At first they need us and then we need them — that is what happens when a pup joins a family. They start off gnawing on everything and we curse them. Then they evolve into faithful companions who participate in ride-alongs from caretaking jobs to the lumber yard and, perhaps, a favorite lunchtime eatery where a little nibble of something sweet passes over their lips.

As they years go by the rides may become fewer and the hours spent sleeping curled up by the wood stove may increase until the day their companionship is no longer. Lucy, the sweetest Black Lab, has completed her adventure here on Earth and she will be deeply missed by her human companion, Albert Fischer. Please give that storytelling photo snapping friend a big hug the next time you see him.

Children’s Hospital of Colorado ICU is where Kai Simich, eight year old son of Erika (Andresen) and Stevan and grandson of Spider and Sarah Andresen, spent a few days this past week. A nasty spill on his bicycle resulted with a lacerated spleen and a few sleepless days for his loved ones. Fortunately Kai has been able to return home where some substantial R&R is in order. Grandmother Sarah traveled to see him for herself and she relays, through Spider, that he really does look quite good. We are all thankful. Sending lots of love to the Centennial State.

I’m saddened to hear that Nancy Mae Hurley died suddenly last Friday. There will be a private burial Saturday, Dec. 2 at Abel’s Hill. I’d like to extend my condolences to her husband Don, daughter Courtney and her husband Tim and granddaughter Catherine. Her twinkling personality certainly will be missed.

Well wishes also go out to Tauras Biskis of Flanders Lane who had a little misstep and, ouch, fractured his fibula. Heal up soon, friend.

Susan, Jason and Sophie Balaban enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday at their Wayside Farm home. Susan always manages to snap and share great photos while she is here.

The Scott home on South Road was the place to be for Thanksgiving if you were one of the lucky 30-plus to grace the dinner table. Guest of honor was 102 year old Fischer family matriarch, Rena. She is just as cheerful as can be and lights up any room she finds herself planted in.

Hewing Field’s Jan Buhrman and her team at the Back Porch Larder in the Airport Business Park continue to offer tasty breakfast bites, simple nearly-home-cooked meals and everything in between. They’re typically open Tuesday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4 p.m.

David White, artistic director at The Yard, has made his way to Budapest for dunaPart4, the platform of Hungarian Contemporary Performing Arts.

Claire Ganz will display a selection of her photographs titled Being in the Light at the Chilmark Library from Monday, Dec. 4 through the Dec. 31, with a reception on Dec. 4 from 3 to 7 p.m.

Trina Kingsbury made note that the winter-spring 2017-2018 edition of Martha’s Vineyard Magazine boasts a Chilmark School photo from 1957. Quite a cast of characters is represented and, among those, are amusing individuals I am lucky enough to interact with from time to time: my father-in-law Emmett Carroll, brothers Greg, Skip and Jonathan Mayhew, John Larsen, Albert Fischer and sister Suzanne, Pat Jenkinson and Danny Larsen, to name just a few.

Allison Flanders, middle daughter of Steve and our most memorable Joy (who always lived up to her name,) employed by AmeriCan Adventures Careers, has managed to travel to some remarkable sights recently. Bodega Bay, Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon, to name just a few, are some truly remarkable landmarks she has experienced. My thoughts are summed up in one two syllable word: jealous.

Heartfelt congratulations to siblings Frank, Peter and Heidi Dunkl who received the Permanent Endowment for Martha’s Vineyard’s Creative Living Award. These are three of the kindest and most remarkable humans I have ever met.

Stop in at the Library Wednesday Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. for the annual Holiday concert featuring the Vineyard Classic Brass Ensemble. The Dunkl family just so happens to be the featured performers.

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.