Short Subjects
The Katama three
The Vineyard Haven Public Library's Tuesday Evening Lecture Series continues on October 28, at 7 pm, with the Katama Trio. Formed in 2005, the Martha's Vineyard-based, semi-professional chamber ensemble performs music of the baroque and early classical periods. The group is cellist Jan Hyer, alto recorder player Matt Pelikan, and keyboard player Joan Solomon. The free performance will feature three sonatas by Telemann, Galliard, and Mancini. A reception will follow. For more information, call 508-696-4211.
Duo at Woods Hole folk fest
The Woods Hole Folk Music Society continues its 37th concert series on Sunday, Nov. 2, with a performance by the singing duo Kim and Reggie Harris. For decades, the Philadelphia-based pair has inspired audiences of all ages with their historically informed and educational music. While they draw their repertoire from folk, blues, spiritual, and gospel traditions, both are experienced and innovative songwriters. The concert will take place at 7:30 pm in the Community Hall on Water Street. During the bridge replacement, follow detour signs or cross the pedestrian bridge. Tickets are $15; $12 for members, $10 for youth; $5 for children under 12; $1 discount for students. For more information, call 508-540-0320.
Scenes of fall at Felix Neck
Justen Walker, Education coordinator at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, led a small group of walkers along colorful trails last Saturday to view the changing foliage. As she guided walkers down the Old Farm Road trail past the observation blind, she pointed out bittersweet, with its bright yellow leaves, and the deep orange/red of the poison ivy. She explained that the color of the poison ivy signals migrating birds that a meal of tasty berries lies beneath. Ms. Walker described this as foliar fruit flagging, a means of plant propagation.
The group passed an old beetlebung tree with bright red foliage, a stand of sassafras trees with their various shaped leaves, now a mottled yellow, and autumn olive, chokeberry, and bayberry. Many walkers stopped to taste beach plums, but the bitter fruit is much tastier when made into jam.
As the small group looped back on Sassafras Trail, past Turtle Pond to the Nature Center, they admitted to feeling a little wiser and energized after their walk in the brisk fall air.
Photos by Susan Safford
Sunday opera continues
Come see Vincenzo Bellini's two-act opera, "Norma," at 2 pm, on October 26, the next installment of the Sunday opera series at the Capawock Theatre in Vineyard Haven. The famous opera is regarded as the supreme height of the Bel Canto tradition. The title role is one of the most difficult in the soprano repertoire and includes the aria "Casta Diva." This 2008 production from Teatro Comunale di Bologna marked international star soprano Daniela Dessi's long-awaited debut in the title role. Adults are $20; seniors and high school students $18. For details, call 508-627-6689.
Photos by Lynn Christoffers
A pressing time
Last Friday, fourth graders from the West Tisbury School visited the home of Sarah Vail, who has an antique apple press dated 1892.
"It's been in our family for about 50 years, and when my parents bought it, it was already 50 years old," says Ms. Vail.
Ms. Vail has children in first and fourth grade, and each year she invites their classes to her home to make cider.
"We use Island-grown apples, and we also use pears," says Ms. Vail. "Some years there's not any apples, but there always seems to be native pears. We drive down the road this time of year with our heads looking up, and we knock on the door. People are usually thrilled to have us take their apples."
The fabric of life
Last Saturday, The Clark House Inn and The Heath Hen sponsored their annual Knitting and Quilting Show, held at the inn. First place and Best in Show in the quilting category went to frequent Island visitor Dr. Leslie Howard. Off-Islander Donna Saiia took first place for her knitted blanket, and Marion Burke of the Oak Bluffs Campground took Best in Show in the knitted category.
Photos by Danielle Zerbonne
