OK folks, there was no Chilmark Fire Department BBQ this year; I thought I missed it, and I guess everyone else did too. This has been a great week in Chilmark, weatherwise and otherwise. If you didn’t get to the first Meet the Fleet in Menemsha, organized by the newly formed Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust, and you want to learn more about this essential new organization which aims to “sustain and expand fishing access for the commercial fishing industry” of Martha’s Vineyard, check out mvfishermenspreservationtrust.org to make donations and learn how to get involved.
A little drizzle did not dampen Sunday morning’s Flanders Field softball game, which started with a ceremony honoring former player Jerry (Jerome) Kohlberg Jr., who passed away on July 30 at his Edgartown home. We wish strength of heart to all his family.
Welcome to the Obama family, calling our home their home until August 23. I stopped to talk to a few Secret Service guys (obvious license plates) who were just starting to eat their fresh meals from the Bite. I asked, “Is this your first time on the Island?” And they answered, “Yes.” “And how do you like the food in Menemsha?” “It’s good,” said one, and “Hot,” said another, as they continued to dig into their meals.
Since I moved to Chilmark from Edgartown four summers ago and have passed the Cross Road’s Farmstand on Menemsha Cross Road, I’ve never seen anyone working in the garden until the other day, and had to do a U-turn and meet Kristen and her dad, Bobby Brown. I have admired their flowers, their stand, and their veggies for some time, and was thrilled to chat with them. Kristen grew up here, and has been gardening her entire life. Both she and her father have their own gardens, and took over the Cross Road’s Farmstand three years ago. If you like what you see, from the gorgeous planters filled with succulents to the sumptuous array of bold flowers, you can reach Kristen at 508-939-1432 or BarefootGardensMV@gmail.com.
I stopped by Beetlebung Farmstand and was thrilled to find Ralph Sherman’s vegetables for sale. I met Ethel the first year I moved here, and have enjoyed the fruits of Ralph’s labors since, but with no stand at this year’s West Tisbury Farmers Market since Ethel’s passing last year, it made me very happy to stumble upon Ralph’s offerings plus a basket from North Tabor Farm. Remember Chilmark’s farm stands, besides those already mentioned — Mermaid Farm, Native Earth Teaching Farm, and Grey Barn offer milk, cheese, and yogurt to meats, mushrooms, veggies, and fresh berries, so stop by soon.
If you love dance, it’s time for Built on Stilts Dance Festival, from Thursday, August 13, to Tuesday, August 18. Drumming begins at 7:30 and shows start at 8 pm at Union Chapel, Oak Bluffs. Donations accepted. Check builtonstilts.org for this year’s schedule.
Get your kicks at the Chilmark library when you stop by photographer Edward Keating’s exhibit of “Route 66: 2001-2011.” Come to the opening reception on Saturday, August 15, from 3 to 5 pm, or anytime the library is open through Sept. 3, 2015. Be sure to check out the wonderful story in the Late Summer issue of Arts & Ideas about Keating as well.
Join artist Kara Taylor for her last opening of the summer season, “Photomontage Portraits,” on Sunday, August 16, from 5 to 8 pm, 24 South Road, or drop by Tuesday through Sunday between 11 am and 5 pm.
I want to wish a very happy birthday to identical twins Susan Kluver and Carol Weichert, who turn 79 on August 17. When swimming in the shoulder season, the only person I regularly run into is Carol, and she remains for me an inspiration. Here’s hoping you have a wonderful family celebration.
Adam Moore, executive director of Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, will talk about the restoration of the historic Mayhew-Hancock-Mitchell house at Quansoo Farm, the role it played in Chilmark’s history, and the families who inhabited it, on Wednesday, August 19, at 5 pm at the Chilmark library. The program is sponsored by the Chilmark Historical Commission and the Friends of the Chilmark Public Library.
Hurray! Tuesday, August 18, at 8 pm, bring your chairs and blankets to Menemsha Beach for the free outdoor screening of “Racing Extinction” by Oscar-winning director Louie Psihoyos, who “unites with leading conservationists, artists, and innovators to address humanity’s devastating impact on the planet, particularly its oceans.” There is a Beach Plum Inn gazebo dinner from 5:30 to 7:30 pm with the director preceding the film. For information or tickets, call 508-645-9599 or bit.ly/1L30D2P.