Chilmark

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Welcome home, great-grandma Bette Carroll. Bette took a trip in a MedFlight helicopter last week bound for Mass General. She is stoic, strong, bound and determined. A little surgery, some antibiotics, and the watchful eyes of fantastic doctors got her patched up in no time. She is back at home on Carroll Lane feeding her birds and visiting with friends and family.

All are welcome to attend a gathering at the Hillman family farm on Middle Road this Saturday from 4:30 to 6 pm to remember, honor, and share stories about Sandra Fales Hillman who passed away unexpectedly this spring. Elise (Hillman) and Greg Green along with their children Hartwell, Harrison, Ridgely and Chandler and other family members request that you come as you are, no gussying up is necessary, and share a story or two about Sandra. Reverend Cathlin Baker will lead a prayer at 5 pm and more reminiscing about the gracious woman who often had a kerchief holding back her hair as she tended to her chickens, sheep, flowers and grandchildren will follow.

I have seen a lot of John Nelson, biology teacher at the high school, lately. Since he is living on North Road for the summer, he swings through Menemsha often and shares stories about his days as captain on the party fishing boat Skipper. It holds 38 passengers who are all excited to venture out in hopes of black bass, fluke, scup, and bluefish. Look him up if you have a big group in search of something to do.

Janice and John Wightman held an opening reception at the Chilmark branch of the Bank of Martha’s Vineyard this past Saturday. Called Island Images, the show runs through the July 20. The show is a collection of Vineyard landscapes captured on film over the past 35 years, with a bunch of new works mixed in.

An exciting event is creeping up on us quickly. The Chilmark Volunteer FIrefighter’s Backyard Bash is on Wednesday, August 1, from 5 to 8 pm at the Community Center. I realize I mentioned this last week, but they are still looking for volunteers to help out at this community-oriented event. Call the Crossroad station at 508-645-2550 if you are willing to help man the concession table, flip some burgers, or sell tee-shirts.

As part of the 2012 Author Lecture Series sponsored by the Chilmark Community Center and Bunch of Grapes Bookstore, the Center will host Pulitzer Prize winning author Richard Russo and his daughter, artist Kate Russo, tonight at 7:30 pm.

On Sunday, July 22, at 7:30 pm, the series will continue at the Center when Peter Beinart discusses his book, “The Crisis of Zionism.” Additionally, there will be conversation about Israel’s future with Chilmark summer resident Alan Dershowitz. The discussion will be moderated by novelist Richard North Patterson.

Will Holtham made a trip back to town last week. He ventured out on Steve Broderick’s boat, Islander. They fished. They caught. They reminisced. All was good.

Claire Ganz has made the journey from New Mexico along with sons Owen and Hugh. Escaping the southwest heat is always a pleasure as is catching up with her. You might not recognize Hugh as he has grown tremendously since last summer. Owen, on the other hand, is pretty recognizable with his fishing pole in hand and the faint aroma of bait trailing behind him.

Flanders Field softball is in full swing. Old Glory is flying high in center field, thanks to the helpful hand of Bill Shanok who replaced the pole with a new one that looks hurricane-proof. Did you know that if you manage to hit the ball and send it flying directly at that pole it’s an automatic home run?

I’d like to share a big shout of praise to Seth Karlinsky who takes care of the rest rooms and trash disposal in Menemsha. It is not an easy job, for sure, but he does it without complaint. Late nights and early mornings to stay on top of those seagulls who make quick work of pulling trash out of the cans and multiple trips during the day is how he manages. He’s one of the many unsung heroes we have right here in our community. Thank you, Seth.

Summertime birthdays are in abundance this week. Samantha Jason, Roger Cook, Bob Nixon, Connie Taylor, David Fielder, Wendy Weldon, Karen Flynn, Joannie Jenkinson, Bill Rossi, Diane Morgan, Ross McDowell and plenty more. Ted Meinelt celebrated this past weekend reaching the age of 96 years young. Ridgely and Harrison Green will turn 11 tomorrow, when Peter and Andrew Ruimerman turn 15. Two sets of twins celebrating the same day? How likely is that?

And, although they live in Edgartown, I’d like to wish a very happy birthday to my niece Oona Carroll and her mom Kendra. Six years ago, Kendra received a great birthday gift and that’s the birth of her daughter.

The O’Connor boys were selling bunches of hydrangeas at the end of their driveway on South Road. The dining chair they had brought out to sit on was taken when it was briefly left unattended. If you know of its whereabouts, please return it. No questions asked.