8. Participants can create their very own survival kits with all their necessities. On Thursday and Friday, September 24 and 25, from 12:30 to 4 p.m., there will be an AARP Defensive Driving class. Participants can learn some great tips and save some money on their car insurance. Then on Saturday, September 26, you can learn about the effects of color by attending the workshop “Color Our World: Integrating the Art and Science of Color.” Color expert Gillian Rose will speak about how color can affect psyches and emotions, and more importantly how to use it to improve your life. For more information about all that is happening at the East Hampton Library, call them at 324-0222 or go to their website www.easthamptonlibrary.org.
Those interested in the dark arts can peek back into the history of East Hampton’s Witchcraft Case of 1657. The East Hampton Historical Society is having a special event, “The World of Goody Garlick,” on Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be presentations by numerous historians and a box lunch. It will take place at the Session House of the First Presbyterian Church. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased on their website at www.easthamptonhistory.org.
One of the main reasons to live in East Hampton is to enjoy the natural beauty. A great way to start off your weekend is by joining trail walk with The East Hampton Trails Preservation Society. This Saturday, September 26, at 10 a.m. there will be a three-mile hike through the Buckskill Preserve. Those interested can meet at the entrance to the trail on Route 114 across from the farm stand or call Dave Luce at (917) 885-5749 for more information.
Staff Writer on Sep 21, 2015