Town Column : Tisbury
By Kay Mayhew
Published: April 23, 2009
One lonely clump of daffodils has bloomed in my yard, even though I planted over a hundred bulbs, thinking that skunks and deer don't like them. The turkeys avoid them, preferring crocus bulbs and blooms. Something obviously found the daffodil bulbs a yummy treat. But spring is coming anyway.
Every town meeting has its memorable moments. Our Chief of Police was well received. At his first approach to the microphone, the audience broke into applause. He asked, "If I'm so popular, why didn't you give me a new police car?"
On Tuesday night his requests were approved, including the well debated $5,000 for new chairs. The next evening he opened his statement by noting that the people of this town were so remarkably courteous and gracious. He said that everywhere in town he went, he was offered a chair.
Don't forget to vote on Tuesday. The polls will be open at the legion hall on William Street from 12 noon to 8 pm. At least one critical question needs your approval or several roads in town won't be repaired. Those at town meeting approved it, but now you need to say that it is okay with you.
There is always an element of confusion over what the selectmen have chosen to be approved to appear on the ballot. Some who went to town meeting only to vote for beer and wine have no clue what remains to be approved at the town election. Be there. Your vote is important.
This week you might ask, where has everyone gone? We do notice when the school children take their parents away for school break.
The temporary population decline became more apparent after several seasonal visitors came to open their houses, check out what's new in the shops, and sample offerings from the new chefs. Then they went home to return in another month or for an occasional weekend. This slow buildup to summer makes it easier for the rest of us.
Our neighbors are known for supporting Island causes, such as the Martha's Vineyard Cancer Support Group. This year's Evening Under the Stars fundraiser will be held at the new Mediterranean, formerly Lola's, on Thursday, May 14. In the spirit of these economic times, the support group realizes that for many of us our income has dropped. They ask for a donation if you cannot support the fundraiser. Their fine motto is "No one with cancer needs to be alone." Call 508-603-8296 or email quilt185@comcast.net for more information.
Year-round Islanders can purchase early bird subscriptions for any of the summer concerts of the Martha's Vineyard Chamber Music Society at nearly half price. $99 gets six concert tickets. This year, concerts will feature the Harlem String Quartet with its melding of jazz and classical works and the Eclipse String Quartet. Music lovers look forward to a new work by Gernot Wolfgang that salutes the Vineyard and New England. Order forms are available at Island libraries.
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out on Saturday to Alexandra Habekost. Wish the best on Tuesday to Melanie Jane Dickson. Wednesday belongs to John McCarthy.
Heard on Main Street: Remember, these April showers are promising the dandelions of summer.
