Pink roses are blooming in my garden. Along the south side of the fence is a good-sized shrub, ‘Heritage,’ a David Austin rose with tightly curled petals and a lovely fragrance. The other is the old-fashioned climber, ‘New Dawn,’ ubiquitous on Vineyard fences, that envelops my porch in a pink cloud every June.
Julia Humphreys called the other day asking for my already read New York Times. She had taken hers to be recycled, having forgotten that she was having guests for a lobster dinner on her porch, and needed newspapers to cover the table. Usually I would be a reliable source, but Mike had taken our newspapers to recycling the previous Sunday. I gave her the couple of days’ worth of papers I had, and suggested she try the library, which keeps newspapers for free kindling. They still had plenty. Julia’s party was saved.
She had invited Croatian friends who were here on holiday. She took them on the Island tour, then to her house for clams, lobster, French bread, salad, barbecued chicken, and a berry pie from Morning Glory. None of it suited the children, who only ate potato chips, but the adults enjoyed their dinner, and the day was a success.
The weather has been incredible, perfect for Island tours, perfect for those of us who live here to go about our regular days. The breeze has kept it pleasantly cool, although with no rain, the ground is very dry. Be extra-vigilant about fire danger.
Wishes of continued happiness together to Bill and Shirley Wilcox, who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on June 19.
Laura Coit is retiring from her duties at the library at the end of June. She doesn’t want a party, but I know we all will want to stop by to see her before she leaves, and that will be much appreciated. She promises to fill in occasionally, but it just won’t feel the same without her regular presence. I wish her well with great affection and gratitude.
A Vineyard Sinfonietta concert will be held on Sunday, June 28, 3 pm, at Howes House. The program will include pieces by Mozart, Handel, Brahms, and the Beatles, and polka music. Admission is free, but donations are always welcome.
The Program Room at the library was filled last Saturday afternoon for a recital by Maureen Fischer’s piano and voice students. Students performed solo and duet compositions, mostly popular and classic tunes. Fischer gave brief explanations about the structure and complexity of the different types of music, skills needed to master them, and her teaching methods. It is obvious that she loves encouraging her students to experiment, as several performers played or sang their own improvisational jazz jams. They were terrific. I have attended several of these recitals, and enjoy seeing the progress made from year to year by these young musicians.
The Climate Book Club will meet on the library porch on July 19 to discuss “Historic Storms of Martha’s Vineyard,” by Tom Dresser. Copies of the book are available at the library.
Congratulations to Cindy Mitchell, recipient of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers 2026 Outstanding CEO award.
I was sad to learn that Judy Birsch died last Wednesday. She was an amazing intellect and an appreciator of the arts. She had celebrated her 90th birthday last summer with a party at the Granary Gallery. My condolences to her family and friends.
Fran Bradley’s passing on June 2 is another loss to our West Tisbury community. I knew Franny’s skill as an EMT saved many lives, and her compassion reassured folks that they were in good hands. Condolences to Danny, their family, and so many whose lives she touched.
Enjoy these perfect beach days, summer friends, and dinners on the porch.