Town Column : West Tisbury
I'm looking at an upbeat column this week. The sun is shining, we have had a decent amount of rain over the past week, there are lots of happy events to report, we are heading into the holidays, and as a friend pointed out at a dinner party last night, if we are having a nationwide economic depression we are better able to weather it here on the Vineyard with our more self-sufficient lifestyles than people in other parts of the country. My darling Tallulah is at my feet as she always is and all is right with my world.
The cemetery and the Veterans Memorial looked so nice for the Veterans Day holiday. I especially liked the double row of flags along the entrance to the cemetery. The pear trees did their part, looking patriotic with bright red leaves above the red, white, and blue flags.
There were lots of things happening around town over the weekend. Scarlet and Rex Jarrell opened their new yoga barn with a party that included yoga classes and circle painting. Jeff Serusa opened his new gallery in Vineyard Haven. The library held several events, all very successful. The Willy Mason concert on Saturday attracted more than 150 people who enjoyed the music and took out books besides. There was a gathering of poets and appreciators on Sunday that was also well-attended. Abigail Higgins gave a talk about vegetable gardening at the Ag Hall Sunday afternoon. I heard it was wonderful, and I'm sorry I didn't know about it beforehand, but I am looking forward to the next one.
By the way, when you are at the library, please notice our new copper lanterns by the entrance. They are beautiful and really enhance the look of the building. They were made and installed last week by Billy Hoff, "The Lamplighter," as a gift to our library. Many thanks from everyone who will enjoy them.
I had the pleasure of meeting Eamon Hawksbee and got the nicest smile. He is the newest of Nancy and Matt's three children. Everyone was at Cronig's Sunday afternoon.
There is lovely news from Don and Betsy MacDonald. Their son, Chris, and his wife, Emily, have a new baby girl named Daphne Evelyn. She was born on November 14 in Walla Walla, Wash. It seems like not that long ago I was reporting the birth of Cooper MacDonald, but Betsy tells me that he is already two and a half. Hopefully, they will get back to the Vineyard next summer. Meanwhile, Betsy is looking forward to a trip to Washington over the winter to see Cooper and to meet her new granddaughter.
There are lots of birthdays and anniversaries to celebrate. Bob Maciel Sr.'s birthday was November 2; he was treated to a belated birthday lunch at the airport by his wife, Barbara. Lyn Hinds and Nancy Furino, two friends from Edgartown, have had birthdays recently, and lovely lunches where they were the featured guests. Tara Larsen had a busy birthday attending yard sales with her mother, who is visiting from Florida, and having a special dinner with her husband, Steven. Tara and Steven will celebrate their wedding anniversary this Saturday, Nov. 22. November 19 is a family birthday for Hunter Athearn and his Uncle John, who share the day. Wishes for much happiness to you all.
There is also very good news to report on the progress of McCaull Reid, who continues to recover at a New Hampshire rehab hospital. Last Wednesday night he prepared linguini and clam sauce for his father's dinner. Douglas proclaimed him "once again Chef McCaull." We are all thrilled.
Charlie and Teena Parton will be here for the Thanksgiving holiday, staying with Glen and Marcella Provost. While on the Island, the West Tisbury Library is opening specially on Friday afternoon, November 28 at 4 pm, for Charlie to speak about his new book, "The Fork Once Taken." Between 1963 and 1965, Charlie served in the Peace Corps in North Borneo. This book is a memoir of his experiences. Currently, Charlie continues to serve on the Peace Corps National Advisory Board. He said the Peace Corps will mark its 50th anniversary in 2011 and has a goal of doubling their number of volunteers by that time. Everyone who knew the Partons when they lived here will remember what an engaging and gracious fellow Charlie is and how typical of him is the following quote, "The Peace Corps more than ever promotes a form of diplomacy to go into countries asking what do you need? What would you like us to do for you?" It will be great to see him and to hear his stories once again.
Have a good week. I know everyone is busy getting ready for Thanksgiving, coming or going, expecting guests. I would love to have your news for the column. Please call 508-693-2525, email hrmhull@comcast.net, or catch me around town. Thanks.
