Town Column : Tisbury
By Kay Mayhew
Published: July 10, 2008
The sense of loss and desolation is a grim reminder of the 1883 fire that destroyed all of downtown. The fire that destroyed Cafe Moxie and our Bunch of Grapes Bookstore affects all of us. It is a terrible loss. Our hearts go out to those who lost so much, especially to Ann Nelson who devoted much of her energy creating the bookstore.
What will we do without the Bunch of Grapes? Islanders and visitors wandered by the damaged site all weekend sadly wondering how to manage without this bookstore that had become so important in all our lives. My favorite New Zealand author Joan Druett wrote about it in her blog: "Bad news from Vineyard Haven, where one of my favorite bookstores graces the main street of this picturesque town on the island of Martha's Vineyard." I agree, it is bad news, indeed.
We can be thankful that our wonderful firemen were so diligent and careful that no one was seriously hurt. The fire took six hours to get under control, and our firemen never leave until the fire danger is over. Thanks to Plum TV you can watch the entire day on film.
Congratulations to Nancy Tarter Nevin. She has a new grandson. Micah Clarence Nolin, son of Chris and Nancie of Manchester Center, Vt., was born in Bennington last month. He weighed in at 7 pounds, 12 ounces, and measured 19.5 inches long. Daddy says that mother, father, and baby are all doing fine.
Louisa Gould's first photography book is called "Wooden Boats of Martha's Vineyard." Thirty wooden crafts are profiled in 64 colorful photographs of beautiful Vineyard boats. The forward is by Nat Benjamin of Gannon & Benjamin, boat builders of Martha's Vineyard. Any of the images in the book can also be ordered as a limited edition print. The Louisa Gould Gallery specializes in Vineyard marine art and photography.
Young visitors to the Vineyard Haven Library take note: Next Wednesday at 3 pm is a movie and popcorn event for ages four and up. All of you age five and up will delight in the visit on Thursday, July 24, when Gus Ben David will share his live animals and will conduct Wild Animal Interviews at 4 pm.
The Vineyard Haven Library is conducting a survey to find out about adults in the community and to focus on the needs of active older adults. Help them serve us better. The survey can be completed online at vhlibrary.org, or you will find a copy at the library.
Don't forget the free community supper at the Baptist parish house on William Street: 5:30 pm every Wednesday through August 27. Donations will be accepted.
Jen Morgan invites you to support the MSPCA and enjoy dinner and a show on Monday, July 14. Ben Taylor and David Saw with special friends and family will perform at Balance. Tickets are $100. For information, call the MSPCA 508-627-8662
A tennis tournament and Haitian art sale will benefit the Fish Farm for Haiti on July 17 through 19. To sign up, call Margaret at 508-693-0368.
The Tashmoo Spring Building fundraiser will begin at 5:30 pm next Thursday at the waterfront home of Denys and Marilyn Wortman on Hines Point, with music by Christine Box, Ray Frazio, and Tristan Israel. For more info, call 508-696-4202.
Lynne Benson announces the annual Christmas in July sale on July 25 at the Heath Hen Quilt & Yarn Shop. Lynne also has information and registration forms for the knitting for baby workshop with Debbie Ware at the Harbor View on July 26.
Big bunches of birthday balloons go out today to Laura Christina Jahn. Betsey Mayhew celebrates on Saturday. Sunday belongs to Nevenka Daniels. On Monday wish the best to Cord Bailey and Michele Jones. Happy birthday to Jocelyn Ciancio Broadley who parties on Tuesday. Jim Richardson will mark his special day on Wednesday.
Heard on Main Street: I don't exercise because it makes the ice jump right out of my glass.
