West Tisbury

0

Smoke wafted out of chimneys as woodstoves were heated up once again for a few cold, damp nights at the beginning of the week. Then it turned dry, sunny, and gorgeous for the weekend. Perfect weather for haying and picnics.

The smell of mown hayfields, rows cut and tedded, made driving and walking around town a treat for the senses. I suppose it’s only a matter of time before somebody’s neighbors decide they don’t like it and haying will no longer be allowed in West Tisbury. I am told there are already neighborhoods where it is illegal to put out a clothesline in your yard.

Meanwhile, I have to make time to visit Melissa Manter’s 19 baby goats capering merrily around her barnyard. She was full of entertaining stories about their antics. More are expected, so stay tuned.

The cygnets in the Mill Pond continue to grow. Still fuzzy gray, they are about half the size of their parents now, showing elegant necks and the promise of becoming beautiful swans. Everyone I know slows down to count them. All seven are still there. They have recently been joined by a mallard family with five ducklings.

June is also the height of strawberry season. Peter and Peggy Yoars are in charge of the Strawberry Festival at the West Tisbury Church next Saturday, June 23. The best strawberry shortcakes, sundaes, and smoothies will be served from noon to 4.

Lambert’s Cove Beach stickers go on sale this Saturday at the shed at the West Tisbury School. The shed is open daily from 9 am to noon; also 4 to 7 pm on Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Stickers are $50 for the season or $10 for a walk-on pass.

This Saturday, June 16, at 11 am, Herb Gardens is the topic of the weekly lecture at Vineyard Gardens. I was there the other day admiring Denga’s display herb garden, now at its peak, and even bought two flats of germander to try to bring some order to the squares in my kitchen herb garden. Our golden retriever, Nanuk, has already begun digging them up for me.

Congratulations to Caroline Flanders, who graduated Magna Cum Laude from law school on June 1. Caroline has been traveling back and forth between home and school for the past two years, a yeoman effort bringing her two children with her to her mom’s during the school week, then home to Frank on the weekends. It’s been tough, but she mastered her studies and attendant challenges with fortitude and good grace. She will be studying to take the bar exam in late July and enjoying time at home and the beach with Frank, Jean, and Oscar. We’re all so proud of you, Caroline.

Debby Athearn and Jennifer Haynes both celebrate their birthdays on June 12. June 17 is Leslie Baker’s birthday; we have already planned our painting-and-lobster roll outing, what we do together on our birthdays.

Jim Powell has returned from a 6,000-mile road trip fundraising for the Romney campaign, both at Republican headquarters in Boston and at campaign call centers in a dozen primary states. A highlight was attending the grand opening of Romney for President Campaign Headquarters in Bedford, New Hampshire, where Jim was photographed with the candidate’s son and grandson, Tagg and Joe Romney.

Closer to home, Sharon Britton and Stephanie Houghton are organizing volunteers to work to elect Elizabeth Warren as Senator from Massachusetts. Call Sharon, 508-696-8823, or Stephanie, 508-685-5411, if you would like to be involved. Keep the date: Elizabeth Warren will be speaking at the Whaling Church on July 1, 2-5 pm.

Habitat for Humanity could use some extra volunteers at their West Tisbury home site, 50 Bailey Park, on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer. This weekend, projects include roofing and installing windows. If interested, call 508-696-4646.

Pat Waring attended her class reunion at Wellesley College last week. She called it “a lovely and festive event — lots of fun, old and new friends — and the campus was beautiful despite some rain showers.”

The June meeting of the Martha’s Vineyard Breast Cancer Support Group will be held on June 20, 6 pm, at the West Tisbury Library. The group meets on the third Wednesday of every month for “casual conversation and an informal exchange of information.” Call Hannah Beecher, 508-696-6412, for more information.

Elaine Pace invites interested women to a four-hour workshop, “Is Your Job Fun,” on Wednesday, June 20, at the Martha’s Vineyard Financial Group office on State Road in North Tisbury. The speaker is Ken White, a retired career coach from MIT. The workshop is sponsored by Women Empowered. Call Daren Stinson, 508-696-8880, to register or for more information.

Nick Bischoff announces the opening of his concierge boat rental company in West Tisbury. He offers new Boston Whalers with fishing equipment, bait, fuel, and a catered meal delivered to you either up Island or down. His website is www.islandboatcompany.com.

Don’t forget the Windemere Auction this Friday evening at the Ag Hall.

Kudos to our local graduates from the West Tisbury School, the Regional High School, and the Charter School. I read that Dan Waters addressed one of the ceremonies, advising graduates to “be kind.” Good advice. The world surely needs more kindness.