I often go along for the ride to the dump on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and many of those days I can’t help but stop off at the Dumptique to see if any nuggets lurk there in the unlit, unheated shed.
Lately, especially since the end of the summer, the parking area for Dumptique is so full and the shed that houses the treasures so packed with people, it can be difficult to look around.
I don’t know if this is because of enhanced awareness of the values that can be hidden in this place, or the Island population increase that seems to have occurred, or the fact that everything else costs so much more — better to find clothes, books, games, kitchen ware, even furniture for free.
I volunteered at Chicken Alley thrift shop some years ago and still enjoy shopping there but it too has become crowded.
According to last Sunday’s New York Times, thrift weddings have become highly stylish, although the trend has been happening on the Vineyard for many years. Even back in my thrift Shop days, brides and mothers-of-the-brides came in looking for mismatched china for the wedding feast, as well as gowns and veils. Nowadays wedding planners also look for candlesticks, vases, candelabras, lamps and linens, all the trimmings.
Shopping second-hand has become both chic and good for the Earth. Some new clothes are so cheaply made that our waste streams are now choked with plastic and textiles, much of it synthetic. It is a favor to the environment if that fabric takes a few more laps.
Of course, donating nice, gently-used items is welcome at any of these sites. And on this Island, a famous label is not an unusual find. Besides, there is such a tingle when you see a stranger on the street wearing a blouse you donated to the site.
My mother had the biggest thrill of them all. She used to visit us from Kingston, Ont., with a half-empty suitcase, and head for the thrift shop. When she arrived home her bridge club friends inevitably admired her new wardrobe and asked, “Where did you get that lovely pantsuit?” And she modestly replied, “Martha’s Vineyard.” The room was hushed.
Boston government officials are urging us to vote early. Because of the nine diverse questions on the ballot, as well as the number of candidates, it takes about 15 minutes longer than usual to fill out the ballot. Lines will be longer on election day, they worry, and want you to be sure to vote. You may do it now, weekdays from 8 to 11 a.m., and Saturdays, 9 to 5 at the public safety building on State Road in North Tisbury.
We have quite a crew of birthday celebrants here this week. Best wishes for a perfect day to Emmet Athearn, Alice Early and Caroline Flanders on Friday, Oct. 23. Happy birthday to Reed Cabot, Leo DeSorcy and Jenik Munafo on Saturday, Oct. 24. Birthday celebrants on Sunday, Oct. 25 include Molly Crawford, Isaac Taylor, Dolly Campbell and Sarah Mayhew.
Paul Magid will enjoy cake and candles on Monday, Oct. 26. Philippe Jordi, Stella Napior and Susan Reidy all celebrate on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Alexandra Styron is the guest of honor on Wednesday, Oct. 28, and Carol Koury takes the cake Thursday, Oct. 29.
Congratulations and happy wedding anniversary to Tony and Abigail Higgins on Saturday, Oct. 24, and to Katryn and Rob Gilbert on Friday, Oct. 30.