At the time of my writing, Hurricane Jose was approximately 250 miles east of Cape Hatteras, N.C. and 445 miles south of Nantucket. Not knowing just how much of an impact he was going to have on our environment, we looked at his presence in the Atlantic as a reason to practice our preparedness skills and hope for the best. The swordfish weathervane that was purchased through Saltwater Sportsman magazine decades ago has taken a hiatus from the Texaco rooftop, the awning has been stowed away and the touch tank has made its way to higher ground. Boats have either been hauled, secured with extra lines or, like the Martha Elizabeth and No Regrets, nestle in the protected inlet of Tashmoo Pond. As they say, we should be better safe than sorry. As you read this, I hope we can all remark that Jose’s visit wasn’t too bad.
Dickie and Susan Vincent, who some years ago moved south to Naples, Fla., survived the wrath of Irma. As an aside, I was curious to know the meaning of the name Irma. Apparently, war goddess is the definition. Somehow this seems quite fitting, reflecting on her destruction. The Vincents opted to stay in their Naples home tucked in a closet under a mattress. Wind gusts topping out at 178 mph and days without power can’t stop these two and their fellow Floridians from bouncing back.
This year’s Chilmark school 4/5 class had some unexpected visitors while on their week-long school adventure aboard the Black Dog tall ship Alabama. Early one morning, while the anchor was dropped just off Cuttyhunk, a couple pirates approached the vessel after navigating by the distracted chaperones who decided to surf the waves in Canapitsit Channel. The pirates decked out in traditional garb were, shhh, Lindsey Scott and Jay Bodnar. The two thought it would be a nutty idea to storm the ship with a couple dozen doughnuts. I wonder what the kids were like after consuming all of that sugar?
Folks are still overwhelmingly afflicted with derby fever. It spreads like wildfire. We have a lot of Chilmarkers who have some noticeable symptoms. The derby offers up daily, weekly and overall prizes in various divisions including adult, senior and junior along with prizes for each of the four species of fish: striped bass, bluefish, bonito and false albacore. At the time of my writing, Jonathan Mayhew leads the senior striped bass division, Brooks Carroll has a third place overall junior boat bass and Graham Stearns has a leading junior weekly boat false albacore. Lori Graham is in first place overall for her boat bonito which also entitles her to a weekly and women’s weekly. Tegan Fenner is on fire this year, currently holding a leading 12-pound false albacore. Not only does this put the 13-year-old in first place in the junior division but it also lands him in the position of grand leader. Tegan also hold a third place spot with a boat bonito. Tegan and Brooks were the first two juniors to weigh in one of each of the four species entitling them to grand slams.
Gabriel Slossberg got a daily first place for his boat bluefish. Clara Athearn had a second place daily for her bluefish. Corrick Slavin reeled in a first place daily striped bass. John Thurgood and Owen Singer had second and third place dailies for their bonito and Brian Curry pulled off both a third and fourth place daily bonito as well. Casey Elliston reeled in a first place daily bass and Rebekah Goldman, granddaughter to Susan Heilbron and Andy, managed a second place daily for her bluefish. Jeffrey Maida claimed a third place daily for a bass. Some other names familiar to Menemsha on the various boards include Patrick Jenkinson, Helena Kirschenbaum, Lew Colby, Cameron Maciel, Jared Stobie, Gus Leaf, Pete Lynch, Zack Horrocks and Riley Gale.
After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Jules Worthington was quietly laid to rest by close friends and family in a green burial at Abel’s Hill. My condolences go out to his sweet wife, Judi, who was a constant presence by his side. Jules’s bright and bold paintings can be found in galleries, collections and homes around the world. I am lucky enough to have a print given to Marshall and me as a wedding gift some 22 years ago. I will think of Jules each time I glance in its direction.
I walked in to the bank the other day as Wendy Weldon, with the help of James Langlois, was hanging her vibrant artwork. It will adorn the walls and overwhelm the senses with phenomenal color from now until Oct. 12. . Be sure to join her at her artist’s reception Friday, Sept. 22 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. If you happen to be out of town or can’t make it for some reason, be sure to check it out her website, wendyweldon.com.
Fall sports at the high school are in full swing. Freshman Bella Thorpe, is making a strong go at field hockey. She is an active member of the JV team and assisted Ellie Dolby in scoring the only goal at their recent game against Plymouth South.
Betsy and Christine, the lovely Larsen sisters, shout out a public service announcement. Their new fall hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Longtime friend David Bjorklund has not only been visiting but has been pulling some shifts at the fish market. He even managed to get Christine into a bright red lobster costume for a video shoot. Christine definitely gets the good sport award this week.
Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.
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