Fall is an interesting time of year on Martha’s Vineyard. In one sense, we are leaving the hustle and bustle of the summertime crowds. Leaves are changing colors. Living things are slowly preparing for hibernation. But for some reason lately, I’ve been feeling the exact opposite: I’ve been hearing a whisper saying it’s instead time to emerge from my cocoon. Like in summer there are parts of me I have to quiet so that I can make it through that crowdedness of summer, and now with my time reclaimed from summer markets and weekends packed with events to choose from, I am able to remember the paths I tread just for me.
My grandmother passed away last week: my last living grandparent, who while not living on Martha’s Vineyard, wasn’t far off in Bourne. She taught me to love my freckles, to stand up for myself, how to play sudoku as a team activity, and how to properly trample through a path of crunchy fall leaves.
So this last week I’ve been taking extra time to be present and treasure how special it is to live on this magic Island, and how lucky I am to be here.
This is one of my favorite times to explore the trails all over our Island. I take pictures of everything. I start recognizing more and more people while out at dinner, or just walking through town.
In Main Street news, there is a new collaboration at Lani Beach Club this holiday season! Martha’s Vineyard Made is popping up now through New Years’ Eve, with 14 local artists keeping our Vineyard Haven shopping scene as lively as ever. It’s open Friday to Sunday in October, with extended hours starting after Thanksgiving: Visit many of your favorite local makers nestled between Nochi and Bunch of Grapes. (And don’t worry because yes, Lani Beach Club will be reopening as usual come spring 2027.)
MV Connect, a program through Healthy Aging M.V., is seeking volunteer drivers going into the off-season. If interested in learning more, reach out to Diane at 508-560-4514, and start the simple process to become a volunteer driver and start driving neighbors who have no other means to get to their appointments.
The M.V. Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby ends this weekend on Oct. 18 at 9 pm, with the awards ceremony taking place the following day. I’m excited to see that every submission for the Bass in the Grass auction has received bids! View the whole school of fish together in person at the Carnegie in Edgartown. And good luck to everyone participating in this 81st fundraiser for the Derby’s annual scholarship program.
Finally, big bunches of birthday balloons to Danielle Mulcahy on Oct. 19. Do you have an upcoming birthday, event, or just something you want shared in a future Tisbury column? Email me at tisburycolumnist@gmail.com with your own stories of our town, or upcoming events you’d like to see spotlighted here.
