Town Column : West Tisbury
By Hermine Hull
Published: June 19, 2008
We are getting accustomed to a new light level around our house, courtesy of the "worms" that have decimated trees on our side of town this year. Most years, the canopy of leaves has begun to darken by now from its fresh spring green, creating a cozy secret atmosphere overhead. This year, instead, we have an open lacework and a lot more sky.
I had noticed clusters of smallish beetles on the ground, seemingly attacking worms. Ruth Kirchmeier saw them, too, and looked them up in an insect book. They are called carrion beetles. This variety is a predator, with worms on their list of delicacies. Tony Rezendes, who lives across the street from us, noticed them, too. Hopefully, nature is "on the job," and will deal with the worm problem before they inflict further damage on our trees.
Katie Kahn and John Sparagana stopped by the gallery last week with Paul Karasik and his mother, Joan. Katie, John, and their daughter, Hannah, were here from Chicago for their older daughter's, Marina's, graduation from the Charter School. Marina has been living with the Karasik/Winsrygs for the school year. She and her best friend, Nora Karasik (who also graduated from the Charter School last weekend) have been best friends since they were two years old. Their parents described it as "Marina and Nora met on the merry-go-round at the Town Hall playground and they never got off." Sounds like a recipe for a joyful life. Congratulations to you all.
Joan Karasik arrived from Silver Springs, Md., for the graduation festivities. It is always a treat to see her.
Holly Getty spent a few days here visiting Rob Berkley and Debbie Phillips. Everyone got together to support Blue Cullen, Nancy Rogers, and others who walked in the Island's cancer walk over the weekend.
Tom Brennan was the proud and happy head of the table at the airport for Saturday breakfast. His daughter, Eileen Sheppard, was here with her son, Charlie Shilling, from Atlanta, staying with Tom's regular breakfast partner, daughter Cathy Brennan.
It was fun to see so many families out and about together over the Father's Day weekend. There was also a rally for hot rod enthusiasts, who tour the Island and enjoy showing off their cars.
When I saw Joanne Scott last Friday, she was busy baking birthday cakes. Joanne's brother, Fred Scott, and her daughter, Tabor Stafford, share birthdates of June 13. Of course, each had to have a special dinner and his/her own birthday cake, so Joanne was in charge. She is a wonderful baker, and I am sure everyone was happy with her efforts.
Bill Haynes celebrated his birthday on Flag Day, June 14. Betty planned a special dinner with the whole family attending and everyone had a wonderful time. Happy birthday, Bill, and many happy returns.
I had to laugh at John Alley's description of last week's weather at the beginning of his column. "Toasty warm" was what he said, certainly an understatement of the tropical temperatures and humidity we had to endure. I can't ever remember it being so hot so early. Not being a fan of summer weather, I am already dismayed by the heat and lack of rain, my ongoing complaints. Ah, well, it is what it is.
Windemere is hosting a benefit this Friday evening, June 20, from 6 to 8 pm at the Ag Hall. There is no charge for the event, which features good food, a raffle, and an auction led by Trip Barnes.
For me, a highlight of summer is heralded by the tent going up on the lawn of the West Tisbury Church and the appearance of a banner announcing the Annual Strawberry Festival. This Saturday, June 21, is the day, from 1 to 4 pm. I love the strawberry shortcakes and the sight of friends sitting happily together. Hope to see you there.
Hospice of Martha's Vineyard is planning a group yard sale/flea market in a couple of weeks, Saturday, June 28 (rain date is June 29.) It is a good cause to support and a good opportunity to clean out your closet/shed/attic/basement. It feels so much lighter to get rid of stuff you don't use, and you can help support a truly important Island organization. Call the Hospice office for more information.
Our friend and favorite houseguest Bill Ternes arrives Sunday afternoon to spend the week. Bill will be teaching his painting workshop, as he does twice each summer. (The second week is in September.) Call my gallery if you want to attend: 508-693-7719.
Sue Hruby asked me to mention the roasted asparagus recipe in last week's column was adapted from Karen Cullinan. Karen drizzles the asparagus with olive oil, sprinkles with salt, and roasts it at 500 degrees for 10 minutes. Sue's was 425 degrees for 12 minutes. I guess I'll have to try both versions and compare the results.
