JO-ANN TILGHMAN

508-627-7669

(Tilghmanjb@aol.com)

During the month that I have been back on Chappy I have seen the last of the daffodils and forsythia fade, the shad and lilacs bloom in spectacular fashion, and the trees go from their winter brown to a lush green. I have had the chance to see Chappy residents doing island housekeeping, such as collecting trash along the road and trimming branches that have grown into some of the island’s trails. And, along with Judy Murphy, I saw the sandhill crane that had previously been reported in Chilmark and Katama, when it visited Brine’s Pond.

Judy had stopped by the side of the road to photograph the large crane as he stood quietly in the field between the road and the pond. I was driving by and stopped to ask if everything was okay and Judy pointed out the crane to me. At the time, neither one of us was quite sure of the species of the bird and we were unaware of the sightings previously reported on Martha’s Vineyard. It took a return to our birding books to identify the bird and then we realized that the bird was way off course. The crane appeared to be completely calm and happy watching the comings and goings at the community center. I’m hoping that Judy will have the photos for the Chappy Community Center calendar contest in late July.

Over Memorial Day weekend I ran into Lindsey and Blake Allison, Bonnie and Andrew Weiss, and Vance and Bonnie Packard at Mytoi. Lindsey, the driving force behind the Mytoi restoration and a dedicated volunteer for more than 20 years, was gracious enough to take us through the garden and point out new plantings and the plants that were struggling after a difficult winter, including the camellias that had been food for the deer. Lindsey indicated the camellias would bounce back but they are without a lot of their leaves right now. The azaleas on the island were spectacular, the rhododendrons were just coming into their own, and, at least, two snapping turtles were curious to see whether or not we had any food for them.

Pat and David Knoll of Cincinnati, Ohio have arrived for a two-month vacation at the North Neck home they share with Marcia (David’s sister) and Terry Forde. Back in Ohio, Pat has been taking classes in stained glass and has brought some of her supplies with her in order to continue mastering the techniques she has been studying. David is getting around well with his new knee and they have their dog, Ricky, with them to make sure that they get out and exercise that new knee.

Lois and Reid Burriss of Hartford, Vt., spent part of this past weekend cleaning and preparing their Wasque home for the summer. Reid brought along a quart of the Vermont maple syrup he makes with friends each spring to donate to the CCC auction.

Happy birthday wishes to Sidney Morris as he begins a new decade. Sidney’s wife, Margaret Knight, transitions from writing this column to full-time Chappaquiddick Community Center coordinator at this time of year. Margaret handles all of the class registrations, subscriptions, oversees special events, as well as greeting lots of folks who are not familiar with all that Chappy has to offer.

Growing up we all learn the four seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. As we age, and depending upon where we live, we also become aware of mud season, hurricane season, tornado season, tick season and others, but I have only recently become aware that pollen has its own season. This year pollen is everywhere, covering cars, swirling atop the ponds at Mytoi, Brine’s Pond and roadside puddles, and, if you have your windows open on a windy day, the pollen is clinging to your screens and leaving a coating on your floors and furniture. The itching in my eyes is also telling me that there is more pollen this year.