Town Column : West Tisbury
By Hermine Hull
Published: December 10, 2009
We heard the first snowfall of the season Saturday night. More like sleet, it hit heavily on the roof outside our bedroom, where Mike and I were reading, tucked under warm blankets. I ran downstairs to get the cat inside. Sunday morning, there was ice on the steps and in crevices of shingles, but none on the ground where it was still too warm. This week, the predictions call for wind, more snow, and colder temperatures. Finally, the winter weather we have all been expecting.
I love this time of year, the excitement and anticipation of the holidays, cold air on my cheeks during a brisk walk, then in to build the fire and have a warming cup of tea. Turtlenecks and scarves, soft sweaters, worn corduroys, thick wool socks, all cozy and wonderful. Lights twinkle in windows, brightening the dark evenings. Holiday displays make driving or walking at night a treat.
Jessica Estrella waved at me as I drove by the intersection of Old County and State roads last week. She and her family were stringing lights on the ever-taller tree at that spot, an annual tradition. It looks more perfect than ever, welcoming all home from down-Island.
Kenny Mastromonico and Bob Hennessey decorated Station 1 last weekend. Colored lights defined the roof and a little tree drawn along the sidewall with leftover lights. Station 2 is decorated, too, ready to welcome Santa to West Tisbury this Sunday, Dec. 13, at 1 pm. Come with all your secret wishes.
Join your neighbors for our Annual Town Party tonight, 5 to 8 pm, at the Ag Hall. Tom Vogl and Katherine Long are roasting hams and turkeys; guests bring the rest.
Vickie Thurber has bedecked the farmstand behind Alley's with an array of gift possibilities. She is raising money for the Rising Tide Therapeutic Equestrian Center. Hours are 10 am to 6 pm daily through Sunday, Dec. 13.
Chanukah begins Friday, Dec. 11, at sunset. The service at the Hebrew Center celebrating Sabbath, and Chanukah is the most beautiful of the year, held by the candlelight of menorahs brought from home by the congregation. All are welcome to come, to sing, to share.
This weekend is also Christmas in Edgartown. There are events Island-wide for all to enjoy. West Tisbury's Plum Hill Preschool is hosting an Elves' Faire at the Federated Church in Edgartown. Build a gingerbread house, make a snow globe, decorate candles, watch a puppet show, or just come for a snack. The fair lasts all day Saturday, December 12, 10 am to 4 pm.
The Minnesingers will perform three concerts at the Old Whaling Church: Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 4 and 8 pm. Tickets are on sale in town at Alley's or from Deborah Mayhew. Children are $10; adults are $15.
Friday, Dec. 11, at 5 pm, there will be a Winter Concert with Erik Lieblein at the West Tisbury Library. On Saturday, you can make shining stars all day at the craft table or come at 4 o'clock to hear Joanne Scott's latest talk in the health and wellness series, "Marijuana: Facts & Myths." The library's holiday party will be Tuesday afternoon, Decenber 15, at 4 pm. It will feature all the annual traditions: greens for making decorations, the Dunkl's special music, Nelia's fabulous candies, homemade treats by the rest of us, and the happiness of the season with friends. Wednesday afternoon at four, there will be a reception for Artist-of-the-Month Marsha Winsryg. Marsha will talk about her trip to Italy and her egg-tempera landscapes.
"I'll talk about what I do. It's not a traditional use of the medium," she says.
Saturday, December 12, will be the last Artisans' Fair of the season. Hours are 10 am to 4 pm at the Grange. If you miss it, several participants are also exhibiting at the Holiday Shop, this year at the former Dukes County Bank on Main Street in Vineyard Haven.
At the Ag Hall, from 10 am to 2 pm, the second Winter Farmer's Market will offer eggs, greens, frozen Island meet, winter vegetables, homemade dog biscuits, Beth's and Orange Peel bakeries, jams, jellies, and mustards.
Although already well known, Connie Breese, John Pavlik, and their son Nolan, are official town residents, having moved into the home on Pine Hill Road they have built themselves.
"It's not quite finished yet. John's trimming windows as we speak," said Connie.
I didn't have the heart to tell her that carpenters' houses are never quite finished, especially in West Tisbury, where Dick Burt told me it was written into our building bylaws. A safe, warm, unfinished home is still fine to live in. I wish you health and happiness in yours. Connie is keeping her veterinary practice, Sea Breeze, in her office on State Road next to Up-Island Automotive.
Happiest birthday wishes to Josie Merry, who turned five on December 7.
Happy birthday, also, to my fellow West Tisbury columnist, John Alley, who turned an undisclosed age on December 4.
Having written so glowingly about outdoor displays around town, I guess it's time to head down cellar to bring up our lights and get busy.
P.S.: Please take a moment to vote for our Animal Shelter of M.V. at care2.com/ animalsheltercontest/. The winner could win $10,000. Help our shelter win.
