Each May I find myself humming or singing the Ed Haley tune Fountain in the Park all because it makes me chuckle to recite the line “All in the merry month of May.” The silliness of something so insignificant is what can make life joyful.

It’s also that time of year that our high school seniors are making decisions about fall plans. This week, I am excited to share that Maggie Mayhew, daughter of Anne and Jonathan, has decided to accept an offer of admission from the University of Vermont.

Founded in 1791 it is the fifth oldest university in New England and home to approximately 10,000 undergrads among who Maggie will uphold the motto “Studiis et Rebus Honestis — For studies and other honest pursuits.”

Clem and Diana Littleton are excited to share another grandchild has joined the family: 5 pound 11 ounce grandson Kainoa Clement Kimi born April 4 would be the 17th grandchild to Fred and Elinor Littleton. He is being well cared for by 15 month old big brother Kaleo Dewitt and parents Alicia and AJ Kimi of Sterling, Va.

Let’s all be a cheering section for Zoe Pechter Thompson who has pledged to swim a 5K across Penobscot Bay from Northport to the island of Islesboro to support LifeFlight of Maine. Although the swim isn’t until August, she has begun her training and fundraising effort. If you’d like to contribute, you can find her donor page online here.

She’s a Dutch Warmblood and she is 15-year-old Bella Thorpe’s to ride. Danola, or Dani for short, the beautiful mare belonging to Toni Hanover, has made her way from Florida to Woodbe Farm in West Tisbury where Bella will have the pleasure of pairing up with her to expand her dressage career. Although Bella is still getting acquainted, she already marvels at how talkative Dani is. I think they will make a super pair.

It’s sure to be a party at the Library on Saturday May 5. New work from West Tisbury’s Cody Jephcote hanging in the meeting room for the month of May will be celebrated with an opening reception at 1:30 p.m. featuring cake and a DJ. Be sure to stop in to enjoy his inventive mixed-media creations and, of course, cake.

Although Jack Reed hasn’t been in town for quite some time now nor has he been peddling wheat grass at the Farmer’s Market or telling remarkable stories about farming and family, visions of him cheerfully dancing about with a smile on his face are still fresh in the minds of those who knew him. Sadly, Jack is no longer frolicking on this earth and his passion and free-spirited nature will be missed. Condolences to his two children, Zada and Zoli Clarke, and to the rest of his family, friends and long time admirers.

Sadly, Chilmark says goodbye to a lifelong friend and neighbor far too early. Lynn Murphy will be remembered as that smiling soul who ensured the safety of our Lucy Vincent swimmers each summer for more years than I can count. Like his father Lynn, he was a young man with many talents. Not only was he a compassionate caregiver to his father as he struggled with Alzheimer’s, but he was capable of working with stone, adept at small engine repair or anything mechanical for that matter, passionate about motorcycles, and although he kept it relatively quiet, he was a spirited writer and lover of the written word. He was growing into a complex man, qualities taken from both of his parents, and it is unfortunate we will never have the opportunity to see what could have been. With his absence weighing heavy on our community please extend your love and thoughts to his mother Susan, brother Lucas and to all who knew him.

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.