Just as the ground becomes covered in dense brown and golden oak leaves, the Bradford pear trees burst into bright red colors. The brilliant row of trees by St. Augustine’s is lovely now.
Main Street was quiet last weekend. We seem to see fewer visitors as the number of weddings goes down and the cold weather comes in. The gray days and brisk winds cut down on shoppers as well.
Adam Nichols is one of about 20 Wounded Warriors who will be honored at the Patriots’ game next Sunday afternoon. He lives in Swansea with his wife, Lauren, and young sons, Andrew and Austin. The Patriots gave each of those being honored two tickets, so Adam has chosen a friend to go with him. Adam was a soldier with the U.S. Army and was wounded in Iraq. He is working now and doing well. His grandparents Judy and Steve Nichols are quite proud of him. We want to thank the Patriots for honoring our veterans in this way. We know they will enjoy their day. Wish them the best as they cheer for the Pats.
We hear good things about the preacher now at Grace Church. Rev. Brian Murdock is drawing some new people to the congregation. He also works as a street minister in Boston.
The U.S. Post Office looks better now that the corner door has been repaired. The new vestibule will protect us and that door from heavy winds. It should also save that door from more major repairs and broken glass. These solutions are very welcome and long needed.
The Vineyard Haven Library will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. They close at 1 pm on Wednesday and reopen for Saturday and Sunday.
This Saturday you are welcome to the monthly meeting of the Friends of the Library. This is a good time to find out about volunteering and to learn more about the Friends. The meeting is at 10 am on the fourth Saturday of every month (except December) at the library. Refreshments are served.
Sales from Grandma’s Attic include handmade ornaments and jewelry, which are all available at the Trinity Church parish house in the Campground on Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm. Besides baked goods to take home, the ladies plan to serve clam chowder and meatball subs in the Parish House Café.
Featherstone opens their Holiday Gift Show this weekend. You can find affordable gifts made by Island artists, including scarves and stocking stuffers ranging in price from $5 to $250. All proceeds benefit the artists and Featherstone.
Do you like duck? What kind? Tickets for the Slow Food MV event this Sunday evening are $37 per person. Share an evening at the Agricultural Hall, and explore the flavors of duck. You can dine by a fire at community tables and begin the evening with an appetizer course. Rebecca Gilbert of Native Earth Teaching Farm in Chilmark will share her experience in raising Cayuga, Khaki Campbell, and Muscovy ducks this last season. You will be invited to explore the viability of raising ducks in greater numbers for the table and see what it takes to get a duck from the egg to the table. Questions? info@slowfoodmarthasvineyard.org.
Guests and chefs alike will share their thoughts on taste and flavor, sampling grilled breasts from each of the three ducks, and hear chefs share why they choose the side dishes. Finish the meal in the French tradition with a salad (including duck, of course).
Mark your calendar now. The M.V. Chamber Music Society will present their Thanksgiving concert at the Old Whaling Church at 7:30 pm on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The music of Bartok, Brahms, and Schumann will be performed by Stephanie Chase on violin, Scott Woolweaver on viola, Scott Kluksdahl on cello, and Delores Stevens on piano. Tickets at the door $20 cash or check. Use your credit card at www.ticketsmv.com.
Appraisers from Skinner, Inc. will be back on Saturday, December 6, for Appraisal Day from 9 am to 3 pm at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. Items may be consigned for sale by Skinner with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the museum. Reservations are required. Call Jessica, 508-627-4441, ext. 117, to reserve a time. Appraisal of one item costs $15; three for $40. You will be asked for a brief description of your item(s) so they will be more fully prepared to answer your questions.
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out today to Craig Dripps and to county treasurer Noreen Flanders. Wish the best tomorrow to Tracy Matthiessen, MJ Munafo, and Marion Burke. Saturday belongs to Dan Cabot and Alexander Ray.
Heard on Main Street: Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.