Last week was all wind and rain. The much-needed rain brought out any remaining leaves in a flush of greenery. I urge everyone to take the time to appreciate the subtleties and variations of greens that predominate our springtime landscapes. It’s such a short time before summer darkens those greens, or turns them brown altogether. I always notice the fields along our roadsides, where hedgerows and hayfields offer palettes of contrasting colors.
I began Saturday at a special Shabbat morning service at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center honoring Max Jasny. Max retired from his longtime post managing the office, keeping everything at the Hebrew Center going with efficiency and good grace. He knew where to find everything, be it information about services, functions, protocols, biblical texts, the workings of the furnace, or some bit of religious ephemera needed only once a year. He was equally adept at handling computer records and someone grieving the loss of a loved one. There was a luncheon after the service, delicious Jewish deli, all Max’s favorites, then speeches and presents. Wishing you well as you explore this next chapter, dear Max. Carpe diem.
Then to the Ag Hall for a memorial service for Ron Rappaport, who died last June. Ron was so ingrained in the life of the Island, and it appeared that most of the Island came out for him, filling the hall. The service was personal, with warm remembrances and the connections of a lifetime. Ron’s was certainly a life well-lived, rich with friendships and accomplishments, as eulogized in a poem written and read by Steve Ewing, “Oak Bluffs Boy — Island Man.” I hope Ron’s wife and daughter, Jane and Julia, felt warmed by the display of affection shown for you and for Ron’s memory.
The following was printed on the back of the handout:
“To honor Ron’s exceptional leadership and lifelong commitment to civic life, the Rappaport family, in partnership with the Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation, has established the Ronald H. Rappaport Scholar Fund. With initial support generously provided by MVYouth, this award serves as a tribute to Ron’s profound impact, and a symbol of gratitude for his years of dedicated service. To learn more or make a donation, please visit
mvbank.com/honoring_ron_rappaport.”
The afternoon ended with Ron’s brother, Alan, requesting that we all give a good shout-out to Ron using one of his many nicknames, Rondo. Everyone obliged.
Mary Sage Napolitan will be at the West Tisbury library next Saturday, June 7, 10:30 to 2:30 pm, to lead volunteers in establishing a new perennial public foraging space, part of an Island-wide goal of providing public food forests in every Island town. A state grant is funding the project. The Vineyard Way Climate Action Plan calls growing food to feed ourselves a priority. Everyone is invited to participate.
Kanta Lipsky’s online balance classes resume this Monday and Friday at 11:30 am. To register, email wt_mail@clamsnet.org. Claire Page’s creative dance class for kids begins Tuesday morning at 10:15. Wednesday at 3:30 pm, Bricque Garber, Doug Allen, and Dena Porter will share photographs and stories from their recent travels through Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. Thursday morning at 8 o’clock, meet with Kate Feiffer on the library’s back porch for the first of Morning Pages Mornings, her weekly summer writing program. Don’t forget the library is closed on Sundays through the summer.
The town picnic, hosted by W.T.’s Parks and Rec department, is Saturday afternoon, June 14, from noon to 3, behind the Grange Hall. Bring your blanket or chairs, and your picnic basket full of goodies, and enjoy an outing with other West Tisburyites. Hope for good weather.
The Parks and Rec shed by the West Tisbury School tennis courts will be open to sell Lambert’s Cove beach stickers on June 14, from 9 to 12, and 4 to 7. Stickers will be required beginning June 15. Costs are $75 for stickers, or $15 for a walk-on pass.
Happy, happy 16th birthday to Milo Brush. I ran into Milo and his mom, Emily Fischer, last week, and heard the big news. Milo is planning a big day at the beach with friends, and expects to be driving soon. May all your birthday wishes come true, Milo, and many happy returns.
I was at Cronig’s the other day, and saw a dog in a closed-up car parked next to me. Seems that it’s time for my annual reminder that cars get deathly hot in a matter of minutes on a sunny summer day. Please remember to roll down your windows when you leave your dog in the vehicle. Air conditioning does not keep the car cool once the ignition is turned off.
If you have any West Tisbury Town Column suggestions, email Hermine Hull, hermine.hull@gmail.com.
