What is that saying: the right place at the right time? Jennifer Clarke, Hollis Smith, Buddy Vanderhoop, and Peter Dixon found just that spot last week. Femme Fatale, Jennifer Clarke’s 31′ Contender center console set out of Menemsha on an east wind, in dense fog looking for some big fish. We have all heard tales of offshore fishing trips. Names like Cox Ledge, Dumping Grounds, Fishtails, Middle Ground all come up in conversation. Then, there are the canyons: Veatch, Atlantis, Hudson, Block, and Hydrographer are but a few of those deep holes that sit along the continental shelf. Hydrographer was the place for this fishing team to be. They got seven big Yellowfin tuna, hooked up a boatload of Mahi-Mahi, and chased down a beautiful big Blue Marlin. It was getting late and the wind was picking up. The team pounded home with a stacked fish box and no complaints about the experience they just had.
It is hard to believe it is that time already, but the library will be switching to their off-season hours as of Monday, August 30. Library hours will be: Monday and Saturday 10:30-5:30, Tuesday 10:30-1:30, Wednesday 10:30-7:30, and Thursday 3:30-6:30. They are closed on Friday and Sunday.
Proud mother Jackie Mendez-Diez shared with me the news of her son Stefan’s marriage to Robin Shutinya in a small ceremony surrounded by close family and friends in Baltimore on August 18. They will set out by car with dog to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada at the end of August where Stefan will begin a post doc at University of Alberta.
Samantha Jason was back from Boston for the weekend to visit her father Harbormaster Dennis Jason and brother Denny.
Mildred Mayhew celebrated her 96th birthday last week with her family. There was no big fanfare this year but I’ll bet there was cake and ice cream at the Mayhew home.
Speaking of Mayhews, Sarah Mayhew Shipway has been surrounded by some happy faces this week. Father-in-law Morgan Shipway is here with son Emmet and bride Louise. I also spotted sister-in-law Aubrey along with an adorable little blonde Fiona frolicking on Dutcher Dock with cousins Tyler and Kira and a few pinchy crabs.
Whitney Andresen has been in town visiting her parents Sarah and Spider of Tea Lane. Her visit provided some quality time with old friends, beaches, and boating. What more can a girl ask for when taking a break from life in Manhattan?
David, Rebecca, Sophie, Isabel, Phoebe, and Meagan Parker were in town again for a few days. The Parker family was here from Carlisle with their new golden puppy named Willow. Also here visiting were Christian, Alex, Nicholas, and Benjamin Sarason. It was the first time Adelaide, Thea, Ella, and Lathrop Keene had an opportunity to meet their newest cousin who joined our big bright world in February.
Jonah and Miriam Boardman were down visiting grandparents Norman and Diana Freed. They participated in the library’s summer reading program. I caught a glimpse of them as they cashed in their coupons for Popsicles at the Texaco.
A fond farewell goes out to the Frank family. Sophia is headed off to her freshman year at NYU. Stella will head back to Pasadena where she will find herself in her last year of middle school. Lukas will get back to his drums and his junior year. It is always a pleasure to have an opportunity to visit with their parents Scott and Jennifer.
Peter and Della Darling strolled Menemsha with their son Peter who was here for a visit. Dad Peter always pops his head in to say hello and share a smile. It is amazing how a genuine smile can brighten a day.
West Tisbury photojournalist Alan Brigish will discuss his new book: “Martha’s Vineyard Now & Zen” with photographs in a slide show with music on Wednesday, September 1 at 5:30 pm at the Chilmark Library.
“This is Chilmark softball!” shouted Hans Solmssen at this past week’s Sunday morning softball. Anything can happen and usually does, he further noted as his team, leading by three in the last inning, suddenly finds themselves defeated by the Bliers Bulldogs. Yes, the ball can take funny bounces at Flanders Field.
If you haven’t made it to a game this summer, perhaps the Labor Day Finale followed by the traditional cookout may be the one for you.
On the west side of the harbor, the dock project is well underway with AGM Marine Contractors in control of the crane. The new wood has been laid for the pedestrian walkway and concrete floats are being placed. On the east side, commercial bass and fluke season have wrapped up. Just like the weather, Menemsha is always changing.
