RICK HERRICK
508-693-8065
Terry Appenzellar has had a distinguished career in both the public and private sector. A graduate of Connecticut College with an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, Terry began her career working at the Justice Department as the law librarian. She left the department 15 years later as an executive manager responsible for technology policy. She took this government experience to Computer Sciences Corporation where she worked on projects relating to air traffic control and telecommunications policy. Her last gig was with Deloitte Consulting, where she was responsible for enterprise systems management. She retired to her beautiful home overlooking Crystal Lake on East Chop in September of 2003 with her husband, John.
One of the aphorisms I was given to recite as a child is the old aristocratic ideal that to whom much is given, much is expected. I have never known a person who has done a better job living this ideal than Terry. To begin with, she freely admits her gifts, many of which come from East Chop. She has never missed a summer here. She remembers fondly special friendships nurtured here, picnics at South Beach with her sister Kate, and lots of fun and games at the Beach Club. Of late, the gifts she appreciates most are simple ones — the view of the Sound from her deck, the wild flowers that surround her property on Crystal Lake, the irises, daffodils and rhododendron bushes that she and John have planted throughout their property.
Her payback to the community has been impressive. She has taken the skills she developed over 30-plus years in the public and private sectors to serve her passion to conserve and to protect her Island home. She serves on the board of the Vineyard Conservation Society, a group dedicated to preserving the natural resources, land, habitat and vistas of the Vineyard through education and advocacy. In addition, she is on the board of the Friends of Sengekontacket, which focuses on the pond of Sengekontacket and the barrier beach. Preserving this Vineyard treasure poses an interesting challenge because the body of water is owned by two towns, with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts owning the beach. Of most importance to East Chop residents, Terry is on the Oak Bluffs conservation commission. The commission implements state and town regulations for wetlands, coastal banks and water resources. It is empowered to protect coastal resources and the natural habitat that supports them.
In a society that worships celebrities and makes heroes of them, I nominate Terry Appenzellar. People who give back are my heroes, and the wonderful thing about Terry is that she does all this work with a smile. Giving back is fun. Thank you so much for all that you do to preserve and protect our Island.
Eighty years ago on June 26, on separate continents, two remarkable East Chop women were born — Jean Ross in New York and Ute Hargreaves in Germany. Please congratulate these special ladies. They continue to lead vibrant and full lives, reminding us that common sense, exercise and a positive outlook on life make all the difference.
Finally, I am launching an East Chop trivia contest with this column. While interviewing Terry Appenzellar, I noticed that we share a prominent physical characteristic in common. The first person who calls with the answer to this mystery, family members excluded, will receive a six-month extension to their Gazette subscription.
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