Heard on Main Street: Spirits rise in the fall … the goblins’ll get you if you don’t watch out.
Have you noticed? Shades of deep Burgundy wine are appearing on the leaves of the Bradford pear trees. You see a scarlet flash here and there. Now golden oak leaves have joined in to set off the beginnings of the glory of our fall colors.
Prepare for a major change in your life. Bridget Tobin is retiring as of Oct. 26. That is tomorrow! This wonderful woman has kept our Steamship Authority always aware of our needs. I can’t imagine the trips will be the same without her welcoming smile or happy greeting. She never failed to wish all the travelers a good day, often doing her part to make it an especially good one for Islanders. We know she cannot be replaced.
Bridget, all you have done for us is appreciated. You will be missed at the docks by more people than you can imagine.
I am always pleasantly surprised to see the delightful scarecrows that appear as if by magic on Main Street. Sometimes I can happily identify the storybook character. Other times I am still confused after I read its identifying tag. Though I must confess that I delight in the crowd of characters gathering together on the veranda of the Mansion House after the holiday.
It is never too early to prepare to help others. Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard invites all artisans, candlestick makers, knitters, and bakers to contribute to their Handmade from the Heart fundraiser, held on Saturday, Dec.8. Can you help? They seek any unique handmade item, including jewelry, knitted items, paintings, pottery, photographs, Christmas ornaments, baked goods, and more. Call 508-693-0189 if you have items to donate. All proceeds from the sale of the items go directly to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard for the care of patients and their families.
It is also time to give your thanks by supporting the Vineyard Committee on Hunger appeal for the Family to Family dinner. This gives a Thanksgiving dinner, turkey with all the trimmings, to needy families on the island. Every dime raised for this by VCOH stays here on the Island. Write your $25 check to Family to Family, and mail it to P.O. Box 4685, Vineyard Haven MA 02568.
Did you vote yet? You can vote now at the town hall if you are registered. Just remember that the town clerk still has to do her job, so you may have a brief wait. But you can do it at your convenience and at a time that is best for you.
All neighborhood monsters are invited to Tisbury’s annual Haunted Town Hall Tour for a frightfully fun Halloween. Grab your mask or your broom, come dressed as yourself or a witch or a ghost, on Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 4:30 to 7 pm.
A lot of our seasonal friends and neighbors have left for warmer places this weekend, leaving empty spaces in our towns and in our hearts.
We wish the very best to Doug and Barbara Peckham, who are moving to their new home. They have gone 1,500 miles away, so very far from the Island and friends they love. However, many here will miss them as well as his pictures and her poetry. But sometimes we need the support of family nearby.
Clocks go back an hour this weekend — in Europe. We don’t go back in time until November.
Happy anniversary to Bill and Marie Connelly on Tuesday.
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out today to Paul Angelastro. We look forward to seeing Paul and his family on the Island this weekend. Saturday belongs to Jeff Kristol. You may find him busy on town business or at the Crocker House Inn. Wish the best on Monday to Lillian Colligan, Kaylee Kuehne, and Tate Buchwald. Happy birthday to Sally Leslie-Mitchell on Tuesday.
Heard on Main Street: What is worse than biting a candy bar and seeing a spider? (Biting the candy bar and seeing half a spider.) Happy Halloween.
