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Friday, May 24, 2013

By Hermine Hull
Published: June 11, 2009

Two Sundays ago when Mike and I were coming home from breakfast, we saw an ambulance in Alice Scott's driveway across the street from us. We were sorry to hear on Monday afternoon that Mrs. Scott had died. I didn't know her well, but will always think of her as I pass by the magnificent cherry tree in her front yard and the most spectacular forsythia hedge I have ever seen. Condolences to her family and friends.

Later Monday afternoon I learned that Lorna Flanders died early that morning, quietly at home as she had wished. She was buried Tuesday afternoon at Abel's Hill Cemetery in a simple pine casket made by her grandson, Myles Thurlow, surrounded by flowers, music, family and friends, and the briefest moments of sunshine of the entire week. "Take what you get and make the best of it," Janet Holladay reminded us. It was a favorite comment of Lorna's and a good bit of advice with which to remember her. Condolences to all who loved her.

Linda Hearn has volunteered at the Polly Hill Arboretum for some time now, so it was with great anticipation that Leslie Baker and I set off on a tour with Linda last Wednesday morning. It was interesting to learn about the history of Barnard's Inn Farm, and to hear about up-coming plans. Rhododendrons are in their glory. Japanese maples and magnolias are astounding. Kousa dogwoods are just beginning to bloom. The Polly Hill azalea hybrids will be coming into flower for some time now, as many bloom quite late into July. Looking at it as an artist, I am always impressed by the design on a grand scale and the small vignettes that delight the eye up close. Linda told us that soon there will be a horticultural library available to the public. We are all so lucky to have this resource just along the road.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Jean Wexler on June 12, Hallie Mentzel on the 13th, and Leslie Baker on the 17th.

Should you be looking for a reason to clean out your basement and have it do some good for the community, Hospice of Martha's Vineyard will be having a flea market on Saturday, June 27. They are looking both for vendors and donations. Call Hospice at 508-693-0189 or visit their website, hospiceofmvm.org.

The Martha's Vineyard Hebrew Center's online auction site is up and running for the summer. Sally Cohn did a fabulous job cataloguing the hundreds of items available for bid or sale. Take a look at mvhc.cmarket.com.

Dick Barbieri stopped by on his way to the library with six boxes of books for our up-coming book sale in July. Donations are always welcome and may be dropped off anytime during library hours.

Jen Rand called to alert everyone that, beginning June 15, North Road will be closed to through traffic while it is being resurfaced. It will take approximately three days, so adjust your route accordingly. If you have questions, call Jen at Town Hall: 508-696-0102, or the Police Station: 508-693-0020.

This coming Monday afternoon, June 15, at 5 pm, the Congregational Church Bell Choir will perform at the West Tisbury Library. Selections from Handel, Bartok, and other original pieces will make up the program. Refreshments will be served and the program is free. Should you want to make an evening of it, stay for the movie. "Life with Father," starring Elizabeth Taylor, begins at 7 pm. Or bring your knitting to the weekly In Stitches group, also at 7 pm. Or just settle in to read a good book. There is nowhere better to be.

Arnold Rabin just called to say that he and Sydell have arrived and settled into their home on Tiah's Cove Road for the summer. I love these phone calls and visits from my summer friends as the season begins. I love the hugs and catching up with each other's news, planning walks and dinners together. It is part of the rhythm of life on the Vineyard, the busy summer days and nights of long light.