Town Column : Tisbury
By Kay Mayhew
Published: November 25, 2009
This is the time to give thanks for so many of our blessings. Not the least among these are good friends and neighbors. My husband and I are especially grateful for the loving care taken by a special neighbor Nate Whitaker and his friend Robert Grover. They cleaned out our gutters, a necessary chore we can no longer do.
Congratulations to the Rev. Judy Campbell. Her writing group is delighted with the news that her first novel will be published in the spring of 2010.
Are you planning a big dinner on Thanksgiving? The Pilgrims entertained a hundred native Americans at the first harvest dinner. And these guests brought five fresh killed deer for this festive potluck.
Children of all ages will be happy to hear that Maribeth Priore has arranged for "The Wizard of Oz" to be shown at the Capawock Theatre on Friday at 2 pm. Admission is one can of non-perishable food for the Island Food Pantry. (You should not have to be told not to bring outdated items.) Hope to see you along the yellow brick road.
If you need to run off all those calories from turkey and pumpkin pie, here is your chance. Join the 5K for KJ on Saturday morning at the high school. It is a benefit for the Regional High School scholarship fund for seniors attending college. Register in the gym from 8:30 to 10:30 am. Signs will direct you to the right place. The cost is $20 for one and $60 for a family of four. The race begins at 11 am on the cross-country course through the state forest.
This weekend you are offered photographs and memories of Vineyard veterans of World War II. An opening program will be held at the Federated Church parish hall from 3 to 5 pm. Guest speakers include Ted Morgan, Betty Honey, Hector Asselin, and Meverell Good. The program will be followed by a reception and the unveiling of the exhibit at the Martha's Vineyard Museum. The program is free to members, $10 for non-members.
Need some cash? Make an appointment now to have your antiques appraised at the annual Appraisal Day. Experts from Skinner Auctioneers will tell you all about your treasures from 9 am to 3 pm on December 5 at the Martha's Vineyard Museum. You can also make arrangements for Skinner to sell the items. Call 508-627-4441.
The PeaceCraft Holiday Shop at Pyewacket's will sell crafts and gifts from third world cooperatives including Haitian metalwork. All proceeds benefit the needy in those third world countries. Volunteers are needed daily until Christmas. Call Margaret at 508-693-0368 or Meg at 508-951-8106.
Congratulations to our Vineyard Haven Public Library and to Director Amy Ryan. Only 13 libraries in our state are named as "stars" and three are on the Island. Congratulations also to West Tisbury and Oak Bluffs. Stars are rated on circulation, visits, program attendance, and public Internet use. In other words, our neighbors are making good use of these libraries.
See you Tuesday evening at 7 pm for more Paul Newman at the library. In this Oscar-winning movie, Paul plays one of his best-loved roles as the loner who won't or can't bend to the rules of his captivity as a convict. Strother Martin taunts Luke with the now-legendary line, "What we've got here is...a failure to communicate."
Next Wednesday is your chance to meet the Executive Director of the Island Affordable Housing Fund. Ewell Hopkins will be at the library to discuss current issues with you at 5:30 pm.
Do you have a little one, on or off-Island, who would enjoy a phone call from Santa? Karen Achille says it only costs $5, but you have to go to Oak Bluffs to arrange it. The call is a fundraiser for the Council on Aging. Parents or grandparents must go to the Senior Center before December 10. You speak to Rose, fill out an information sheet, and pay the money. Calls will be made from 4 to 7 pm weekdays in mid-December.
Our town meeting went well. Now it is up to you, the voters. While Margaret Wolontis did point out that our recession is due to people buying more than they could afford, our town officials assure us that this is the best time to borrow money. Besides, we do need the facility. If you're not sure, talk to someone who went to town meeting or to a town emergency worker. It won't happen unless you vote for it. Don't forget to vote on December 8.
Heard on Main Street: Watch out for turkeys running wild.
