Colors are changing every day. They seem to be fading rather than intensifying, a pale rust replacing once-vibrant orange and red, green sliding into a yellowing chartreuse. Not the fresh chartreuse of new spring leaves, but a last bit of effort color, before bare twigs and branches are all that remains.
I have been following Marsha Winsryg’s and Ruth Kirchmeier’s travels through Tuscany on Marsha’s facebook page, “…an artist’s waking dream” as Marsha describes it. They have posted their own drawings of magical landscapes they have walked to and sculptures in public squares, as well as photographs of Fra Angelico’s frescoes, the black and cream interior of the Baptistry of Florence, acres of olive trees and 300-year-old cypresses, hillsides swooping along in landscapes that seem familiar from Renaissance paintings. The trip was a planned fundraiser for the African Artists’ Community Development Project, one of the projects Marsha has supported with her time, advocacy, passion, and sales of crafts. She plans another trip this coming spring. It all sounds an amazing opportunity to see and experience a beautiful place through the eyes of an artist. Can’t wait till they return home to hear all the details and see the art they made. And the art to come.
Shirley Mayhew wrote a wonderful article for the fall/winter Martha’s Vineyard Home & Garden that has just come out. It’s called “Local Food? Again?” and tells the story of reality in 1950s West Tisbury for her, her husband, Johnny, and their three children, when “…eating fresh local food wasn’t a fad. It was a necessity.” I remember daughter Deborah reading a funny tribute at Shirley and Johnny’s 50th anniversary party; the refrain was something about eating oysters once again, and again and again. It’s a good read.
I was surprised to hear about Abigail and Tony Higgins celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. We all seem too young. Pat and Joannie Jenkinson had theirs a few weeks ago. Congratulations and wishes for many more years together.
Paddy Moore is hosting a project of the Rural Scholars Committee of Dukes County Health Council, sponsored by Rural Scholars from UMASS and the Graduate School of Nursing, called Rural Scholars Study Elder Abuse and Neglect. They will present their findings at the West Tisbury Library on Thursday, October 30, 4:30–6 pm. The public is invited to this free program. John Hough Jr. will be the featured guest author when the Library Foundation’s Speakeasy Series resumes at State Road Restaurant on Tuesday, October 28, 5:30–7:30 pm. Hors d’oeuvres and erudite conversation are the fare. Call Carol Brush for reservations: 508-693-3489. Tickets are $30.
If you have enjoyed the Vineyard Colors exhibition at the library, you may be interested in their 2015 calendar. It has verses by Dan Waters, as well as a selection from their daily photographs taken around the Island. You can buy it right in town at Alley’s or Conroy’s.
West Tisbury Parks and Rec is offering a free series of yoga classes for adults at the library on Tuesday evenings, 5:30-7, beginning October 21 through December 16. The classes will be taught by Carol Aranzabe, who trained at Kripalu Center and specializes in therapeutic techniques that balance muscles and relieve pain. Participants must commit to all eight classes, as space is limited. Call or stop by the library to register, 508-693-3366.
The library staff is getting ready for Halloween, always a festive occasion. The drop-in craft this Saturday is making spooky houses with stained-glass windows. Lots of Halloween-themed books are on display in the Children’s Room. And the Halloween Party is in the works. It will be held on Friday, October 31, from 3:30 to 5 pm. There will be hayrides, special craft projects, and treats to enjoy. I just spoke with Nelia, who said she is busy putting up decorations and making plans for the party. Please come in your costumes and prepare to have a good time. If you would like to, bring a favorite nut-free treat.
Pre-register for poet laureate Justen Ahren’s poetry workshop for adults to be held at the library on Saturday, November 1, 11 am to 1 pm. The subject is “Mining Poems for the Resonant Image.”
Participants are asked to bring something to write with and an original poem to work with. Sign up at the library, 508-693-3366, or online at programs@westtisburylibrary.org.
Another heads-up. Carolina Cooney will lead the Graphic Novel Book Club in a discussion of Roz Chast’s Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant: A Memoir on Monday evening, November 3.
The wind is blowing and frost is predicted. And a nor’easter later in the week. I’m making soup and getting extra wood in. Extra books and candles, too. Nothing like a good storm.