Chilmark

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He is back from his glorious winter on the Mendocino Coast. Along with his dear bride, Lydia, Bill Edison, my faithful and dedicated summer sports commentator, has packed up his belongings at his off-season home in Elk, California, and made the trip east to their Menemsha Inn Road summer cottage. Before his bags were even packed, Bill was dreaming of Chilmark’s finest sporting event — the Flanders Field Summer Softball series. Perhaps it’s because he played the game when he was young and has become a cheerleader and heckler now that he is 85. Maybe it’s the camaraderie and spirit of community if generates. Whatever it is, Bill will be their on June 23 for the first game of the season awaiting the first pitch and Howard Wall’s melodious bagpipe version of “take me out to the ballgame.” Bill has even come up with his own verse sung to the familiar tune:

Take me out of the ballgame,

sit me down in my chair.

Give me some singles and a homer or two,

then I know I’ll never be blue.

Root, root root for the home team,

who cares about the score.

For it’s one, two, three strikes you’re out

Couldn’t ask for anything more!

Tuesday, June 18, kicks off Lobster Rolls at the Chilmark Church from 4:30 to 7 pm. For a very reasonable price, grab a roll to go along with chips, cookie, and a drink, or eat on the lawn as you wait for the fine young men of Vineyard Sound to take stage at 8 pm to delight you with their a cappella tunes. Also coming up at the Church on Saturday, June 15, from 10 am to 12 noon is the Children’s Fair. Games, pony rides, cupcakes and more will surely delight all of our little ones.

Please join the folks at the Library for an afternoon tea in honor of Jane Slater’s 16 years of devoted service as a Library Trustee on Tuesday, June 11, 4–5 pm. I am certain it will be a lovely affair and, as always, the more the merrier.

Additionally, it is officially summer at the Library. Continuing until August 30, their summer hours are: Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm; Wednesday from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm; and Thursday from 2:30 to 6:30 pm.

Also, for those of you who don’t have a CLAMS card yet, save time and pre-register online using a link from the library website, www.chilmarklibrary.org.

The Chilmark Preschool Board of Directors is looking for a few dedicated community members interested in the education of our youngest inhabitants to join their team. If you are interested in contributing an hour or so a month or if you simply want to inquire about details, please contact Alicia Knight at anfknight@aol.com or call 508-627-0075.

I forgot to mention last week that Anne and Hal Noyes are in town frolicking with their grandchildren, Adelaide, Thea, Ella, and Lathrop Keene. They timed their visit perfectly and managed to take in the 4/5 Ancient China Research Fair at the Chilmark School.

A memorial fund has been set up for Christopher Rifkind. The son of Robin Robinson Smith and stepson of Hollis Smith of Aquinnah died tragically in a motorcycle accident on April 27 in Riverside, California. Any donations would go towards defraying the many unexpected expenses that were incurred with his sudden and tragic loss. Donations may be made to the fund in care of Robin Smith, PO Box 238, Chimark, MA 02535. Robin and Hollis appreciate everyone’s heartfelt and kind thoughts at this grievous time.

Ronni Simon is making plans for a pubic art piece in Vineyard Haven. The Kickstarter Project will adorn the side of the Capawock Theater. Soon the blank canvas will be covered with a triptych constructed out of metal and glass beads. Check out www.kickstarter.com for all the details and consider making a contribution to her project while you are there.