On Saturday, three inches of rain were dumped on the island in two hours. At least one house fire was attributed to the storm, causing detours and road-blocks. Stories abound about wading across flooded parking lots and streets. Lagoon Pond Road was still under water hours later. Five Corners and Main Street looked as if a truck had dumped dirt and rocks all along the road.
But how about the Steamship Authority? Alex Campbell said he saw a potted plant being carried down Water Street by the heavy rains. The powerful storm of thunder and lightning was frightening, especially so for Karen Murphy who voices a healthy respect for lightning. A bright ball of lightning exploded with a flash near the dock as she ran through the downpour and up the passenger ramp to the ferry. She and her daughter, Brandy Chalifoux, enjoyed their day off island — and the fact that the storm was over by the time they landed.
Kate Feiffer, the author of “My Mom is Trying to Ruin My Life,” is happy to announce that Tisbury School students Samuel Graber-Hahn and Sophia McCarron and Charter School students Ciara and James Seccombe all have roles in a play based on this book. The play was adapted by artistic director MJ Bruder Munafo of the Vineyard Playhouse. Performances at the Playhouse are open to the public on Friday and Saturday this weekend and next at 7 pm. There also will be daytime performances for Vineyard schools. Kate assures me that this show is good for kids age 5 and up and for mothers of all ages.
The Windemere benefit auction is tomorrow from 6 to 8 pm at the Ag Hall. Proceeds fund trips and treats for residents such as outings to Grace Church for lobster rolls and to see the Minnesingers, Community Chorus, and plays. Windemere hosts entertainers, exercise classes, and other events that keep the residents involved in the community. You can bid on a trip to France, a quilt or blanket chest, all for no admission fee. Enjoy sweets, hors d’oeuvres, and wine. The incomparable Trip Barnes is auctioneer.
Did you know that the lighthouse challenge is this Saturday? See all five lighthouses on the Island between 10 am and 4 pm. You can find details at mvy.com or stop by the Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $15 or $25 for a family.
If you are interested in flower photography, join the members of the M.V. Garden Club next Tuesday at 1 pm at the Old Mill in West Tisbury. Artist Nancy Noble Gardiner will present a program on flower photography. Refreshments follow the program which costs $5 for guests. For more information, call 508-693-5334.
You only have ten more days to enjoy the Library Art Show which continues during regular hours at the Vineyard Haven Library. Take the time to enjoy these works of 22 local artists.
Help your neighbors help themselves. Your tax-deductible contribution to VCOH (Vineyard Committee on Hunger) for CSA shares at Whippoorwill Farm will be matched by the FARM. Checks payable to VCOH, PO Box 4685 should have W Farm-CSA on the memo line. For more call 508-693-5995.
Congratulations to all of our graduates, especially those from our town. Your neighbors and friends are all very proud of you. We wish you all interesting adventures and exciting futures.
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out today to Cody Chandler and Ruth Stiller. Tomorrow belongs to Florence Koster. Celebrate Flag Day and Madeline Fisher’s birthday on Monday by displaying your flag. Happy birthday to Fredrick Nash on Tuesday.
This week’s final comment comes from U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk of Illinois. I think it sounds more like a five-year-old than a Congressman. And I had to share it with you: “I simply misremembered it wrong.”
