I think every oak tree in West Tisbury has deposited its acorns in my yard. Maybe last weekend’s storm blew them in. Walking barefoot is treacherous; acorns feel like stones underfoot. Inside isn’t much better. Abby brings them in, chews them up, then leaves sharp-edged remnants of acorn shells all over the house. No walking barefoot in here, either.
This notably heavy crop will provide bounteous food for wildlife, so maybe some good will come from them. We are urged to leave them, either in situ, spread across the ground as they are now, or raked into accessible piles.
Kara Taylor sent me an announcement that her final show will open this Saturday, Oct. 10, 4 to 7 pm, at the former Stan Murphy Gallery on State Road. She has been a good steward of that historic space. As an artist, Kara has been fearless, always trying new imagery, new materials, new presentations. I wish her well in whatever new adventure she chooses. It has been an honor to know you, Kara.
Paul Rashba recently contacted the Howes House staff with a proposal to form an ongoing learning opportunity for island seniors. He did something similar before moving here, at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. I urge readers to look up the Center for Lifetime Study to read in detail about the program.
Paul wants to find out if there are seniors who would be interested, either as teachers or students, for eight-week classes in the arts, social sciences, humanities, sciences, and life and leisure studies. An initial meeting would be held to answer questions, form committees, line up instructors, and find a space to hold classes. If you are interested, contact Paul at cls.mv@gmail.com.
I am happy to report that the first Second Sunday Jazz concert will be held this Sunday, Oct. 11, at 2 pm. The Eric Johnson Trio, Eric Johnson, Mike Tinus, and Tauras Biskis, will be the star performers. Welcome back!
On Wednesday afternoon at 4 pm, there will be another concert at the library. The Bad Penny Pleasuremakers are a New Orleans–based traditional jazz band featuring musicians playing guitar, banjo, piano, and violin, with vocals.
The Climate Book Club has chosen “The Story of CO2 Is the Story of Everything” by Peter Brannen to be discussed at their upcoming meeting next Sunday, Oct. 18, 4 pm, at the library. Books are available at the library now.
October is Fire Prevention Month, a reminder to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Check the dates on your alarms; they should be printed on the backs or sides. Alarms should be replaced every 10 years, regardless of whether they still sound when tested. Check with the West Tisbury Fire Department if you have any questions. Chief Greg Pachico:
508-560-6356 or firechief@westtisbury-ma.gov, and Fire Prevention Officer Brynn Schaffner:
508-693-9555 or fpo@westtisbury-ma.gov.
Neighbor Richard North Patterson has just published his latest book, “Tripwires: 15 Twenty-First Century Events That Undermined American Democracy — and How to Reclaim It.” I have followed his Substack, “America on the Precipice,” so I am eager to read his book. Last Tuesday he sent invitations to a Zoom conversation he was having that evening with Geraldine Brooks, another writer I admire.
Of course, I signed right up. I found it a thoughtful hour well-spent. Now to consider their conversation, Patterson’s choice of tripwires, and to read the book.
Saturday, Oct. 17, there will be a celebration of the life of artist and friend Marie-Louise Rouff, held at Featherstone, beginning at 1:30 pm.
