On August 21, 2017 the moon moved between the Earth and the sun and we here in Chilmark experienced about a 65 percent solar eclipse. Folks were excited and friendly, sharing glasses, conversation and tips on how to make pinhole projectors. Although I didn’t make it to any organized events, we did have our own little impromptu eclipse gathering on Squid Row. I had thought ahead and ordered some glasses but rather than selling them, we put them out on Squid Row to share. It was fun having folks of all ages gathered for the excitement. We even had a couple from France and a family from Chile in the mix.

The combination of solar eclipse conversation and farewells from summer friends and college kids sent me into bittersweet reflection. I felt a bit like the sun —a constant presence, with my summer friends and college kids a bit like the planets cycling in at intervals or, for some, passing through unpredictably like a shooting star.

The Dick and Damon DelBello families spent some time on the transient dock in Menemsha this week. It’s always nice to catch up with them and hear about what has transpired over the past year and what is planned for the time between this visit and the next. Pat is recovering beautifully from an unfortunate patella break. Daniel is finishing up at George Washington University and had a sweet friend, Shannon, in tow. We missed catching a glimpse of Alex, who did not make the family adventure this year but is working on some really fascinating projects at New York’s The New School.

Peter and Andrew Ruimerman have departed for their junior years at Manhattan College and Roanoke College respectively. They will dive back into the books after a family visit in New York with parents, Janet and Tom, in the mix.

We have a new batch of Chilmark kids embarking on their life journeys as college freshman. Adelaide Keene has set out for Colorado’s Regis University. Olivia Knight is off to Bennington College in Vermont. Chris Mayhew will remain relatively close to home at the University of Rhode Island. I am hopeful they will tolerate but hopefully like their roommates, settle in to a good group of people and come home with stories of eye opening and exciting adventure to share.

Emma Bunker embarked on her freshman adventure to Temple University in Pennsylvania while sister Samantha returned to Clark University (my alma mater) in Worcester for her senior year. Do you know what that means? Pam and Rodney find themselves without any children at home. What an odd feeling that must be after 20 plus years.

Meghan Parker, daughter of David and Becky (Harrison), sets off for her freshman year at Colby College in Maine. She wrapped up her summer on the Vineyard with a birthday and an unwelcome case of strep. She is back in tip top shape and ready.

Departure is twofold for the Dolan family. Emma Dolan, daughter of Tory (Shanok) and Will and granddaughter of Susan and Bill Shanok, sets off for her freshman year at Fairfield University. Son Will will embark on his own adventure as he boards at Laurence Academy in Groton as a high school freshman. Sister Katie will remain the last hold out at the Dolan’s Hingham home but college tours will continue this fall and applications will soon begin for her.

The Stanley family departed this week, ready to jump back into the fray of fall soccer, schoolwork and more. Quinn, Theo and Eva have had a summer full of adventure with friends and family. Grandparents Marie (Fischer) and John Scott sure will miss having them in the mix.

Nora Godin, sweet toddling granddaughter of Paul and Ruby Iantosca, has been visiting at their Wooton Bassett home this week. Nora loves to visit Menemsha with Bumpy (what Paul is fondly called by all his grandchildren) where they like to walk the dock, wade in the water and sneak a secret ice cream when mom, Alisa, isn’t looking. Whoops, I guess I let the cat out of the bag.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of friend and summer neighbor Bill Coleman. Sadly, his life came to an end far too soon on the morning of the solar eclipse. His great big heart will be missed around town as he has been a summertime fixture for decades. Our sincere condolences to his wife, Julie, daughter, Chandra, son in law Lawrence and three adorable grandbabes Lucas, Ella and Colette. Our community mourns with you.

Plein air artist Kevin Shea hasn’t been nearly as visible in Menemsha this summer. He has travelled back and forth to his North Shore home where his bride, Angelic, recently had a stent put in. She’s not feeling 100 per cent but Kevin assures us that she is getting superb medical care from cardiologists at Beth Israel. Kevin can be found painting at various locations around the Vineyard alongside his blue Ford Explorer. You can also view his work at kevinsheafineart.com. Well wishes to Angelic.

Chuck Tidman shares that his son Eric was married last Saturday to Stephanie (Rego) in a ceremony of the lawn at Blithewold Mansion in Bristol, R.I. They will enjoy what late summer on the Vineyard has to offer as they spend their honeymoon at the Nitchie House overlooking Quitsa Pond. Eric has spent 26 of his 28 summers on the Vineyard, most happily in Quitsa. They will enjoy a week of beach time, surfing, paddle boarding, sunsets and visiting with a dear family friend, Della Darling, and her family, Mike and Susan Greeley and their kids. Chuck will catch up with the newlyweds Saturday and spend a week here with his girlfriend, Tracy Mendes and his daughter Kelsie Tidman along with her boyfriend, JB Marston. Kelsie has spent every one of her 26 summer vacations on the Vineyard. Congratulations and welcome to all.

Three cheers to Bob and Emma Shalhope who recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. I was lucky enough to sit a spell on Squid Row with them and talk kids, grandkids, summer, surfing and more. I’d like to shout out to their son Robert and his bride and kiddos for whom a Vineyard visit simply wasn’t in the cards for this summer. The Al Merrick surf board, handed down to my son Brooks, has really ripped it up at Squibnocket this summer.

For those of you who have wondered who that beautiful three-masted sailboat which glides up and down the channel with such beauty belongs to, let me share it was a pride and joy labor of love crafted by none other than Rev. Bill Eddy. He has been about town working on his boat, Mrs. Harris, and enjoying the company of friends and family.

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.