Updated May 20, 10:50 AM. Scott McDowell was incorrectly identified as Scott Walker.
Chilmark and Menemsha have stirred from spring slumber, with freshly painted shingles and shops open for business, folks enjoying their Brie and fig-jam sandwiches and pizza on the Chilmark Store porch, the parking lot filled to capacity at Menemsha Beach — it feels so good to ease into the embrace of sweet summer. Saturday was a glorious day for the beach wedding ceremony of Janelle Larsen and Dakota Fogg.
I stopped into Copperworks, clearly one of the best small galleries on-Island, showcasing the warmth and perfection of classic copper fish, mermaids, swordfish, weathervanes — you name it and Scott McDowell can make it, or fashion you classic sterling silver.
Need any nautical book? Be sure to talk to Ginnie Jones at Lambert’s Cove Glass, open weekends from 12 to 5 pm through mid-June. They have a fantastic collection of used and new Island books, gorgeous sweaters, and great gifts.
For all things maritime, head to Menemsha and stop by Everett Poole’s Chilmark Chandlery or Oversouth Antiques — Jane Slater is a woman in the know about so much local history, with a store full of great finds. I have a wood-slab lighthouse painting from there, a night scene I adore, hanging in my kitchen; it was a gift from a thoughtful friend after my first trip to Menemsha when I first visited the Island in 2004.
What’s open: Menemsha Market is open Tuesdays through Sundays, 12 to 5 pm; the Galley will reopen on May 19; the Home Port will reopen on Memorial Day weekend; Pandora’s Box is open Thursdays through Sundays 11 to 5 pm, until Memorial Day weekend; and Larsen’s Fish Market is now open. The Bite promises to be open by Memorial Day weekend, and soon Menemsha Texaco, open daily, will be restocked with all their summer goodies; it’s always a place to find practical items from rubber boots on.
Hurray, the Aquinnah Shop is open Tuesday to Friday from 11 to 3 for lunch and Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30 am to 4 pm serving breakfast and lunch. We’re so glad they are able to carry on tradition; I was already worrying about my September birthday breakfast, and will worry no more.
This week I took my husband to the Cape for cataract surgery, first stop was Titcomb’s Bookshop in East Sandwich, where it turns out one of the ladies is related to the Morgans; she told me Jim Morgan is thankfully recuperating at home. We wish him all the very best.
We spent the night in South Yarmouth, and got ice cream at Cape Cod Creamery (now in Hyannis as well). Their “flavours” included: Vineyard Vanilla, Gay Head Ginger, Chappaquiddick Chocolate Chip, and Chilmark Chocolate Almond. I had to ask if the latter meant they actually used Chilmark Chocolate in their ice cream; the young woman serving me had no idea there was a Chilmark Chocolate store, and said they were just names from places “around here.”
Come to the Family Yard Sale at the Tisbury School playground, Saturday, May 21, from 9 am to 12 pm (rain date Sunday, May 22) to help raise funds for the fifth graders’ summer trip on the Shenandoah. Enjoy games, a student-run bake sale, and three themed raffle-basket giveaways with values from $300 to over $650. Raffle tickets will be 10 tickets for $20 and 2 tickets for $5.
Spring Electronics Disposal Day is Saturday, May 21, from 9 am to 2 pm at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. Time to recycle your personal or business air conditioners, cell phones, computers, copiers, dehumidifiers, fax machines, microwaves, monitors, laptops, printers, refrigerators, scanners, stereo equipment, televisions, washers, dryers, and scrap metal. Fees between $2 and $30 per item. 10 percent discount for full car loads! All proceeds benefit Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. For more information, call 508-693-7900, ext. 267, or email jrogers@mvcommunityservices.com.
Anne Barry, Anne Greenbaum, Barbara Bond, and Susan and Edward Greenbaum invite you to join them in the Final Going Away Party for Daniel W. Greenbaum. Dan died peacefully in his home in Chilmark on Nov. 13, 2015, at the age of 89. Come to the Chilmark Community Center at 1 pm on Saturday, May 21, to share stories, photos, and memories. Casual dress, shoes optional; light refreshments will be served. All who knew and loved Dan are welcome to attend. Dan had deep Chilmark roots growing up as part of the Chilmark and Menemsha summer scene, and in retirement, served tirelessly on many town boards. He is much loved and remembered by many. For more information contact Anne Greenbaum at 617-429-4679 or annetruro@comcast.net, or Susan Greenbaum at 908-996-9911 or barkinghills@gmail.com.
Chilmark Chocolates will be closed from May 23 to June 2, 2016.
Have a good week.