Chilmark mourns Pat Gregory

0

The waves of shock and loss reverberating around the Island at the loss of Educomp owner and West Tisbury Moderator Pat Gregory are now felt daily. My heart goes out to his immediate family and everyone whose life he touched.

When lights shine again through the trees at night signaling the return of neighbors opening their homes, when leaves unfurl obscuring coveted off-season views, when you can head to lunch at The Bite or pick up fresh fish or takeout again at Larsen’s Fish Market, you know summer is coming.

My dogs got their puppy cuts, i.e. shaved down for the summer, not a style-driven decision, but necessary once a year to help prevent tick bites and having uninvited ticks in our home. A new collar you can leave on your dog for eight months was recommended, sounded great until I got home and began reading about them. I am pediatric when it comes to chemicals, so I decided it was not a good choice for our household. Tick prevention is part of life anywhere on the Island; please take time and read before making important decisions about exposure to chemicals for yourselves and beloved pets.

When I stopped at Santander Bank on Thursday afternoon I made my way through the sculpture garden and inside to find artist (and a welder and builder for the last 30 years) Jon Mayhew hanging work with the help of his mother, Beth. Lucky guy! I loved the variety of media he has mastered, and I encourage you to stop by for wonderful fish paintings, land and seascape photographs, artist pallettes cut into the shape of MV and lovely welded offerings for your garden, all under $400. The show is open during bank hours through May 30; if you can’t make it or miss it, connect with Jon at www.facebook.com/Menemshasailor.

I picked up my son at the ferry Friday night, 10:30 pm, about an hour later than I am usually in bed. The night was warm before the wet, moon hidden; I pulled my car up awaiting the luggage cart. The sound of Serbian surrounded me, drowned me; bodies all around me, young people swarming, buzzing in the land of summer plenty. Finally pushing his way through the throng of tall youth was my ruddy tanned tussled-hair son, home after 87 days with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School).

He, or anyone else, can join Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation Guided 1.5 hour Walk (rain or shine) on Saturday, May 24, in Chilmark’s Middle Road Sanctuary to enjoy wooded trails and ridge-top views of Chilmark Pond, Black Point Pond and Tisbury Great Pond. Bring water and appropriate footwear. Meet at the Middle Road Sanctuary Trailhead in the Parking Area, located on Middle Road, 0.2 miles from Tabor House Road intersection. No rsvp necessary.

Chilmark Tavern, in its fifth season, is now open every night from 5:30, except Tuesdays and Wednesdays until late June, then seven nights. The tavern welcomes new chef Jenna Sprafkin, who spent part of her culinary career at the award-winning Primo Restaurant in Rockland, Maine. Her specialties include delectable responsible dishes that showcase locally sourced meats, fish and produce. The new menu has too many must-tries to mention, along with some old favorites, and exciting new items.  Besides, now there are two Jennas in the tavern, so if you have questions or need information, call Jenna at 617-480-1089 or email jpetersiel@gmail.com.