All the frigid, snowy, icy winter weather, squishy rainy spring, and hot, humid, crowded summer are worth this wonderful fall weather we are so fortunate to experience here. The colors of the landscape, the slower pace of life, and the relaxing atmosphere give us all a gift many people have never had. You can smell the aroma of wood smoke as you walk down the roads, pushing aside the leaves that are slowly drifting down from the trees as if they too are perhaps reluctantly giving in to the end of warm summer. Our days now include greeting friends we seldom saw during the hectic summer, and cries of “Where have you been all summer?” are heard everywhere you might be. It is as if we are given a spurt of energy to care about whatever comes in the months ahead. And a gentle reminder that perhaps now is a good time to consider getting a flu vaccination before we are in the midst of that unpleasant season.
The Fourth Annual Walk for the Animals takes place this Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 am to noon at the West Tisbury School. The purpose of the walk is to raise money for the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard. Participants are asked to get pledges for their walk with or without an animal. Registration forms and more information can be found on the shelter website, animalshelterofmv.org. The West Tisbury School is sponsoring the walk this year, and all the posters were created by students in Lisa Magnarelli’s art classes.
The Martha’s Vineyard Film Center will feature Max Skjoldebrand’s photography show, “Going to the Pictures,” from Wednesday, Oct. 21, until Sunday, Nov. 8. There will be an opening reception on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 5 to 6:30 pm, and everyone is welcome.
Can you believe it is already ten years since our town library opened? So once more the staff has come up with a great idea to celebrate this memorable occasion. Come and celebrate ten years in the building with a party and champagne toast on Friday, Oct. 16, from 6 to 8 pm. It is also director Sondra’s last day at the library, so come and give her a hug and fond farewell. There will be live music, appetizers, and more to add to the celebration.
And of course, the many programs planned by library staff will continue through the month of October. Ray Whitaker will take you through a easy fun workout with his program “Balance of Power” on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 pm. Wear comfortable clothes; this is a great program for seniors.
“Dark Passages” is certainly frightening-sounding, so let’s set the mood for Halloween with scary stories dramatically told on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 6:30 pm. Refreshments will be served.
The Tisbury Council on Aging is sponsoring the “How to Organize Your Home” program with Paula Martin, a professional organizer. You will be given tips to plan, process, organize, downsize, and create space to achieve balance and harmony in your home and life. This sounds like a program that will be of great interest to many people, and residents of all Island towns are invited to come and learn some good ideas. The program takes place on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 1 pm at the Tisbury Senior Center. Call 508-696-4205 to register and for information.
It’s Parent Teacher Conference time again for all the schools, and at the Oak Bluffs School they take place on Oct. 21, 27, and 29. The school will be dismissed at noon on these conference days, and there will be no homework club on those dates. You should receive information regarding scheduling conferences by the end of this week.
Birthday smiles for the month of October go out to Woodside Village residents Constance Sanborn, Stephen Blodgett, Jean Cargill, Alma West, Helen Dropick, Linda Carnegie, and Florencio Mendez. At Aidylberg, smiles go to Eleanore Tompkins, who always has a smile for everyone she meets.
Smiles to Jen Combra on the 14th, Diane Claussen the next day, Renee Balter on the 16th; great-granddaughter Kayla Bryn deBettencourt, Richard Mello Sr., and Janice Duart share the 17th. Smiles to Vincent Frye and Fritz Knight on the 18th, Erich Luening on the 19th, and Nathan Francis, Saige Araujo, and Jeanne Holenko on the 20th.
Enjoy your week. Peace.