Aase Jones will retire at the end of January after 32 years as the assistant town administrator — she has kept things running smoothly in our town. We understand she plans some traveling, and wish her soft winds and smooth sailing.
You should be proud of your fellow citizens. Not only was the quorum reached within a few minutes of seven o’clock, but it was also the shortest town meeting I’ve ever seen.
Leigh Smith told me about an article in the latest issue of the Intelligencer about Tisbury. This supports the legend of the three Tisbury girls and the liberty pole. Bow VanRiper, the editor, follows up with the 175 years of stories about the legend, sharing facts as well as many of the embellishments that have appeared through the years.
A Tisbury taxpayer had some questions when her new tax bill was 15 percent higher than last year. There are some reasons. First, our assessment went up last year. I wonder if that’s why the New York Times recently reported that our town had one of the highest real estate prices in America. Also, our next-to-last town meeting raised the tax rate.
Welcome to Dr. Hanna Shekarlaban. She is the newest addition at Lagoon Dental. Dr. Hanna has lovely, small hands and does very delicate work. I can show you. Dr. Hanna came from Atlanta by way of California, where she went to school. She did mention that both she and dental assistant Diane Dmitri have been looking for housing on the Island. Of course, each has a dog, which further limits the choices.
Debby MacInnis says she has been asked for Robert’s address, and now she has it. You can write to Robert MacInnis, 90 West Avenue, Apt. 102, Brockport, NY 14420. He is doing OK, and will be 100 in March. He’d love to hear from you.
Learn more about Healthy Aging MV and FirstStop MV at the Vineyard Haven library on Tuesday at 7 pm. Join Tom Hallahan, the new director of Healthy Aging MV, and Karin Rosenthal of FirstStop MV to learn about these new programs for Island elders and those who care for them.
Our Island population is aging at a great rate. Do you realize that in 15 years more than 30 percent of year-round Vineyarders will be over 65? This will create many challenges. Healthy Aging MV is developing community programs to improve services for Island elders. FirstStop MV seeks to connect people to resources for Island seniors through their website and by telephone, staffed by real people. Bring your questions and concerns. Refreshments will be provided.
Remember that Featherstone has lots of classes to keep you going this winter, from painting and pottery to computers. They even offer a “No Fear Beginner’s iPad” class.
The Connect to End Violence program of Community Services invites you to an afternoon where you can select gently used clothes and hors d’oeuvres, at Clothes to Go on Saturday, from 2 to 5, at the Stone Church. More: Jennifer Neary, 774-549-9667.
Community services offers a monthly gathering for parents with small children. Next is Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 pm. Call Marney Toole at 508-693-7900, ext. 283.
Just looking at Susan Klein’s schedule is wearing me out. She is now giving a class that begins Wednesday, teaching you to “Speak with Confidence and Poise on Stage.” Register at acemv.org.
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out today to Cathy Deese of Cathy’s Coiffures and Anne Downing at Off Main Street. On Wednesday, wish a happy one to Caroline Davey.
Heard on Main Street: Go Pats!