Retirement is only a mindset for Brian Athearn and Julie Scott.  

Both will be retiring from the Agricultural Society board of trustees, as chair and vice chair respectively, but they both hope to continue having an impact on Island’s agricultural community. 

During Mr. Athearn’s 10 years as a trustee (vice-chair and then chair) he said he is most proud of the society’s growth. 

“It’s been such a collection of people, personalities and accomplishments and goals,” he said. “We started with an operation that ran out of people’s living rooms to a full-blown nonprofit with active subcommittees and an active board and increased development.” 

Ms. Scott said she is proud of the work the society does to support the Island’s agriculture during her decade on the board. 

“I feel that this organization is truly one that has its mission at heart, and really tries to support the farmers and Martha’s Vineyard agriculture as best as it can,” she siad. “It’s always trying to learn and pivot to what the current demands and needs are.”

In their day-to-day lives, both run farms. Mr. Athearn runs Runamok Farm with his family (along with owning and running MV Tech), while Ms. Scott manages Slough Farm with her family. 

One of Ms. Scott’s favorite memories is how the society operated during the Covid-19 pandemic.  

“We really couldn’t be slowed down.... Of course we were still going to have community meals and invite people to come celebrate, whether it was [holding] the Barn Raisers Ball outside in masks or a drive-through thing with the Meat Balls, there was no slowing down. There was no stopping us,” she said.

Mr. Athearn emphasized the essence of collaboration between the organization and the Island’s agricultural sphere. 

“We really have our legs underneath us now,” he said. “Incredibly confident staff, an amazing board, incredible volunteers, incredible location on an amazing Island.” 

The society has impacted Ms. Scott’s life greatly, she said, and she encourages others to get involved.  

“You don’t have to be a board member to be on a committee or support events or get involved with the fair, so I’d encourage everybody if they’re interested,” she said.  

Ms. Scott said she doesn’t plan for her involvement to end.  

“Full disclosure, I’m planning to hang up the title but not my involvement,” Ms. Scott said. “Other than not having to sit through executive meetings about really serious stuff, I’m still planning to be equally as involved.” 

Mr. Athearn said he will also continue to contribute to the community, and has some advice for any new leaders.”

“I hope that the next generation does what I did, which is trying to forge the agricultural society into the future without leaving the past behind,” he said.

Elections take place in mid-November, when the governance committee will put forward candidates to be voted on by the society’s members.