Hurricane Andrew came and went, called a tropical storm as it arrived on the Vineyard, but for most of us it was just a rainstorm. I haven’t heard of anything more than twigs and leaves down. We did get much-needed rain, a couple of inches. It was a good afternoon to read a book or take a nap. Not the expected Fourth of July celebration, but just fine. Outdoor celebrations of our nation’s independence resumed on the fifth, and proceeded as planned. The whole holiday weekend has been gorgeous.
I have to begin this column with condolences for everyone involved in the accident on State Road last week. Great sadness for the loss of a much too young man, concern for everyone at Grey Barn, especially Jonathan and his passengers. A tragic accident. You have my heartfelt sympathy.
Saturday afternoon was Blue Cullen’s tea party for her visiting college friend, Debbie Hill, from Cincinnati. The afternoon couldn’t have been more perfect, clear and sunny. Tables were set out in Blue’s garden, decorated with abundant bouquets, colorful tablecloths, and china teacups and dessert plates she has collected forever. Cathy Walthers served the most beautiful and delicious tea sandwiches, scones, fruit tarts, chocolate pots de crème, and raspberries on puffs of meringue. All of us ladies, longtime and new friends of Blue and each other, enjoyed every indulgence and being together, as well as meeting Debbie and welcoming her to the Vineyard, her first time here. Blue passed around notepaper and a pen for all of our suggestions for what Debbie “had to do” while here. It will be fun to find out which ones she chose. I hope your visit is wonderful and we will see you again, Debbie. You couldn’t have been more welcome.
I hope everyone saw Paul Karasik’s op-ed page cartoon in last week’s Vineyard Gazette. I had written earlier about his fishing expedition with Nelson and Jeff Bryant. It became a cartoon, as proposed, a perfect representation of the men and the outing. I can hear both of them in their voices, and their faces and gestures are just right. Bravo.
A plug for Phil Da Rosa’s Martha’s Vineyard Sound event this Saturday, July 12, 3 to 10 pm, at Waban Park in Oak Bluffs. It is the launch for his project, Martha’s Vineyard Collaborative, to “facilitate collaboration between Island civic organizations, local government, schools, businesses, non-profits, and individuals, to accomplish projects Islanders want and need.” Phil is a native, as are his parents, Candy and Dennis DaRosa. I applaud his dream and urge everyone to support his efforts. Besides, Phil is a terrific musician and the day promises to be filled with music, food, and bonhomie. Bring a blanket or a beach chair. Tickets are available at ticketsmv.com/sound.
Lots going on at the library. Regular programs include the story hours: Mother Goose on the Loose for infants to 3-year-olds every Monday morning at 10:30; Storytime for pre-schoolers on Thursday mornings at 10:30. This Thursday, special guest Nicole Cabot of Island Grown Schools will regale children with stories, songs, and tastes of Cucumbers, The Vegetable of the Month. The Monday Night Movies on July 14 are The Secret Garden for families, and The Book Thief for teens. Both begin at 6:30. The movies are free and so is the popcorn. There’s also ongoing help for Mac computer users every Monday between 11 am and 1 pm.
This Saturday, July 12, Mike Black is leading a special workshop, Bubble Making. Sounds like fun. It’s for all ages and is from 11 am to 1 pm.
Also that night, put on your dancing shoes and step to the Ag Hall for a Farmers and Friends Contra Dance and Dessert Potluck. The music is by West Tisbury’s Flying Elbows. John Freeman is the caller. Doors open at 7 pm — $5 cover charge — and all are welcome.
Leaf Printing as Art, next Wednesday, July 16, 10:30 am to 12 noon, is a program for third to fifth graders. Debbie Yapp will lead the workshop. Learn to identify leaves and make art using crayon rubbings, printing with paint, or coming up with a technique of your own. The program is free.
Next Thursday, July 17, there is a free poetry workshop for teens. Jennifer Tseng, author of “The Man with my Face” and newly-published “Red Flower, White Flower,” has designed the workshop, called The Ecstatic World. “In this workshop, we will think, listen, and write,” is Jennifer’s description.”Our simple job will be to accept what the ecstatic world has to offer. Please pass the word on to your young friends.”
Please sign up for the above programs at the library circulation desk or online at programs@westtisburylibrary.org
John Hough’s new book, “Little Bighorn,” is out and making the rounds of our family. Sue and Jared have read it. Mike and I are waiting for our turn. Reviews are great. John will read from it later this month at the West Tisbury Library.
Gallery openings in town this Sunday: David Witbeck and Jessica Pisano, both painters, and glass artist David Geiger at the Field Gallery, 5 to 7 pm.
Ruth Kirchmeier’s woodcuts, oil paintings by Leslie Baker and Hermine Hull at Hermine Merel Smith Fine Art, 4 to 7 pm. Brooks Robards will be with us to sign copies of our new book of Brooks’s poetry and my paintings, “On Island.” Please park across the street behind the Fire Station and walk down the driveway. Limited parking at the gallery for anyone who has trouble walking.
A request. This is the time of year when our roadsides get littered with trash that blows out of vehicles or is dropped by careless pedestrians. Please pick it up. The orange daylilies are beyond beautiful this year. They deserve to be appreciated without trash at their feet. Thanks.