Town Column : West Tisbury
By Hermine Hull
Published: October 2, 2008
Many years ago when Mike and I were first married and building our house, we were sitting outside on our porch one evening looking out at our as yet un-landscaped yard. I turned to my husband and asked him, "When you look out here what do you want to see?" He sat quietly for a few moments, then replied, "Katama Bay."
Looking out our windows this morning, I guess I have come as close as I ever will to achieving a waterfront view. The driveway had disappeared, there were puddles across most of the lawn, shrubs rose from watery depths. Talley and Murphy stood at the door, looking with dismay at the thought of getting their paws wet should they venture outside. The rain poured down in sheets.
We were fortunate that the weekend's rain didn't dampen spirits at Saturday's Harvest Festival and Farmers' Market. The Ag Hall was packed with interesting exhibits and displays. Loads of people were there, both inside and out. The potluck dinner featured the always wonderful combination of good food and good company, both of which West Tisbury has in abundance.
Tom and Suellen Knight stopped by the gallery Saturday afternoon with Susan Peterson, their houseguest for the weekend. Susan was visiting from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. They had already covered the Ag Hall inside and out, then stopped in on their way home to pick up a painting I had done for them of Sepiessa with their dog, Nereus, and my Talley on the path in the foreground.
A retrospective exhibition of artist Ann Howes's work will be held at Featherstone from October 4 through 8. Ann is a member of both the American Watercolor Society and the National Watercolor Society. It will be a treat to see such a broad representation of Ann's work and so many scenes that will be familiar. Everyone is invited to the opening reception on October 5, from 4 to 6 pm.
Pierce Kirby celebrated his birthday this past Saturday with a party attended by friends and relatives, many who traveled here from off Island, some who came from right down the street. Happy birthday.
Happy birthday wishes, too, to Megan Mendenhall on September 29 and her mother, Kathy Logue, on October 4. Julie Kimball had a birthday on September 30. Jessica Collins had a family party for her birthday on September 28 in Rockport, attended by her grandmother, Linda Hearn. I hope everyone has/had a special day.
The Town Hall Renovation Committee invites everyone to a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 3:30 pm. Bring your shovel if you choose. The invitation has a wonderful old photograph of the town hall in its earlier incarnation as Dukes County Academy, tuition $2.50 per term for regular "English education," $3.50 for languages. Extra parking for the event is at the Grange Hall, courtesy of the Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust.
I was feeling badly after sending in my column last week that I singled out some people for recognition and didn't commend the whole Town Hall staff. The move has taken an incredible amount of planning, packing, and unpacking, not to mention the stress. Kathy Logue chastised me, and rightly so, for not mentioning that Bruce Stone worked long hours through the weekend and that everyone at town hall did a great job. Thank you all.
Coming up on Columbus Day weekend is "Artists for Obama," at the Dragonfly Gallery in Oak Bluffs. The event, organized by West Tisbury artist Leslie Baker, is an exhibition of work donated by Island artists to support the Obama/Biden ticket. Everyone is welcome to attend the show on Sunday, Oct. 12, from 3 to 7 pm, and Monday, Oct. 13, from 2 to 6 pm. Artwork is available for a minimum $100 donation to the campaign, checks only. It feels like a wonderful way for us to participate and prove that we can all be part of Barack Obama and Joe Biden's message that together, large and small, we can work to make a difference in our country.
On another note, I have two sad losses to our community to report. Friday night, West Tisbury fire and rescue crews were called out to a plane crash on Nip and Tuck Lane. Condolences to the family of David Willey, who died in the crash.
On Sunday, I learned that Brian Ruddick died in his sleep after a long illness. Brian was a familiar and knowledgeable presence at the West Tisbury Library for many years. He returned to his family in Cleveland several months ago and kept in touch with many of his Island friends. Condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.
