Now this is how Mother’s Day should be spent: Four generations of firstborn sons named William Mill gathered here last weekend. Great-grandfather Bill Mill, a resident of our town, hosted his son Bill Mill of Middletown, Conn., and his grandson Bill Mill and great-grandson Bill Mill, 5 months old, of Portland, Maine. Baby Bill’s grandfather Bill from Connecticut was joined by his wife, Cheryl, and also by new Daddy Bill’s wife and Baby Bill’s mother, Samantha, who were celebrating their first Mother’s Day as a mom and a grandmother. The family hopes this will be the first of many trips to the Island for the youngest member.
And didn’t we have the most glorious day to celebrate? We were happy to see our friends and neighbors at the Black Dog Tavern early that day for breakfast. And one of my favorite treats was a sweet note from my son-in-law, taking the time to wish me a happy Mother’s Day.
The Tisbury School third graders began creating “scrimshawed teeth” out of kiln-fired clay with art teacher Julie Brand earlier this year. This inspired the students to learn more about scrimshaw. The students researched the many ways whale teeth have been used over the years, and the stories they tell. They visited the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, and handled teeth in the museum collection. The students’ work will be featured in the new exhibit “Teeth,” along with a variety of teeth from the museum, including an entire set of sperm whale teeth still attached to the lower jaw. The show opens with a free reception tomorrow at 5:30 pm in the museum, and runs through June 10.
Instead of the happy noises of the songbirds greeting the day, I woke this morning to the loud and unhappy calls of the tom turkey to the hens escaping from him.
We were sorry to note the passing of John Wehnke. He and his wife Jane were active in many areas on the Island for years. He was a mainstay of the Unitarian Society, serving in many ways, including president. He had a wry humor, and always had a smile and a friendly comment whenever you saw him.
The Bradford pear trees are in full bloom, our version of the cherry blossoms. Colorful azaleas are ready to pop; even the lilies of the valley are sweet and plentiful.
I told you about Tom Dresser’s new book Martha’s Vineyard: A History. Now he plans to tell you all about it at the Vineyard Haven library next Tuesday evening at 7. Copies will be available for purchase and signing. The talk is open to the public at no charge.
Did you know that a staple remover can help you open the key ring when you want to take one off or put a new key on?
This Saturday ACE MV offers an all-day class in spreading manure. If you missed the Fertilizer Certification Course, you should sign up to get certified to spread. This course will allow you to become certified to handle and use fertilizer in each town under the new law that went into effect in January this year and all the new local regulations. Call the high school or email info@acemv.org.
Friday night Lobster Rolls will be at Grace Church Friday from 4 to 7:30 pm. I’m ready!
Get rid of those computers on Saturday. Community Services is expecting you.
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out to Brendan O’Neill today. He is also directing the celebration of the 50th birthday of the Vineyard Conservation Society. Wish the best on Saturday to Jill Walsh. Glenna Moore parties on Sunday. Tuesday belongs to our son Craig Mayhew. Parties galore on Wednesday for Lillian Hammond and Maura Ziemian.
Heard on Main Street: Enjoy life. It comes with an expiration date.