Chilmark: Nothing fancy

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Early mornings Squibby has been filled with surfers, SUPs, and dog walkers. This is the first week one dog is noticeably missing, a border collie named Sen, owned by Alison Ostreicher. Was Sen the mayor of Squibby mornings, or was Alison, who has talked with every dog walker on the beach for years? Alison and Sen are known and loved all over our Island. Both she and Sen are already missed. Sending much love to one of the greatest dog parents I’ve ever known.

Many seasonal residents prepare to leave after Labor Day, but you may want to stay to help celebrate the town of Chilmark, turning 325 on Saturday, Sept. 14. All are welcome (no matter what town you live in) to celebrate with an old-fashioned potluck dinner starting at 6 pm at the Chilmark Community Center. Bring a dish to share. Susan Murphy says, “We hope to have music and dancing. This is nothing fancy. Come in your Island cars, wearing your Island clothes, and let’s have a party!”

Last Saturday something stopped traffic on South Road, creating a lengthy line of cars that turned around and then crossed to Middle Road via Meeting House Road. There was no way for those cars who’d pulled to the left to know that 30 or so cars were heading north; maybe they thought it was a wedding party. I never did find out what closed the road to traffic around 5 pm.

All town, state, and federal offices are closed on Labor Day. Our library will be closed Labor Say and Tuesday, Sept. 3.

Sig Van Raan reports, “The softball gods were looking out for us as we got two great games, and an award ceremony with a fabulous brunch spread in between early-morning and midday rain showers. In the first game, Hans Solmssen’s team beat Nick Balaban’s team 12-9. Syd Wolansky’s team beat Hans Solmssen’s team 11-4 in the second game. Between games the commissioner’s trophies were awarded to the following players: Rookie of the Year: Jonas Plaut; Comeback of the Year: Josh Plaut (came back to play after 22 years); MVP: Jake Greenberg; Howie Hustle Award: Elijah Feiner. The Tony Award, in honor of Tony Horwitz, a beloved player who died at 60 this spring, was awarded to Jim Feiner, who best exemplifies Tony’s high spirit and enthusiasm. James Phillips and his son Oliver, here from London, read The MV Times’ story and were delighted to be able to play. Phillips’ young son Oliver played an excellent second base. David Dince, one of the old stalwarts from Toomey’s Field, reminded us this was his 55th year playing Chilmark Softball, and regaled us with funny stories about previous years. At one point, he and Hans Solmssen were pitching against each other, representing 120 years between them. Next week is the final game of the season.”

Peter Simon Photography and Ronni Simon Designs are holding a sale at 14 Wisteria Rd. (off Tabor House) Saturday, August 31, to Monday, Sept. 2, from 11 am to 4 pm. Available are a large selection of signed photographs of the Grateful Dead, Reggae artists, musicians, social commentary, and landscapes. All jewelry is 10 to 50 percent off. Call 508 325-2242 for more info.

The last M.V. Film Festival film is “Ask Dr. Ruth” at the MVPAC on August 31, buy tickets at tmvff.org.

The Chilmark Flea Markets are ongoing on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm at 142 North Rd. More info at bit.ly/ChilFM.

Fae Kontje-Gibbs is having an opening at the Martha’s Vineyard Bank on Friday, August 30, from 5 to 6:15 pm. All art sales will go toward the building of her new art studio.

The Yard’s Schonberg Fellows/Boston Aysha Upchurch, a.k.a. The Dancing Diplomat, and Subject:Matter, a Boston-based tap company, perform on Saturday, August 31, at 7 pm. Yoga and dance classes run through Sept. 1. Get performance tickets and info at dancetheyard.org.

See the Wild World of Jacqueline Baer at Kara Taylor Gallery through Sunday, Sept. 1.

The Chilmark Public Library hosts Dr. Chris Willard on Saturday, August 31, at 1 pm when he addresses “Growing Up Stressed? Or Growing Up Mindful?” and sharing practices for educators, professionals, and parents to use themselves and take home to their children. Janet Messineo, author of “Casting Into the Light: Tales of a Fishing Life” speaks with Cynthia Riggs, on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 5 pm. Messineo’s latest book tells tales of a champion surfcaster. Stories and Songs with Rizwan continues on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10:30 am. Artist Malcolm Brown’s “Color + Water,” a collection of fine art oceanscapes, runs through Sept. 13. The library is now closed both Sundays and Mondays.

Have a great week.