“Serendipity. n. the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.” This is how my Oxford English Dictionary defines the word that went through my mind during my latest visit to Flat Point Farm. We were out of eggs, so I thought I would drive down to pick some up on my way home. It was a lovely late afternoon, sunny and warm, an afternoon of greening fields and daffodils.
Arnie Fischer poked his head into the egg room to say “Hello,” a preface for our usual early spring conversation about farm news and the Red Sox chances for the upcoming season. Arnie is excited about the Red Sox, excited about MLB rule changes meant to speed up the game, and most excited about a new lamb that his daughter, Emily, was bottle-feeding in the barn.
The lamb’s mother had died giving birth to him, and Emily had him in a pen with another newborn and his mother, hoping the ewe would allow the orphan to nurse. Emily stood by with a bottle. So far, six lambs have been born since last Friday, with more expected.
Newborn lambs are really cute. They stagger around on unsteady legs. Their tails waggle when they nurse. The sun turns their ears a translucent pink. It’s easy to watch them, and a gift to take time for an extended visit with Emily, whom I had barely seen all winter. I wanted to hear about her boys growing up, her election to the library board, and her running commentary on lamb behavior as we stood and watched and talked.
If life is a matter of moments, this was a really good one. I was in the right place at the right time. Serendipity.
The Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group will hold their annual daffodil sale this weekend. Annemarie Donahue assured me that it was not an April Fool’s joke, that daffodils will indeed be available this Saturday, April 1, at Reliable Market, Edgartown Stop and Shop, and both Cronig’s Markets. The sale is from 8 am to noon, or until daffodils are sold out. I was advised to come early, so am passing that advice along.
If you were shocked at the amount of your recent electric bill, bring it with you to the West Tisbury library on Sunday afternoon. Vineyard Power and MassSave will be there from 2 to 4 pm. They will give a no-cost assessment of ways you can make your home more energy-efficient, and there is the possibility of rebates for 75 to 100 percent of your upgraded weatherization costs.
The African Artists Community Development Project, AACDP, announced a fundraising opportunity that will add matching funds from Global Giving. For five days, Monday, April 3, to Friday, April 7, donations up to $50 will be matched at 50 percent. The money will fund continued upgrades to Zambezi Farm in Zambia. Look at their website for more information: aacdpafrica.org. AACDP is the charity that Marsha Winsryg started and has devoted her energy to. Over the years, it has funded the Mama Bakhita Home for children with disabilities, Zambezi Farm, Zambezi Doll Co., educational scholarships, and emergency relief.
The April meeting of the Neighborhood Convention will be held on Tuesday, April 4, at First Baptist Church, 43 Spring St, Tisbury, at 11 am. “Straight Talk: Hospice and Palliative Care” will be discussed. All are welcome to bring a sack lunch to the talk.
This Friday, March 31, is the last day to register to vote before the April annual town meeting and election. Town clerk Tara Whiting-Wells will be in her office at Town Hall until 5 pm on Friday.
If you have any West Tisbury Town Column suggestions, email Hermine Hull, hermine.hull@gmail.com.
