Chilmark

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5th-grade graduates from the Chilmark School. Rear, from left: Rachaya Lane, Gabriel Ambulos, Greta Gannon, Olin Gannon, Gabriel Bellebuono, Hailey Lobo. Front: Maggie Mayhew, Coltrane Leport, Ned Smiley.

Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart. Diana Bardwell left many footprints but despite enormous advances in scientific knowledge has moved on to what we all hope will be a more restful place for her soul. Although she made West Tisbury her home, she was a dedicated parent to Ian and Jared who climbed their way up the ladder at the Chilmark School with their mom footing their ladder as much as any mom could. There will be a public service to remember Diana on Saturday at 3 pm at the Edgartown Federated Church followed by a 5 pm potluck celebration at the Chilmark Community Center. May her memory live large in her boys, her husband, Doug, and all of her family and friends.

Hurry up and mend that hip, Ozzie Fischer. Your garden needs you. Word has traveled from the farm to the shore, sharing the news that Ozzie’s broken hip underwent surgery and he is resting comfortably. We are all thinking of you and looking forward to the day that we will see you out amid the soil, plants, flowers, animals, family, and friends.

Let the games begin. Softball fans may want to take in the season opener this Sunday, June 26, at Flanders Field. Where is Flanders Field, you ask? Well, travel along Tabor House Road until you find yourself at the Chilmark transfer station (the Dump). The road directly across from it is Pasture Road. Take Pasture Road until you hear the joyful screams of fans and players. The field is named for David Flanders, one of the most feared batters in all of softball history. So I’m told, the old gang is still searching for the one he hit out of the park that may have come to a resting spot on the shore of Menemsha Pond some 50 years ago. “Play ball!” will be shouted out at 8:30 am. According to Bill Edison, Wesley Cottle will be there ready to heckle.

I have a Menemsha Cafe update: As of this Saturday, Josh, Angela, Eli, and crew will be open seven days a week starting at 6:30 am. Starting Wednesday, June 29, they will be open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday. The crew will close at 3 pm on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Ballyhoo paid a visit to Dutcher Dock this past Sunday evening. The whole gang was there, less Tauras Biskis who is visiting friends and family in Lithuania with his five-year-old son Kestutis. They pulled out all the old favorites, including “You Are my Sunshine,” which great-grandma Bette Carroll played on her harmonica. With music as the backdrop, Carl Crocker, with the tutelage of Lev and Westley Wlodyka, managed to reel in a keeper bass.

Nancy Slonim Aronie of The Chilmark Writing Workshop will speak on her life as a writing coach Wednesday, June 29 at 5:30 pm at the Chilmark Library. I think her philosophy of writing from the heart really means you must write for you and hope that others might appreciate your voice.

Friend, neighbor, and Aquinnah librarian Cathy Thompson shares that they have a fantastic lineup for their summer speaker series. The series will be kicked off on Tuesday, July 12, at 5 pm with author Geraldine Brooks, who will discuss her new book, “Caleb’s Crossing.”

Starting June 28, Mathea Morais, the fun mom of three who calls Blue Barque her home, will lead a great workout at the Mansion House called Fit Camp. This class takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 pm.

Saturday, June 25, at 11 am the Spindrift Marionettes present “Catkin,” a mystical Celtic tale for young children and their parents or caregivers, free of charge at the Aquinnah Library. After enjoying the show venture on down to our other neighboring town for the 23rd Annual Strawberry Festival from 12 noon to 4 pm at the First Congregational Church in West Tisbury. Along with onion rings, strawberry shortcake is my weakness. I was lucky enough to have a big bag of homegrown strawberries shared with me by a dear friend with an English accent. I cannot mention his name just in case he didn’t have enough to share with you. They were delicious and most appreciated.

School is out for summer so here’s a summary of safety laws: In a car, anyone under the age of eight needs to be in some sort of a safety seat unless they are greater than 57 inches tall. On a boat, children under 12 years old must wear a USCG–approved PFD when above deck on any vessel that is under way. Riding a bike, anyone under the age of 16 must wear a safety helmet. On that note, let the good times roll.