The Bradford pear trees are in glorious color right now. We are so fortunate to have these. They were planted years ago all over town and especially along Clough Lane. They offer us pretty blossoms in the spring and lovely color in the fall.
I understand someone is planning to cut down some of these lovely trees. I hope that is just an ugly rumor. The planting along Clough Lane is as pretty as some of the roads arched over with cherry blossoms in the Washington area.
Starting this week, the Vineyard Haven library will be open from noon to 4 pm on Sundays, for the winter. Director Amy Ryan suggests you check, because it will not be open Sunday on some holiday weekends.
Phil Weinstein began his latest series about “Absalom, Absalom!” at the Cornell Theater on Wednesday night. He shares his insights into the author’s work so well that we all feel we do understand many of the author’s ideas, as well as better appreciate the work under discussion. Who knew I could enjoy Faulkner?
One discerning neighbor spotted some delightful Halloween decorations this year. I did not get to see them until it was too late. Her message went to the paper, so if we are lucky you may see some in this issue.
The Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse brings back $5 movies on Monday nights. This is Hitchcock Month. On Monday, Nov. 14, enjoy “Notorious” with Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman. Doors open at 7 pm; cash at the door.
Islanders are welcome to visit the Martha’s Vineyard Museum and exhibits for free on Saturdays during the off-season, from 10 am to 4 pm all fall, winter, and spring. The last Islander Saturday for this season will be May 13, 2017.
The museum now has a delightful exhibit about the Dumptique. It includes portraits of Islanders and visitors shopping at the Island’s recycling center at the West Tisbury dump. The photographer is a volunteer there. This exhibit features the portraits and a selection of interesting finds that she picked up herself at the Dumptique.
Also on exhibit at the museum, Sally Pierce presents “Sandy Fisher’s Edgartown.” Francis E. Fisher Jr., known as Sandy, grew up on the working waterfront, becoming a commercial fisherman. Hear the stories he relates in interviews, and experience the Edgartown he knew through watercolors, photographs, ship models, objects, and film footage that bring his stories to life. While researching in the museum archives, Ms. Pierce became fascinated with how much Edgartown has changed over time. Following the death of Sandy Fisher at 98, Ms. Pierce shares her research to show how the town evolved through the 20th century using the lens of Sandy’s life and stories.
You are invited to gather in support of John VanPutten at a potluck fundraiser. Tickets will be available at the door for $20 or whatever you can. Bring a dish if you like on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 7 to 12 pm at the P.A. Club. You may know him as John in the meat department at Stop and Shop. He worked in both towns for 29 years. John is 46, and was diagnosed last April with an aggressive cancer.
He played many years on the Island softball team Brewha’s. His wife Channon is a phys. ed. teacher at Edgartown, Chilmark, and West Tisbury schools. Donation boxes will be at the Brazilian stores and churches, Cronig’s, and Stop and Shop. You may also know his mother Arba, who worked in this town as an EMT and a midwife. We hope you will see his photo in this week’s paper.
Did you know that Featherstone has classes for kids on weekday afternoons, and also on Saturday mornings? There are also computer classes for Mac users. Check it out. And there is a Uke Jam on Wednesday evenings in November and December from 7 to 9 pm in the Pebble. Learn how to play the ukulele in a relaxed atmosphere. Just bring your uke or any other instrument, and play along with the group. See mvukefest.com for information about the Martha’s Vineyard Ukulele Festival this fall.
The Martha’s Vineyard Partnership for Health is looking for people from each town to become new volunteer class leaders for “My Life My Health.” This proven program is designed to help people manage their chronic conditions and learn and engage in strategies and approaches to stay healthy. Class leaders will learn to help participants adopt healthy behaviors that include exercise, cognitive symptom management, coping mechanisms, and communication with physicians. That last one sounds good to me.
This free four-day training will be held on Monday, Dec. 5, Tuesday, Dec. 6, Monday, Dec. 12, and Tuesday, Dec. 13, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Preregistration is required. Training materials, lunch and snacks will be provided. For more information, email ksamways@ihimv.org or call 508 627-5797, ext. 114.
Fly the flag on Friday. It is Veterans Day — remember all those who have given so much for our freedom.
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out Katie Davey on Sunday. Next Wednesday belongs to Rebecca Gonsalves.
Heard on Main Street: I may be wrong, but I doubt it.
