I don’t know how long we will have this cool weather. It’s only August, after all, so bound to be hot again, but I am definitely enjoying it now. It was nice to see people wearing sweaters and long sleeves. I’m sure blankets were pulled out of cupboards, too.
Congratulations to Sgt. Brad Cortez, who will become Chief Brad Cortez this October when our current Chief Matt Mincone retires. West Tisbury has been blessed with a long line of exemplary police chiefs, and I trust that Brad will continue that tradition.
There will be a special town meeting on Sept. 16, the final warrant to be announced. Put it on your calendars now, so you don’t forget with all the busyness of summer. We will need a quorum, 5 percent of registered West Tisbury voters.
Julian and Kathy Weiss invited a group of friends for dinner last Thursday night, friends of Julian’s sister, the late Ellen Weiss. We gathered under a tent in the yard for a lobster dinner and the best berry pie I have ever eaten. (It was from the Black Sheep.) We caught up with one another, and we reminisced about Ellen. We shared stories, solemn and funny, and letters sent from friends who could not attend. Mary Beth Norton had been asked to act as moderator, which she did with grace, making sure everyone had a chance to speak.
I hadn’t known that Ellen was an excellent painter, as well as being an architectural historian, writer, and teacher. Kathy showed me the paintings she and Julian had brought and hung throughout the house, an unexpected treat. It was nice to spend time with Ellen’s family, and I look forward to getting to know them.
A reminder to anyone wanting to volunteer or work at the fair: Please sign up on the Ag Society website: marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org/the-fair.
MV Democrats’ monthly meeting is on Zoom this Saturday, August 9, at 9:30 am. The featured guest is Grace Kenney, Martha’s Vineyard liaison to state Rep. Thomas Moakley. Upcoming summer fundraisers on the Vineyard will also be discussed.
Lots of special programs at the library for kids and adults. A scrapbooking class for ages 11 to 18 will be held this Friday, August 8, at 2 pm. To sign up, email lhearn@clamsnet.org. Saturday there will be a tie-dye party for kids from 1 to 3 pm, and author T. Elizabeth Bell will speak at 3:30 pm about her new book, “Sheepish,” with Alice Early. “Creative Movement for Birth” is on Monday, August 11, at 10:15 am. Mac pro Paul Levy will be on the side porch on Tuesday morning from 10:15 to 11:15 am. Drop by for help with any Apple/Mac devices. Vineyard Power will have an information table set up on Thursday from 2 to 3 pm. Friday at 2 pm is a Bingo Bash for kids ages 6 to 18.
Mike noticed that the latest results for bacteria levels in the Tisbury Great Pond were higher than when last tested. We haven’t let Abby go in the pond since warnings were issued earlier in the summer. Please keep yourselves and your pets safe.