I must admit I have been somewhat remiss in keeping my finger on the pulse of town these past few days. True to my recent tradition of welcoming another year of life amidst the wild beauty of a national park, I write to you from the quiet outskirts of Petrified Forest National Park. Brooks is my trusted traveling companion, and though the whims of Mother Nature forced a sharp pivot — or perhaps more of a grand U-turn — in our itinerary, we are having an absolutely magnificent time.
Enough about me, let’s turn our attention to things on the home front.
The West Tisbury School 8th graders hosted their UK exchanges this past week. In keeping with the theme of Mother Nature’s grand gestures, she surely provided the group with some picture perfect New England weather.
Susie Anderson, whose son Willie Bologna is hosting an exchange, was gracious enough to share a few highlights of their visit so far. I think I’ve captured everything in the following paragraph: They kicked things off on Friday night at Radio Farm for a huge potluck and cookout. On Saturday, they enjoyed a screening of Jaws at Menemsha Beach, complete with concessions from the Texaco and a bit of fishing off the docks. They spent Sunday morning at Morning Glory Farm enjoying hayrides, pumpkin carving and finding their way through the corn maze. Later that afternoon, they headed to Philbin Beach to make s’mores on the expansive low-tide shore. To top it all off, they went up to the Aquinnah Lighthouse and climbed to the top to watch the sun sink into the ocean at sunset — all accompanied by a stunning, full Hunter’s Moon. It was absolutely magical.
Tillie Taylor, Kahpay Vanderhoop, Abel Rutkowski, Finn and Maeve Moriarty, Josie Persinko, Lucille Stahl and a gaggle of others are all having a memorable time hosting. I’m sure they’re already plotting their springtime adventure to the UK.
Michelle and Greg O’Connor traveled to Colorado last week to enjoy the wedding of their second son, Griffin. Griffin and Madi Lawton were married in a breathtaking meadow at Devils Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, Colo. on a crisp, 40-degree day, with his long-time babysitter, Hannah (who spent 14 summers on Martha’s Vineyard with the boys) serving as their officiant. Surrounded by a lively crowd of East Coasters — including Griffin’s brothers and Chilmark childhood friends — and made up of passionate Patriots and Eagles fans, the magical moment was made even more unforgettable as horses galloped across the landscape behind them while they exchanged their vows. I can’t forget to mention Michelle and Greg’s infant grandson Dalton was there in full cowboy attire. Happy and joyful everyone.
Emme Carroll and Hollis Oliver had a few cows on walkabout the other morning. Our resident Cowpokes and their trusty bovine counterparts sure do get around. I wonder if they will be on walkabout for Halloween, too? They made the rounds last year. I guess we will have to wait and see.
Speaking of Halloween, the numbers are growing, and the trick-or-trunkers will be out in force this Saturday evening in the Menemsha parking lot with car trunks full of treats. If you are excited about the idea of seeing our little goblins, fairies, firefighters and maybe even a stray cow strolling down Basin Road and beyond, we want you in on the fun. Please reach out to get the full scoop on how you can join in, decorate a trunk, or just cheer on the cutest parade of the season.