I love driving home after dark this time of year. I love the trees wrapped in white or colored lights and electric candles in all the windows, interiors like still life paintings. The tree at Haynes Point is always my welcome home. Bob Hennessey did an extra-special job decorating it this year, more lights marking the passage of time as it grows taller and wider, more perfectly shaped. Anticipation feels festive and the decorations raise my spirits, brightening the early nights.
I was driving home from Vineyard Haven after a party for Nancy Cramer, who closed her gallery Sunday at 6 pm after 20 years. Leslie Baker organized gallery artists to arrive at 3:30 with wine and hors d’oeuvres and dancing music. Although we will miss the gallery, we are all excited to see Nancy back to her studio creating art, as she needs to do. Brava, Nancy, for 20 years well done, and here’s to the next 20 and whatever adventures await.
It was a busy weekend in all ways. Guests, meals, parties, concerts, and sales of every kind. The Antique Show was wonderful; I came home with a splendid Roseville dog bowl that makes me smile every time I look at it — heavy, simply designed and colored, perfect for doing its job — much prettier than the old metal bowl we used before. The Artisans’ Show was filled with new and familiar craftsmen and lots of shoppers, West Tisbury’s more refined version of Black Friday.
It was fun to see lots of visitors and family members home for Thanksgiving, and to hear everyone’s stories of their celebrations.
Shirley, Deborah, Jack and Betsey Mayhew went to the Harbor View Hotel, for the first time deciding not to cook this year. Shirley said it was wonderful, everyone enjoyed the meal, the setting, and simply going out for a change.
Stuart Hersh was home from Boston to spend the holiday weekend with his parents, Stan and Tammy.
George and Andrea Hartman had Andrea’s daughters, Nina and Ellen, here with their families.
Lynn Christoffers and her friend Carmine went to Fanny Howe’s for dinner with Jennifer Tseng, Maceo Senna, and their daughter, Xing.
The Fielder clan gathered at David and Libby Fielder’s home, 31 for Thanksgiving dinner. Ralph and Alvida Jones, Ann Fielder, Cynthia Riggs and Howard Attebery, and three younger generations of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Kathy and Sam Stevenson had a house full of children and grandchildren, luckily all arriving before the impending storm late Wednesday.
We were lucky to avoid the weather that snarled traffic and delayed flights. My brothers in Connecticut all had snow. Mike and I enjoyed a lovely beach walk along the great pond with our dogs, then went to Sue Hruby’s for a splendid dinner with Sue and Jared, Bobby, Cecily, and Daniel, Xiaoshi, and Sunday Hull, who drove down from Somerville.
Hannah Maxner has returned to the Vineyard, to Netherfield Farm, where she will teach dressage and hunter/jumper riders of all ages and levels. There is an indoor ring for winter classes and the farm remains open for training and boarding. For more information, call Hannah at 508-566-5235.
Holiday parties begin with the West Tisbury Library hosting town residents this afternoon, Thursday, December 4, 4:30 to 6. Library staff promises “snacks, music, and merry-making.”
Shirley Mayhew will be at the library on Saturday afternoon, December 6, at 4, to talk about her new book, Looking Back: My Long Life on Martha’s Vineyard, a book of essays. I have been reading it all weekend, enjoying the stories of Shirley and Johnny’s courtship, raising three children, fishing, teaching, living her Island life, embracing the world around her.
While at the library, take a look at Billy Hoff’s paintings on display in the Program Room. Billy is December’s artist of the month. There will be an artist’s reception next Saturday, December 13, at 4 pm.
The West Tisbury Church began Advent season and will continue with three Wednesday Evensong services at 5:30. This week is “Longing and Preparing.” December 10 is “Waiting and Hoping” and December 17 is “Healing and Transforming.” The Annual Christmas Faire is planned for this Saturday, December 6, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. There will be wreaths and centerpieces, gifts and baked goods, all we look forward to at this event. Coffee and hot chocolate will be served and there will be a raffle for “an incredible Christmas gift basket.”
Santa will be at West Tisbury Fire Station 2 this Sunday, December 7, from 1 to 3 o’clock. Bring your list. There will be cookies and fire trucks and lots of people you know. And Santa. Yay.
The Federated Church presents seventy-five hand-decorated wreaths at their Annual Festival of Wreaths on Thursday, December 4, 5 to 7 pm. Admission is $10 and includes beverages and hors d’oeuvres.
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum is hosting representatives from Skinner’s, Inc. at Appraisal Day this Saturday, December 6, 9 am to 3 pm. Cost is $15 per item or $40 for three items. Call Jessica Johnson at 508-627-4441, ext. 117 to reserve a time. The museum is also looking for donations of jewelry for their upcoming sale on December 13.
The West Tisbury School Class of 2017 will be at Middletown Nursery all weekend selling Christmas trees and baked goods to raise money for their ski trip. Hours are: Friday, December 5, 4 to 7 pm; Saturday, December 6, 12 noon to 7 pm; Sunday, December 7, 12 noon to 4 pm.
Parks and Recreation begins their Winter Recreation Program this Saturday, December 6, 9 to 12 noon, at the West Tisbury School. Programs are planned in sports, art, and theater. Call Peggy Stone for more information, 508-696-0147.
Don’t forget that the Winter Farmers’ Market continues for four more Saturdays at the Ag Hall. Hours are 10 am to 1 pm.