Patsy Gentsch
A quarter of a century ago, Oak Bluffs summer resident Patsy Gentsch tacked a list entitled Summer Survival Rules on a wooden post by her front door. Twenty-five years later the list remains. “I wanted to have fun with my house guests, without the worry of nagging,” says Patsy, whose rules include: “Outside showers only, except for babies,” and “Used beach towels stay outside house – shake
out at beach and hang on line to dry at home.”
Phyllis Vecchia
“Do the dishes!” says this Tisbury resident, founder of Creative Dramatics, an acting class for children. “I just finished having a house guest who was the best we’ve ever had, and you know why?” she asks rhetorically. “He did the dishes.”
A few weeks and a different set of house guests later, a notably less ecstatic Phyllis came up with a significantly longer list. “Clean up the house. Before you leave, take out the vacuum. Help clean the bathrooms. Change the beds. Pick up after your children when they’re visiting. Ask before you invite other guests over for a dinner party. Ask before you move the living room furniture. Ask where is the best spot to do your yoga practice. Do some grocery shopping.
Use your credit card when making long distance calls. Help with the housework.”
Wendy and Andy Vincent
The Tisbury couple thinks it’s important to tell people how casual the Vineyard is. “It’s a very relaxed, laid-back Island,” says Wendy, who also suggests warning house guests that the evenings can get chilly.
The couple recommends telling house guests to “dress casual, be comfortable, and shower outside.”
Craig Freeman
Craig Freeman was once a house guest. Then he married the daughter of the owner of the house. Now the Oak Bluffs house where he was once a guest is his. For this reason, Craig’s words come with an unusual authority. “House guests are the biggest pain in the ass,” says Craig. “You love to see them come, but more than that you love to see them go.”
Kathleen Soule
The manager of Dippin’ Donuts in Oak Bluffs says, “When you live on the Vineyard everyone wants to come stay with you. Partying is an issue. House guests should clean up their own mess and hang up beach towels outside.” And, she adds, “Bring your own sunscreen.”
Michael Achille
“I really haven’t had any house guests where I’ve had to make rules,” says Michael Achille, who
offers up general advice: “Don’t expect to park in town. Don’t expect to walk into a restaurant without reservations. You’re not going to be able to find things that you would in a mall. Bring your manners with you. You’re not the only person on Martha’s Vineyard.
Natives are people too.”
