Dandelion Gone to Seed

A sphere of silvery transparency,

at the top of a silvery stem.

Perfect in its static death.

But the next wind will blow it into seedlings,

will sing every tiny seed of it into a cloud

that drifts to earth,

to make another flower,

in another spring.

— Margaret Freydberg

I had to get my hair done. After six months on the Vineyard, serious hair repair was going to be necessary to get my flaxen mane back on track. Unlike on the Island, where I go to a simple establishment with an equally simple price tag, in Palm Beach the more high-end professional job is paramount — and about $200 more expensive.

INSPIRING TEXT

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

A word of appreciation to James H.K. Norton for his Commentary Page piece titled Mayhew, Tear Down This Wall. He inspired us with the quest for liberty that characterized some of our early Vineyard citizens, connecting their proud story to our challenging times.

Jerome Davidson

Chilmark and

Great Neck, N.Y.

•

PRAISE FOR FIREFIGHTERS

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

The Sound of Shared Purpose

Last week’s Gazette carried a story about marine scientist Jesse Ausubel. Near the end of the piece there was a reference to a project Mr. Ausubel is about to undertake: An international effort to halt all forms of man-made noise in the ocean for a few hours.

Perhaps we landlubbers would do well to attempt a similar period of silence.

Elegy for Swans

New Finance Director

David M. Espindle has been appointed finance director of Island Elderly Housing (IEH).

Mr. Espindle brings more than 30 years of executive management experience in the financial services industry to IEH. Before moving to the Island, his most recent position was executive vice president, chief operating officer, and treasurer of a leading Community Credit Union based in Lowell.

On Saturday, March 5 KCT Concerts opens up its 2011 season with Willy Mason performing at the Katharine Cornell Theater.

KCT Concerts has a history of bringing to the Island incredible musical acts including last year’s headliners Paddy Keenan, Oisin MacDiarmada and Richie Stearns, to name just a few.

Of course, Willy Mason doesn’t have to be brought to the Island. He lives here. And yet the man is global. Later this spring he will be back touring Europe as he did last summer with Norah Jones.

The 295-foot long cutter Eagle will visit Vineyard waters this summer. That news was shared by the executive officer of the nation’s largest working square-rigger, who spoke on Wednesday night before an audience of some 60 people at the Black Dog Tavern.

Graduate

Tara Reynolds of Edgartown recently graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Ms. Reynolds earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in illustration.

Dean’s List

Caitlin Crossland of Edgartown has been named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at the University of Massachusetts Boston.

Artists can be known for isolating themselves from the outside world, but sometimes the best art is made with help from others.

In a seasonal economy where it’s everyone for themselves, the founders of the new Martha’s Vineyard Arts and Culture Collaborative are hoping the group will bring together all Island artists to promote a nurturing year-round arts community.