Town Column : West Tisbury
By Hermine Hull
Published: October 16, 2008
It's been the perfect week, more or less, for my annual end-of-the-summer cold. The worst day, the day I wanted to die, coincided with on and off rain, perfect for sleeping on the sofa with my dog and a good book. The rest of the week was warm and sunny, warm enough and sunny enough to wear shorts and sit in the sun, soaking up vitamin D. I've made it sound idyllic, which it wasn't, but the worst is over, and Mike hasn't gotten my cold.
Meanwhile the skies have been unbelievable. They remind me of childhood afternoons, lying on my back looking up, making cloudy imaginings of dragons and foxes; they remind me of ninth grade Earth Science class, too: cirrus, cumulus, nimbus, stratus, and combinations thereof. What colors to mix together to paint those skies? That's the question now.
At the celebration for Alley's 150th anniversary, over 200 well-wishers were assembled to hear Colleen Morris read a poem written by West Tisbury's Poet Laureate Dan Waters, who was presiding over his booth at the final Artisans' Show of the summer season. Everyone said it was a fabulous party. Happy 150th, Alley's, and many happy returns.
"Artists for Obama" was a huge success, too. Leslie Baker called me around 5 o'clock Sunday afternoon to tell me they had totally sold out; the walls were empty. It had been a mob scene. "People were happy, excited, supportive, and grateful," she said. "Yes we can, and we did!" Leslie called all of us, needing more work for the second day of the sale. The artists were generous, patrons were generous. Most of all, Holly Alaimo of the Dragonfly Gallery and Alison Shaw of her eponymous-named gallery were more than generous. Artists, friends, spouses, and partners, all pitched in to help set up and man the event. Even Mary Reid, Holly and John's houseguest for the weekend, and Martha Adleman, their next door neighbor, were called into service. Julia Rappaport wrote a wonderful article. Thank you, everyone.
Henry Bassett drove up on his new, blue bicycle Sunday afternoon, accompanied by his father, Brian. They had come down the bike path behind the fire station, then out onto the road by the youth hostel. After our visit, they left to ride up along the Edgartown Road to the party at Alley's.
Earlier, I was surprised by a visit from Alex and Kate Salop with their children, Rachel and Joshua, here for the long weekend to stay with Alex's father, Bob. It was wonderful to see them all. Rachel was engrossed in a new toy catalogue; she was carefully noting possibilities in preparation for her up-coming fifth birthday on October 26. A highlight of the family visit was a trip to The Toy Box with Grandpa Bob and several rides on the Flying Horses. They left way too soon.
Mike's aunt, Rose Terrell, has arrived from San Jose, Calif., for a stay at the family's Joshua Slocum House. With her this time are her son and new daughter-in-law, Dana and Kimberly Terrell. There was a family dinner last Wednesday evening so everyone here would get to see Rose, Dana, and to welcome Kimberly into the family. They also celebrated Hannah Beecher's birthday, which was October 12.
Pretty soon it will be Halloween. The Charter School is planning their Ninth Annual Scarecrow Contest. This year's theme is "Marine Life." Anyone interested in participating, either as a business owner with a space to offer, or as a builder of the scarecrow itself, please call Paul Karasik at 508-693-9900.
There is a fabulous, enormous pumpkin gracing the entry to the West Tisbury Library. It was donated and delivered by Donny Mills. Thank you from everyone in town.
