Town Column : Chilmark

Good!

The ball goes up off glass and rebounded
down the court, outlet flung to the quick guard
like clicking seconds: he dribbles, hounded
by hands, calls the play, stops short, looking hard
for a slant opening, fakes it twice, passes
into the center-he lobs to the small
forward, top of the key, a pick: asses
crash (the pick-and-roll), he cuts, bumps, the ball
reaches him as he turns, dribbles, sends it
back to the baseline, forward back to him,
jump - and in midair, twisting, he bends it
over a tangle of arms - SHOOTS, the rim
rattles as it jerks against the back joints,
and into the net, trippingly drop two points.

JOHN MALONEY

Gwen Mayhew has completed her tour of duty in Haiti and has come home for a visit. Her family and friends are as glad to see her as they are proud of her. Gwen says in her blog, "I have grown as a nurse and a person by being thrust into this unknown situation, a large part in thanks to the other staff members I had the privilege of working beside."

Alec Gale and Tim Broderick have returned to Menemsha Harbor with the latest member of their fishing fleet. F/V Retriever will need a little work and a little modification but it is a solid slab of steel. Thanks to John Keene for running the boys out to Montauk to get the vessel that currently says Ocean City, Marlyland (yes, Marlyland) on her stern.

Emma Bunker participated in Island Ice Skating School's annual Spring Fling this past weekend. The theme was "A Night at the Movies." I wish I had known about it ahead of time rather than after the fact because it provided some wonderful entertainment.

There is yet another new member of the herd at Grey Barn Farm. A second calf was born right after that big blow we had. This time it is a girl of unknown name. Her mother gave birth to her on the edge of the protected woods in the backside of the windswept field. Both calves, their mothers and dairy farmers, Eric and Molly, are doing well. The Glasgow boys, Noah and Jakie, went off-Island to visit their grandparents. Noah said his weekend highlight was visiting the Museum of Fine Arts where the headphone tour was especially entertaining.

Kids at the Chilmark School, primarily students from the K/1, have created a small flower garden. The project, which they began about a week ago, was the result of realizing the daffodils that were starting to peek out of the ground were being trampled by the pitter patter of small feet. The kids began collecting rocks, forming a border, watering, gathering worms, and placing a sign asking for the small plot to be treated with kindness and respect. They are now hoping to gather enough change to buy some flower seeds to sink into the dirt around where the daffys will soon bloom. Their project has really been a wonderful way for them to work together and will prepare them for planting the school vegetable garden. That day will be here sooner than we know it.

Susan Larsen is still pounding the pavement in preparation for the May Avon Breast Cancer Walk. Her latest update began with the phrase "nothing spectacular to report," although I beg to differ. I think Sue's perseverance and dedication to the cause is magnificent. Thus far, she has trained for just over 455 miles and hopes to make the 500-mile mark within the week. Funds raised from the walk will support five key areas in the fight against breast cancer: medical research, access to treatment, screening and diagnosis, support services, and education/awareness. Keep it up Sue. You are inspiring.

The MV Youth Task Force invites all West Tisbury School and Charter School Parents and Caregivers of Grade 6-8 kids to a Chat & Chowder Event on Wednesday, March 31, from 6 to 7:30 pm, at the W.T. school cafeteria. A discussion facilitated by Donna Davey will focus on the role of parents in youth substance abuse prevention, including how to discuss issues of drugs and alcohol with your children. This is also a great opportunity to get to know what the Youth Task Force is doing for kids in our community. All parents and caregivers are welcome - no need to RSVP, just mark your calendar. 

There was a great loss at my house this past week. After six years and eleven months, Brooks finally lost his first tooth. He is still proud as a peacock smiling from ear to ear showing off that gap in the midst of his bottom teeth.