This was a beautiful fall morning, cool and gray, but calm and warm enough to go outside clad in a T shirt, jeans, and a sweater. Charley and I ventured out early and drove to Menemsha to grab a coffee and sticky bun from Iggy’s. We then wandered down the dock behind the fish shops, the air redolent with the smells of the sea, examined the fishing vessels resting at anchor, and admired the jetty lined with Derby participants of all ages. I grabbed my phone and took about a dozen photos, inspired to get back home and start painting. If you ever forget to be grateful for this place that we live, just go on out there and take a look.
Here’s an important “hold the date” announcement. The memorial for Gabbi Camilleri is now scheduled. It will be held on Nov. 2 at the Ag Hall. The exact time has not yet been set, but I’ll let you know as soon as it is. Meanwhile, please hold that date so you can attend to pay your respects, to provide comfort to her family, and to visit for a while with Gabbi’s glorious spirit.
Anybody who lives on the Vineyard for more than a short time learns about the serious problems created by our housing situation. It’s hard for employers to find and keep good employees because these employees simply cannot find affordable housing. The Martha’s Vineyard Commission is working with Nantucket and the UMass Donahue Institute on a study assessing the impact of the housing shortage on Island businesses and services, and the potential impact of a transfer fee used for affordable housing. If you are an Island employer, or self-employed, please go online and fill this out right away. The more of us who do this, the better. This study is important. Surveys are due by Oct. 5. It’s quick and anonymous. Please go to bit.ly/UMass_MVHousingSurvey, or contact Laura Silber at silber@mvcommission.org, 508-338-2405, for access.
I read through the Americans of Conscience email newsletter as soon as it arrives because it keeps my spirits up. It shares uplifting news about things that have recently happened in our country that are good for democracy, equality, and the planet. They also provide a checklist of actions that you can take to support democratic engagement and advance equality. One of my favorites is their “Thank You” listings, where you can easily add your name to thank-you messages to politicians who do good works. If you’re interested, go to americansofconscience.com.
Happiest birthday salutes go to Tim Murphy on Oct. 2, Nancy Slate on Oct. 7, Golden Vanderhoop and Ocean Dias on Oct. 9, and to the fabulous Nadine Slate, who turns 4 on Oct. 10. And while we’re in the happy salute neighborhood, on Oct. 2, if you see my beloved neighbors Hollis Smith or Robin Robinson, wish them a happy anniversary.
