Although Jane Farrow no longer walks the Earth, her collection of recipes set forth in Red Peppers & Blue Lobsters: Fresh Flavors from an Island Kitchen will bring us fond memories of the longtime Abel’s Hill resident. Jane and husband Ted were longtime shop keeps at Edgartown’s Tashtego, which was one of the go-to spots for thoughtful gift purchases until they closed its doors in 1995 before venturing south to take up residence in Florida. Jane, who was predeceased by Ted in 2011, lived a very full and active life right up to the end of her 91st year in Venice, Fla. On Sept. 8 she left behind three sons, including our own David Damroth. According to David, there will be an Island service at some point but, for now, he would love to hear from anyone who has fond memories of Jane. He can be reached at 08-645-2159. If you’d like to stroll through some classic Chilmark cooking through Jane’s eyes, you can find her cookbook at Menemsha Market.

Speaking of books, Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 5 p.m. Island historian Thomas Dresser will discuss his new book, The Hidden History of Martha’s Vineyard, at the Chilmark Library. This book is the ninth in a series he started writing nearly a decade ago. He touches on five topics including Vineyard place names, from Noepe to Goah Way, critical shipwrecks that occurred in Vineyard waters and the history of prominent buildings as well as Martha’s Vineyard’s role in the Underground Railroad. The book ends with an exploration into Vineyard graveyards. This free event sponsored by the Friends of the Library is sure to fascinate all.

Dilly’s Way resident Amy Cody is somewhere northwest of here, checking in at 16-mile increments. Although she trained all summer to hike the southern portion of the Appalachian Trail, starting at Springer Mountain in Georgia this past weekend, Irma’s wrath made it impossible. Rather than forgoing her plans altogether, Amy chose to hike the trail from Massachusetts to New Hampshire. Thus far longing for Mermaid Farm yogurt, and missing her husband, John Furst, have proven to be the only true obstacles.

Beebo Rantoul Turman shares that last month Barbara Bigelow Dunn died at her home in Lincoln at the age of 96. Barbara was a summer resident in Chilmark since the 1950s, and lived at her home on South Road with her husband, Tom Dunn, for 20 years, until 1996. Often called Babs, she was a talented artist and knowledgeable lover of flowers. Many people will remember her table at the Flea Market beside the Chilmark church because her taste in objects (such as chocolate molds, wooden spoons, and odd antiques) was so different and delightful. She was kind and caring and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her son Tim, her daughter Susan, and her six granddaughters.

Sisters Kara and Jana Gailiunas often frequented Menemsha Harbor on their family’s boat, Ancient of Days. After a six year hiatus, the gals popped back into town for a day trip. Time flies. It seems like just yesterday the sisters were putting around on their dinghy making trips to the Galley for ice cream or venturing up in the pond to “get lost” for a couple of hours with my daughter in tow. Jana recently received her master’s degree in business and Kara is halfway through her college career at Vermont’s St. Michael’s College. They shout out a great big hello to anyone who remembers them.

Many thanks to all those who contributed to the gala senior luncheon put on by the Up Island Council on Aging on Monday last. The gathering of about 65 senior citizens were treated to chowder, lobster rolls and ice cream courtesy of The Galley. This year the luncheon was held under a tent on the shore of the Menemsha Channel in bright sunshine. Thanks to the landowner who offered the site and the tables and chairs. This is an annual event that has been going on for many years and is always very much enjoyed by all.

Save that date, photographer Dena Porter of Blueberry Ridge will present her first solo Island exhibition at the Chilmark library from Oct. 1 to 27. The opening reception of Water in its Many Forms will take place Saturday, Oct. 7 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the library. I hope to give a little reminder the week prior to her show but, if my organizational skills fail me, which is possible as we will still be in full swing derby mode, I urge you to mark your calendars now.

Speaking of the derby, for those who spend a lot of time in Menemsha, fishing is quite often on the brain. At this time of year folks literally eat, breathe and well, frankly, rarely sleep fish. Derby fever is what it’s referred to. It comes on with a vengeance and lasts about a month. Those locally afflicted with the disease include Owen Singer, Joey Huong, Brian Curry, Lew Colby, Riley Cameron, Gregory Clark, Tegan Fenner, Brooks Carroll, Graham Stearns, Walter Green, Otto Osmers, Phil Hollinger, Johnny Osmers, and more, including first timers Solon and Barrett Oliver.

Tucker Simonsen has the fever too. Although back at his Cambridge home due to that six letter word s-c-h-o-o-l, he managed a quick weekend trip to town with his father, Rick. He popped in to the Texaco, purchased his derby pin and took to the water. This is not the last we will see of the 17-year-old angler.

The Chilmark school’s 4/5 class is off on their one-week academic adventure on the Alabama. At the time of my writing they were settling in for an overnight at Tarpaulin Cove. Stay tuned for a full report on their travels next week.

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.