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Wednesday, June 19, 2013

By Katie Carroll
Published: April 30, 2009

Two hundred ninety-four steps are what it takes to climb to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument, which rises 221 feet above the neighborhood of Charlestown. When one attains that final peak and looks out over the Mystic, the Charles, and Boston Harbor it is almost as if the modern day disappears and the words of Abigail Adams may be heard, "The Day; perhaps the decisive Day is come on which the fate of America depends." (Abigail Adams, in a letter to John Adams at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia)

Marshall, Bradley, Brooks, and I set out to conquer but part of the Freedom trail last week during school vacation. We soaked up only a small portion of the history that Boston has to offer. I look forward to the next time that we will go back to continue our wander through our nation's chronicle.

Noteworthy history happens right here in Menemsha, too. Today marks the 40th year of business for Larsen's Fish Market. Stop by and say hello to Betsy, Kristine, and the rest of the Larsen family as they settle back in for another season serving fresh seafood and piping hot crab cakes.

Big congratulations go out to Mary and Louie Larsen who have just celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on April 24. Out of pure curiosity, I attempted to look up what a traditional 61st wedding anniversary gift would be, but my efforts failed and I lack the answer. Perhaps there isn't one? So, I ask all of you to share a fond memory or a reminiscent story with Mary and Louie the next time you see them at the post office, on their lawn, or at the grocery store.

Speaking of stories, Lynn Murphy is full of them. He has stories about working on the movie "Jaws," rebuilding engines, Susan's blueberries, and fine woodworking skills, but he didn't have a story about his upcoming birthday. But my ears were open when someone slipped out that Saturday, May 2, marks the start of Lynn's 82nd year. Happy birthday.

Also on May 2, the Women's Symposium will have speakers and small group discussions regarding the topic of "coping." Refreshments will be served at this event, held from 9 am to noon at the Chilmark Community Center. Participation is free, although donations to cover costs are appreciated.

Don't forget, this Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm is the Family Potluck/Work Day at the Chilmark School. Groundbreaking for the new garden calls for the helping hands of any interested parties. Bring your gloves, trowels, sunscreen, and a dish to share.

Hellie Neumann's grandmother, Elsa Schmid, was commissioned in 1968 to do a stained glass window for the Church of Saint Paul the Apostle in Lyford Cay, Nassau, Bahamas. Hellie had the pleasure of seeing her grandmother's creation 15 years ago but recently had the satisfaction of taking her aunt to see it for the first time. Her grandmother's spirit lives on, not only through her window, but through the book she published about it: "Beholding as in a Glass."

Last weekend, 44 Falmouth Academy students were inducted into the National Honor Society. Kinsman Maynard, son of Gary and Kristy of Spring Point, possesses the character, academic achievement, and community participation that are required to attain such recognition. Congratulations to you, Kinsman. We are all proud.

Once again it's that time of year when the West Tisbury School's seventh grade is focused on the annual production of School's Out, the guide for what to do on Martha's Vineyard in the summer. This is a curriculum-based project in which, with the guidance of teachers and parents, the students write articles and sell advertising to local businesses. Ten thousand copies are then printed and distributed around Martha's Vineyard throughout the summer. The profits from this project go directly into the class fund to help offset the cost of the British Exchange that the students will participate in during their eighth grade school year. You are welcome to email me at Squidrow@Vineyard.net if you are interested in taking out an ad or contributing in some way to this amazing cultural experience. If you recall, my daughter Bradley is currently a seventh grade West Tisbury student.

Monday, May 4, marks the beginning of Teacher Appreciation Week. It's your son's kindergarten teacher, your daughter's math teacher, the neighbor that gives piano lessons, the soccer coach, and the countless people that pass in and out of our lives who share their knowledge that help make us who we are today. Showing your appreciation can be as simple as putting an apple on a teacher's desk or as straightforward as sharing two little words, "Thank you."