West Tisbury

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What a beautiful weekend. It felt great to be outside working in the yard, and I got a lot done. Raking is one of those wonderfully mindless jobs. You can feel the sun on your face, let your mind wander, and accomplish something all at the same time. And it doesn’t even feel like exercise.

Daffodils are opening in protected spots, and the bright blues of scilla and chionodoxa are appearing on lawns across town. My hands have assumed the ragged, broken fingernails, scratches, and discolorations that announce a happy day spent in the dirt. All the urns and flowerpots flanking our doorways are filled with white pansies. Snow is forgotten.

When I came in, Sue Hruby called to tell me about her latest find for a “spring lift.” When she stopped at Alley’s for her Sunday paper, she saw a display of colorful Egyptian cotton scarves. “The colors are wonderful. Bright, pretty, upbeat, just the thing for spring.” Sue’s new scarf is purple, pink, and orange. Compliment her when you see her wearing it.

I got an email from Paul Karasik last week, with the cryptic title, “I’ve been mugged.” I didn’t know what to think, but upon opening it I saw a handsome coffee mug with one of Paul’s cartoons printed on it. It was courtesy of The Cartoon Bank, the merchandising arm of the New Yorker magazine, to which Paul is a frequent contributor.

There were two brush fires in town Sunday afternoon. The first, on Dr. Fisher Road, covered about three or four acres and “was really going when we got there,” according to my reliable source. Midway through fighting the blaze, another call came through for a second fire on Merry Farm Road. Thanks to Tisbury firemen who responded for mutual aid.

Former West Tisbury firefighter and Tisbury art/industrial arts teacher, Mike Ovios, died on March 31 at Mass General. My condolences to Jan and their family. They have asked for donations to any Island charity in lieu of flowers. I had heard about Mike’s death and went onto the Times website to learn more. At the end of the article are comments from several of Mike’s former and current students. If you are in any doubt about the value and impact of a good teacher, read these remembrances. Mike truly left a meaningful legacy.

A reminder that this afternoon, April 7, Jackie Bell will be speaking at the West Tisbury Library. The program about European Thermography vs. Traditional Mammography begins at 5 pm.

Saturday, April 11, offers many possible outings to choose from. The Chilmark PreSchool will hold their “Spring Celebration” from 10 am to 2 pm. There will be food, games, face-painting, crafts, pony rides, and baby chicks to pet. Oh, boy.

You can learn all about rooting plants from cuttings at this Saturday’s lecture at Vineyard Gardens, which begins at 11 am.

At noon, the Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living is having their fourth cultural luncheon of the season at The Grill on Main in Edgartown. Ruth Cronig Stiller and her daughter, Gayle Stiller, will speak about the history of the Jewish community and their influence on the Island. Besides a menu that includes traditional Jewish food, there will be klezmer music by Mark Hahn. Hopefully, his son, Sam, will play too; they are a terrific duo. Tickets are $25. For reservations call Leslie Clapp at 508 939-9440 or email mvcenter4living@gmail.com.

Saturday is also “Passport Day in the USA 2011” all day at the West Tisbury Library. Should you need a new passport or to renew an existing one, the library has forms and answers to your questions. If you didn’t know, members of the library staff are trained passport agents.

On April 11, the library will show a Monday Night Mystery Movie at 7 pm. “Witness for the Prosecution” is an Agatha Christie thriller starring Marlene Dietrich, Tyrone Power, and Charles Laughton. The movie is free and so is the popcorn.

Lorna Andrade sent an email about this summer’s Chilmark Flea Market. It will be held on Wednesdays and Saturdays beginning June 29.

Don’t forget the Annual Town Meeting at 7 pm on Tuesday, April 12, 7 pm, at the West Tisbury School. Town Election is on Thursday, April 14, noon to 8 pm, at the Public Safety Building.

A belated Happy Birthday to Nathaniel Haynes, who turned 16 on April 4.

One of the best presents my husband ever gave me is a bamboo rake with a foam-covered handle. I have worked blister-free for several years now, and am bereft at the condition of my dear old friend. It has about four tines remaining, the rest broken or totally gone. Mike got my rake at Cottle’s and has been asked to look for a replacement. I don’t know where Eddie found that rake, but I hope he can restock them soon. Very soon. Just a hint.