Town Column : Tisbury
By Kay Mayhew
Published: September 18, 2008
The Island has suffered a loss with the unexpected death of John Walter. He was one who could truly be described as a gentleman and a scholar. His writing will be missed along with his friendship and gently applied expertise. I only worked with him occasionally, but I miss him.
Someone asked me whether we still have turkeys. Oh, how I would love to say no. Unfortunately, the answer is still: that we endure many more turkeys in our yard than are healthy for man or beast. And they are producing young at an amazing rate. It is too bad that they do this faster than the neighborhood cats can kill them. The dogs, even big ones, seem to be afraid of them. Have you looked at how long the talons are on their feet? It is said their only natural enemy is a 1972 Oldsmobile. Haven't seen any of those lately though, at least not in my neighborhood.
I want to brag about my granddaughters. The three year-old has just started playing soccer. Her mom says there was a gaggle of three- and four-year-olds and 15 balls, but they all had a marvelous time. Even her little sister, at 18 months, found she could toddle all over the field and hide out quite safely in the goal.
Wouldn't you like to be more active with the Vineyard Haven Library? The Friends will hold their annual meeting on Monday at 1 pm. You are invited to learn more about what they do and join them. They can use help for the second annual Book & Bake sale on Monday, October 13. You can cook or donate books or just buy a lot. Call Elaine at 508-693-7614.
Emily Levett is the Library youth programs coordinator. She says that youngsters aged 5 and up will hear yoga stories and learn some postures with Jennifer Lyonnaise next Thursday from 3 to 4:30 pm. Then little ones aged 3 to 5 will enjoy yoga with Jennifer on Tuesday morning, September 30, at 11. The babies will still hear stories at 10 am.
Here is another opportunity to get rid of or buy more stuff. You know that recycled items make the best holiday gifts. The Senior Center is hosting a bazaar on Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. I understand there will be some unusual holiday items as well as new and used jewelry and vintage linens. Call 508-693-5661 for more information.
You can safely dispose of hazardous waste at the Edgartown transfer station on the Edgartown-West Tisbury Road this Saturday. You can even take in those little fluorescent bulbs that screw in. You know they are too dangerous to put in the regular trash. Get rid of the other dangerous stuff at the same time. The words danger, warning, toxic, corrosive, flammable, or poison identify products that may contain hazardous materials. And tossing them in your garbage can poison your own water. The collection is from 9 am to 2 pm on Saturday. Go toward the airport. After turning right onto the Edgartown-West Tisbury Road, take the first driveway on the left.
Don't forget Sunday's potluck to honor Eric Turkington on Sunday at the Ag Hall.
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out today to Hilda Illingworth. Friday belongs to Barbara Maciel. Jan Dorchester will be partying on Saturday. Monday the air will be full of celebrations for Trip Barnes and Ken Ward.
Wish the best on Monday to Lori Dorsey. Art Railton is marking number 93 this year, next Tuesday. Wednesday's people are Muriel Laverty, Judy Federowicz, Kathy Rogers, and Kenny Davey.
Heard on Main Street: I can't remember all the things that I've forgotten.
