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Wednesday, June 19, 2013

By Katie Carroll
Published: July 2, 2009

Despite the lack of sun, summer appears to be in full swing in our fine town of Chilmark. The harbor was nearly full this past weekend - filled up by the likes of "Echo" Marshall, "Grumpy" George and Barbara, Lobster Louie and Cookie, and so many more characters that I will be sure to mention over the course of the summer.

Emily Broderick reports that her son Mike and Mary McConneloug have finished cruising the backwoods terrain of Martha's Vineyard and are headed to the USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships, in Granby, Colo. Mary is the 2008 US national mountain bike champion.

The Chilmark School Outing Program is doing a little fundraising for the 4/5 class's annual week sailing and learning seamanship aboard Shenandoah. Some really phenomenal raffle items are up for grabs. They include, but by no means are limited to, dinner for four at the Home Port, two nights at the Captain Flanders House, fishing aboard Femme Fatale with Captain Jennifer Clarke, a copy of "Marley & Me" autographed by screenwriter Scott Frank and so much more. The $5 tickets are available through all Chilmark School parents and at Menemsha Texaco.

Let's all wish a very happy first birthday to Lathrop Keene. He shares his big day with his Dad, John, who will be celebrating a number larger than one. Let me say, many happy returns to the Keene men. Also celebrating a birthday (slightly belated) is Tyler Shipway who recently reached the ripe old age of five.

Ency Fokos shares that David and Barbarella Fokos and friends Josue Castro and Rosita Hernandez have been here for a visit, as well as David's opening at the Granary Gallery. Ency's son, Dana, and his wife, Katie, with daughters, Rebecca and Carly, have been visiting from Chelmsford. And the house must be overflowing with her sister, Judith Dalaba, also visiting from Philadelphia, Penn.

On July 5, the Rev. Arlene Bodge will officiate at Chilmark Church at 9 am. She is bringing the Jim Thomas Spirituals Choir.

The Menemsha Fisheries Development Fund celebrates Lobster Week at the Chilmark Public Library. Boston University marine biology professor Jelle Atema, a renowned lobster researcher, will lecture on Wednesday, July 8 at 5:30 pm followed by the award-winning documentary film "Realm of the Lobster" on Thursday, July 9 at 5 pm. To round out the week, there will be a drawing for two live lobsters.

Although it's not a Chilmark event, I thought I'd share an event that benefits those in need Island-wide. The Edgartown Federated Church will have chowder suppers to support the Island Food Pantry. Suppers will be held July 9, 16, 23, and 30 and August 6 and 13. For information, or if you'd like to make a donation, please call 508-693-4764.

Join in the fun at the Chilmark Community Center Wednesdays throughout July and August (except July 5, due to the fantastic firemen's Backyard Bash) starting at 5 pm, with double features hosted by the Martha's Vineyard Film Festival. The 5 pm Cinema Circus will include pizza from the Scottish Bakehouse, terrific performers, great films for the kids, and free popcorn. The Summer Film Series will begin at 8 pm with an assortment of fine films for the adult crowd.

Monina von Opel and The Yard present Lemon Andersen, a Brooklyn based hip-hop artist and poet, who will be performing his poignant coming of age memoir July 10 and 11 at The Yard. Lemon is a regular on HBO's "Def Poetry Show" and an original cast member and writer of the Tony-award winning "Def Poetry Jam" on Broadway. For tickets, please call 508-645-9662.

Congratulations to Brian Cioffi as he now strives to serve and protect in his new capacity as chief of police. May the streets be peaceful for you and your department this summer.

The Menemsha Café is now serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. Josh has added a buy local/serve local dinner menu to his plate (look at that funny little play on words). He will be creating and serving dishes that include foods that are currently in season.

I hear Stanley at Menemsha Fish Market is serving some really tasty chowder and bisque. Sounds like a perfect way to cozy up on one of the many cool evenings we have had. My daughter also reports that the Galley's fries seem better than ever. Brooks, however, is partial to the Bite's mozzarella sticks. But, a piping hot crab cake at Larsen's sounds quite tasty, too.

Welcome back to the Keefe family of Steamboat Springs, Colo. If you are looking to catch up with Lori and the kids, I can assure you she will set up camp at her usual spot at Squibnocket. If she's not there, she's picking up pizza at the Store.

Until now, I have written my columns with the thought that I was simply "filling in" and that Jackie would, once again, put pen to paper and share her thoughts with us. Sadly, Jackie Sexton passed away on Monday. Whether we knew Jackie personally, a lot, a little, or not at all, she was a central part of our Chilmark family. She rarely missed a week of reporting on the comings and goings of family, friends, and neighbors. She rarely missed mentioning a wild wind storm, the arrival of spring with its blossoming daffodils or the appearance of the sun after a torrential rain. Now, it is Jackie who will be missed. Let us take a moment to think fondly of her and her commitment to us all. May Jackie live on each time the winds blow hard, when the sun is backed by a rainbow or when that first spring daffodil appears.