My dog and I walk up, over, and around hills to the mailbox every morning and evening. This past week we paused after cresting a hill, and noticed a large, wide, furry creature lumbering toward us. At first I wondered if it could be a racoon, but they seem to still be snoozing. It was getting closer, was clearly much bigger than my dog and super-strong, and I didn’t want to surprise it or have it lumber up behind us, so I called out, “Hey!’ It stopped, raised its little head above a white belly, making it clear it was an otter, and turned to lumbering back down the hill.
On Thursday, Jan. 29, from noon to 1pm, Healthy Aging M.V., at 29 Breakdown Lane in Vineyard Haven, is having an appreciation luncheon for volunteers who drive older adults in our community. Any resident interested in becoming a driver is also invited to attend. Please RSVP to Diane by text or call at 508-560-4514.
In response to the sudden loss of John Forté, so many in so many ways are honoring his legacy while showing up for his young children, and their mother, Lara Fuller.
The town has grown, our connections to one another have broadened, many of us have aged into new roles — former children are now the parents, parents are grandparents, along with new faces who quickly become familiar, and Abel’s Hill is filled with friends.
Thank you, Charles Sennott, for your compassionate essay “Tides of Tragedy, Waves of Grief,” and heartfelt and beautifully written tribute to John Forté and his friendship in this paper. Thanks to you and your wife Julie for the many ways and places you step in.
The snowfall that turned to slush with a crust seems fitting for the closing of Mocha Mott’s Vineyard Haven location. It is hard to see the always welcoming gathering places close.
Thank you, North Tabor Farm, for continuing to pick. There is nothing like the sweet taste of freshly picked winter veggies.
Looking forward to the upcoming writers open mic on Tuesday night, Jan. 27, at Pathways; the topic is food.
Fridays and Saturdays, the dancing and music at Pathways continues. On the days the space is overflowing, Scott reminds me, “You know, we always record our events.”
So I can nod in recognition, and say words of admiration and encouragement as I head for the door, because I, and those who live with me, need protection from illnesses that are mild for many.
Illnesses are going around. And for families with young kids in school, this time of year can be super-hard, often extending the experience as each family member’s system reacts. Rarely do all the children have the same illness at the same time.
I am grateful that families in our Sunday school are recovering, and that they protect us by staying home and cannot be what someone used to call “spreaders.”
Congratulations, Manny Rose, on your well-deserved promotion from Chilmark deputy fire chief to chief. And many thanks to retiring Chief Jeremy Bradshaw for his years of service.