What’s better than the library being open on Sundays? Winter hours, 1 to 5 pm, commenced this past Sunday. I saw Sam Decker and Julianna Healy there, and the three of us enjoyed a good conversation that ranged from Sam’s recent marriage, his restaurant and his life in Mexico, Julianna’s and my comparison of outdoor painting sites, art books, and the Degas exhibition at the MFA we both look forward to attending.
The first Winter Farmers’ Market will take place this Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Ag Hall. Linda Alley expects more than 20 vendors to participate. A hot lunch will be served in front of the fireplace. Sounds like a pleasant place to spend part of a fall day.
Weekly church suppers will be served in the Baylies Room of the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown, beginning October 24 at 5 pm. It’s free and a great place to meet your friends. Other Island churches will begin their supper schedule soon. West Tisbury’s begin in January, and will be held every Wednesday through March.
The 40th annual Harvest Supper will be held at the Stone Church in Vineyard Haven this Saturday evening, October 22. Seatings are at 5 and 6:45 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for children under 12. Call 508-693-1608 or 508-693-4424 for reservations.
The Island Food Pantry is open for the winter. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 2 to 4 pm, at the Stone Church in Vineyard Haven.
Deborah and Chris Cini are proud new parents of a son, Gunnar Richard Lee Cini. Gunnar was born October 5, a bit premature, so he is still in the Continuing Care Unit at Jordan Hospital. His mom says he’s eating and “doing great” at almost five pounds. His name means “strong warrior,” a nod to Deb’s Swedish heritage. He sounds aptly named. His parents can’t wait to have him home. Welcome to Gunnar, West Tisbury’s newest resident.
Sarah Murphy and Greg Barron stopped by earlier this afternoon. They arrived at the Murphy’s Music Street house in a somewhat circuitous route from their home outside London. The trip began from England to Boston, where they intended to put their daughter, Katherine, on a train for Exeter, N.H., and proceed to the Vineyard. They were informed that Katherine couldn’t board the train by herself, being under the age of 14. Sarah accompanied her daughter to Exeter on the train, while Greg set off to the Island. Sarah joined him later in the evening. They had time for a couple of beach walks at Hancock, despite the windy weekend, and a night together, before Greg set off to meet Katherine in Exeter to begin a tour of American schools. Sarah leaves on Wednesday, heading for Greenwich, Conn., where the family will meet up, see Greg’s family, and continue their travels together. Nice to see them even for a moment.
Scarecrows are beginning to appear around town. Literary scarecrows, to be exact. It’s not too late to participate, so call Paul Karasik, 508-693-4059, for information about the Martha’s Vineyard Charter School’s Annual Scarecrow Festival.
The Fall Reading Series continues Thursday afternoons at the library. Martha’s Vineyard Writer’s Residency writers read and discuss their work at 5:30 pm.
A new Speakeasy Series of Authors’ Talks begins on October 26, 5:30 pm, at State Road Restaurant. Geraldine Brooks, author of “Caleb’s Crossing,” will be the first speaker. The three-program series is a benefit for the Library Foundation. Tickets are $300 for the series. Tony Horwitz will be the featured author in November; poets Jennifer Tseng and Fanny Howe in January 2012. A feast for the intellect, wonderful things to eat, and fundraising for the library — a winning combination. Carol Brush is in charge. Call her at 508-693-3489.
Next Thursday, Oct. 27, is Octoberfeast @ Flatbread Company, a benefit for the West Tisbury School PTO. There will be pizza, a carved pumpkin contest (bring your carved pumpkin and a $5 entry fee,) raffle baskets, and a haunted house.
Happiest birthday wishes go to Reed Cabot, who will turn two on October 24.
Usually I like my dog-walking time to be a solitary pursuit, just Talley and me. It’s time to think my thoughts, compose paintings at every step, be quietly connected to my beloved dog. Last week, I took Talley for an unexpectedly more social outing. We ran into Ann Howes going in one direction and Ann Burt in the other. Fun to catch up with them, as well as to give Talley a little reminder of nice manners when I’m talking with someone.
Mona Rosenthal has joined the ranks of West Tisbury dog owners. She adopted three-month old Chaka Coh’n, a terrier mix, from Petfinder.com. She said she just looked at that face and was in love. That’s how it happens. Chaka is Mona’s constant companion, going to work with her every day at MVOL.
