Town Column : West Tisbury
By Hermine Hull
Published: November 25, 2009
Earlier Sunday I sat in the Ag Hall, filled to capacity with admirers and memories of Polly Murphy, who died last week. Even before I moved to West Tisbury I knew of Polly Murphy; she wrote the West Tisbury column for the Vineyard Gazette. As Whit Griswold read aloud from some of those columns, I listened to her graceful prose, descriptions of the world she inhabited and observed. I aspire to the poetic turn of phrase she mastered so effortlessly.
After moving to town, I was privileged to know Polly and Stan and their family. There always seemed so much time. Stan's painting of Polly's head, turned slightly away from the viewer, is the most beautifully rendered portrait I have ever seen. Her laugh, rich and deep, will always sound in my heart. My most heartfelt sympathy to Chris, Laura, Kitty, David, their families, and all whose lives Polly enriched.
It's been more than 50 most days, warm even when rainy, perfect for working in the yard or walking on the beach. The colors of winter's landscape - maroon, violet-gray, rust, faded ochre - predominate. There have been years when there was snow for Thanksgiving, but this will not be one of them. I expect to be wearing just a sweater over my clothes when Mike and I take the dogs for their Thanksgiving walk.
Arthur and Julie Sierputoski and their children, Hartley and Jack, are spending the holiday in California, visiting Julie's sister, Jen, and her family. The children are excited to see their cousins, as it has been nine years since they have been together. After the day itself, their plans include surfing and touring the famous vineyards of Sonoma County. Thursday is also Julie's birthday, making for a double celebration.
Ruth Kirchmeier has been busy getting ready for the arrival of her son, Jacob, and her three siblings with their families. There will be non-stop activities, meals, and visits throughout the long weekend. Thanksgiving dinner will be at Susie and Joel Goldstein's.
Mike's cousin, Dan Hull, will be here for the weekend with his family. They arrive Thursday afternoon, just in time to join the rest of the family at our house at 5 o'clock. I am particularly sentimental about Thanksgiving this year. It is our niece, Charlotte's, 24th birthday. She won't be with us; she is busy with her own far-away life. Still, I treasure memories of her first Thanksgiving coming home from the hospital and all the Thanksgivings since. I wish she was sitting next to me at the table this year, too.
School, Town Hall, and the library are closed Thursday and Friday.
Wendy Weldon is opening her studio this Friday and Saturday. Art lovers may call for directions, 508-645-3199.
If you feel the need to run off some of your extra holiday calories, come to the MVRHS cross-country course on Saturday to register for the Kevin Johnson Scholarship 5K Race. Registration is from 8:30 to 10:30 am. The race begins at 11 am.
