MARGARET KNIGHT
508-627-8894
As we walked from the ferry through town to the Whaling Church last Saturday afternoon, we could hear the bagpipes playing from blocks away. In front of the church, we passed between a double row of firefighters in their blue dress-up suits, standing at attention with flags flying, and into the church to celebrate the life of Joe Cressy. The firefighters filed in impressively, and four went to stand up in front holding flags and gleaming silver ceremonial axes.
The Cressy family, friends and relatives took turns at the podium with prayers, readings, songs and memories, the men dressed in kilts to honor Joe’s Scottish heritage. They spoke about Joe’s sense of humor, his generosity, his love of family and sailing, his service to the community and his friendships. Joe was an outgoing man who loved to talk with the people he met in his day-to-day life. His grandson, Eric Fernandez, recalled short trips to town for errands that stretched from one hour to three or more – it was known as “Cressy time.” Luanne Johnson spoke about meeting Joe driving across Norton Point, and how he always had time to stop and catch up on the news.
Joe was such a big presence that it felt as if he were there at the church on Saturday. One poem that was read, A Parable of Immortality, by Henry Van Dyke, spoke to many. Here it is: I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, “There she goes!”
Gone where? Gone from my sight... that is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of destination. Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says, “There she goes!” there are other eyes watching her coming, and their voices ready to take up the glad shout, “Here she comes!”
After the service, people followed the bagpiper and firefighters through downtown streets, like a small parade, to the firehouse where a great spread was laid out. There were lots of pictures of Joe, and lots of memories. Earlier in the day, the family had gone out on the On Time II and spread Joe’s ashes out on the water around the red marker off the Edgartown Lighthouse. We will miss him.
On Friday, June 3, at 7 p.m., the Merrimack Valley Ringers will give a hand-bell concert at the West Tisbury First Congregational Church. They are 17 ringers who play around New England and New York, and they have a great reputation. Each ringer plays many bells, so it’s an amazing sound to hear. The West Tisbury Bell Choir is honored to host them for this concert entitled Simple Gifts: Traditional and Contemporary, of Celtic and folk tunes, as well as original hand-bell compositions and even Bach. Admission to the concert is free – donations accepted.
Peter Wells would like to pass on a few reminders to vehicle drivers and passengers on the ferry. He says, “The summer season is close upon us, so there will be greater numbers of passengers using the ferry. Passengers and vehicles need to share the close quarters aboard the ferry safely, so please keep in mind the following (and be a good example to returning seasonal residents and tourists): There are several different signs on the ferry; each is there to alert you to an important safety item or issue. Their sole purpose is for your safety and ours.”
“For example: drivers, what about those signs that read ‘Don’t start your engine until directed to do so by the crew?’ I didn’t just dream that up. It’s based on U.S. Coast Guard federal regulations. I’ve hung them so that every driver can see one, and I really want you to abide by its directive. Your engine doesn’t need to be started until you are actually ready to depart. We aren’t in any huge hurry to get you off of the boat – seconds don’t count; safety does. Before you can depart, the ramp must be properly lowered and engaged with the ferry, the safety chain must be unhooked, the chocks removed, the gate raised, and the crew safely out of your way. Then wait for eye contact and a hand signal by the crew. Only they will know if everything is ready for your departure. Only then should you start your engine and carefully proceed.
“What about the second and third vehicles? They aren’t going anywhere until all of the passengers are all the way off of the ramp. Departing passengers who are looking back to keep an eye on you in your three-ton SUV with its engine roaring will walk a lot slower than when your vehicle is silent and they don’t feel threatened. If your engine isn’t started, you won’t be able to run down the passengers or the crew. We’ll let you know when it’s time to go, and then you can start your engine and proceed carefully. With cooperation it really goes pretty quickly, and we all breath fewer exhaust fumes.”
Thus speaketh Peter Wells. Hopefully we all will read and obey!
Also, Peter wants to let us know that there may some disruption of service today between 1 and 2:30 p.m. if and when the kids from the Edgartown School walk down to Memorial Wharf for their annual ceremony. Daggett street may become two-way for a short time.
There will be a potluck at the Chappaquiddick Community Center on Wednesday, June 1 starting at 6 p.m. for appetizers and 6:30 for dinner. All are welcome.
There is lots of goat activity at my house. Our goat, Magee, gave birth last Saturday. The baby had barely struggled to its feet before it was hopping around exploring the new world. We named the kid Clyde, but then a couple of days later when he was due to be castrated, it turned out Clyde was a girl! That was a relief to us because her future looks brighter than when she was Clyde. Male kids have a way of ending up at the dinner table– but not as the honored guest. The kid’s “aunt,” Asha, who loves to butt more than anything, is slowly learning how to restrain herself around the baby, with a little help from us in the form of a rap on her horns. I think they will become great playmates. Meanwhile, Magee is constantly talking to the baby as she climbs the play structure (a big wooden spool with ramps connected) and wanders around the pen, telling her to be careful, or come back over where she is. In a few months, we’ll be looking for a home for this young one. She will make a good milker (she’s a Sanaan mix) or a pet, or a companion for a horse or pony. Let us know if you’re interested.
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