I don’t think there was a dry eye in the library Sunday afternoon as Cindy Mitchell and Shannon Gregory Carbon spoke about Pat Gregory, father, library patron, town moderator, at the ceremony dedicating the lobby in his memory. David Stanwood played the piano as people milled around before the ceremony. It was standing room only. The library looked springlike and beautiful, filled with vases of daffodils decorating every surface.
Now we have lilacs to look forward to. Janice Haynes commented that she has never seen so many buds, and expects “a spectacular lilac year.” Not to rush the season, as we have weeks still to enjoy the daffodils. Magnolias and flowering cherries are gorgeous. The pear trees at the cemetery are showing huge colored buds ready to burst.
Another prediction comes from Tom Hodgson, who says asparagus and peas will be “especially good.” Tom and his wife, Christine Gault, had lunch recently with Christine’s mother, Mary Bell, Beth Kramer, and her mother, Joan Hopkins. The garden comment came up during this outing, as Tom told about spring’s progress at Wishetwurra Farm, one of the most resplendent and productive gardens in town.
Following the town meeting vote to identify properties for fire and emergency services, Kenny Mastromonaco is making signs for the fire department for $20 each. Map, lot, and street numbers will be displayed. Call Kenny at 508-693-6008.
Bobby Maciel has been in town, visiting from Maine. Besides spending time with his parents, Bob and Barbara, he has been a welcome presence at the fire departments, where he left many friends when he moved. Bobby has been active in his new department, as we knew he would be. Firefighting is in the Maciel blood.
Sue Hruby, Alice Early, and Elle Lash spent the weekend together in Boston attending the Annual Writers Muse and Marketplace Conference sponsored by the famous Grub Street Writers Organization. They all went to different workshops and meetings, covering everything from meeting prospective agents to learning about editing and rewriting manuscripts. Lots of good information. All three are longtime members of John Hough’s weekly writing group.
I finally met Hazel Waring, almost walking in her pink high-top sneakers, almost a year old. Hazel, her mom Diana, and grandmother Pat were at the library on Sunday.
Joanne Scott had to miss the library dedication, as her granddaughter’s second birthday party was scheduled for the exact same time. Bianca Mary Stafford was guest of honor at a birthday bash at the home of her parents, Ben and Katie. Grandparents Bob Stafford and Patience Sampson of Boston and Maine also attended. Joanne reports, “Lots of lovely balloons and children. The sun came out, and delicious cake was enjoyed by all.”
Bill and Betty Haynes were off-Island attending the graduation of their grandson, Nathaniel Haynes, from the New England Institute of Technology in Warwick, R.I. Bruce and Jennifer Haynes, Jessica Haynes, and Janice Haynes were there. Classmate and friend Jacob Oliver graduated, too. His parents, Jesse Oliver and Allison Barrett, were in the audience.
There are a lot of graduations coming up over the next few weekends. I hope proud parents and grandparents will call me with their stories for the column.
I do know that Janaye Rooney will graduate from UMass-Amherst next weekend with a B.A. in English. Her parents, Rich Rooney and Jan Paul, will be there, so note that Jan’s store, the Heath Hen, will be closed Friday and Saturday. When they get back, Jan has plans to celebrate her three years owning the store in its Woodside Village location. I’ll keep you posted.
Marsha Winsryg has returned from Zambia, where she made dolls with moms from the Mama Bakita School. Marsha took fabric and sewing supplies for the moms, and tempera paint to keep the kids busy. She returned with lots of new crafts for sale to help support the African charities she holds dear. You may contact Marsha at 508 693-4059 or aacdpafrica.org.
The Minnesingers’ annual Spring Concert will take place this weekend at the MVRHS Performing Arts Center. Concerts are Saturday, May 9, at 7 pm and Sunday, May 10, at 3 pm. There will be singing and dancing to music from “An American Songbook,” celebrating 90 years of the Oscars. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors, available from any member of the Minnesingers or at the door.
Living Local Harvest Festival has announced the dates for their event, Oct. 2 and 3. They are looking for volunteers, displays, and vendors. Food vendors need to sign up by May 15, so if you are interested check their Facebook page, their website livinglocalmv.org, or contact livinglocalvineyard@gmail.com.
A good time to do some spring cleaning, as MVCS Electronics Disposal Day is coming up next Saturday, May 16, 9 to 2, at Community Services. Get your old air conditioners, cell phones, computers, copiers, dehumidifiers, fax machines, laptops, printers, monitors, microwaves, ranges, refrigerators, scanners, stereo equipment, televisions, washers, dryers, and anything else you can think of. Fees are between $2 and $30, with a 10% discount on carloads. All proceeds benefit Martha’s Vineyard Community Services.
Artist of the Month at the West Tisbury library is Richard Limber. See his paintings in the Program Room and at the circulation desk. Paul Thurlow is guest musician at a concert this Friday, May 8, at 7 pm. Saturday, May 9, Tim Boland will talk about “Small Flowering Trees for Your Landscape,” a timely subject as everything is blooming right now. (Take a look at the pink cherry tree in the field at Polly Hill Arboretum, where Tim is the director and an amazing plantsman.) Wednesday afternoon, May 13, the Writers’ Residency Spring Reading Series convenes at 5 pm. There is also a Teen/Tween Movie at 4. (Free popcorn.) Nicole Cabot leads the Island Grown Story Hour on Thursday morning, May 14, at 10:30. The subject is “Seafood.” What could be better?