Town Column : Tisbury
We are sorry to tell you that Robert MacInnis left the Island last Sunday. He is 93 years old and will miss many of the friends he has made here. He first came to the Island in 1929 with his parents, James and Frances MacInnis, and was living on Hines Point. He will be living temporarily in Florida.
Our very best wishes go out today to Betty Burton. She is suffering from the effects of an accident, and her energy and activities are very limited right now.
The annual Small Wonders Holiday Show is open at the Louisa Gould Gallery. The show runs until January. See new works by Ovid Osborn Ward, Marjorie Mason, Ed Cohen, Debi Gero, John Holladay, Donna Blackburn, Gail Rodney, Louisa Gould, Jeanne Campbell, James Murray, Maya Farber, and Gray Park. Meet the artists on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, from 5 to 7 pm.
I am pleased to announce that author John R. Sundman III has published his third novel. His science fiction depicts the role of technology as a destructive force and threats posed by socio-religious cults in a global culture linked by the Internet. Sundman's new novel, "The Pains," focuses on faith in a world that appears to be falling apart. It is the story of Norman Lux, a 24-year-old novitiate in a religious order, who becomes afflicted with something akin to stigmata. For a limited time, the book is available free for download: wetmachine.com/ThePains/index.html
A craft sale by African artists will be held at the charter school in West Tisbury on Friday from 10 am to 4 pm. There will be Tuareg silver jewelry, Ghanian patchwork cloth, Zambian baskets, Tanzanian Kanga cloth, and hand-carved wooden bowls and animals. Your Christmas presents can help Africans feed their families and send their children to school.
Sometimes you find the most wonderful ideas at a holiday bazaar. This Friday and Saturday shop the Holiday Bazaar at the Tisbury Senior Center from 9 am to 1 pm. Also visit the NAACP Bazaar from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday at the Oak Bluffs School.
Next Monday is December, so those snowflakes were not kidding. Celebrate the new month with a delightful Music Appreciation Hour called "Surprises Abound!" Musicologist Charles Blank will demonstrate how Schubert, Beethoven and Stravinsky were pranksters. You won't have an afternoon nap at this one. The program begins at 1:30 pm at the Tisbury Senior Center.
Did you miss seeing "Zeb"? This documentary about Captain Zeb Tilton is based on Polly Burrough's book, "Zeb, Celebrated Schooner Captain of Martha's Vineyard." The film will be shown at the Cornell Theatre a week from Friday, on December 5, at 8 pm. You want to see this compelling story not only of Zeb Tilton and his friends but also of the significant changes from sail to motorized power made during his lifetime. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Mark your calendars now: the annual Holly Day Fair will be at Grace Church on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 am to 2 pm. The delicious luncheon - served with holiday flair and featuring the famous mini lobster rolls - will seat and serve from 11 am to 1 pm. There is something for everyone: scrumptious baked goods, a White Elephant gifts table, Island handmade crafts and knitwear, fresh centerpieces and door swags, and a children's room for the little ones to shop and wrap.
Also a week from Saturday, on Dec. 6, is Appraisal Day at the M.V. Museum in Edgartown from 9 am to 3 pm. Professional antique appraisers will tell you about your treasures and even arrange to sell them for you. Call 508-627-4441 to reserve your time. Then on the 13th, there will be a sale of costume jewelry at the museum.
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out today to Chris Chandler. He has a special place in my heart because he tried his best to keep those big fat turkeys off our roof. Sunday belongs to Adam Rogers and Joseph P. Canha. Wish the best on Monday to Porter Fraser. David Grey celebrates on Wednesday.
Heard on Main Street: Count your blessings. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving.
