Although Sylvia Plath struggled with mental anguish and ended her own life at the young age of thirty, she managed to put some of the most intense and profound words down on paper. One particular quote that I came across many years ago always seems to come to mind as summer friends begin to say their farewells in the week that follows Grand Illumination, the fireworks and the fair. On August 8, 1952, she wrote, “August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time.”

Friends have stopped in daily to share a hug and bid adieu until next year. The Dolan family has shipped middle child Katie off to her freshman year at the University of Colorado-Boulder. In the coming days, Emma will return to her sophomore year at Fairfield University and Will will return to his sophomore year at Lawrence Academy.

One of my favorite farewells came from Jill Bunting. We missed each other in person so she jotted a few sweet words down on paper. Although it may not seem like much, having someone take the time to handwrite a few words just for me is something I will cherish.

I’d like to extend my condolences to the London-Thompson family. Mark London completed his time on earth on August 18 and leaves behind his wife Linda Thompson, his daughters Alexandra London-Thompson and Natasha Mast and their families after a mighty and courageous battle against NK-cell Leukemia. His presence was a powerful and notable one which will continue to be carried on by the many who were impacted by this remarkable human.

Owen Singer made a quick overnight trip from Nantucket to see family and friends including his mom, Claire Ganz. He continues to live the salt life aboard the sportfisher No Vacancy which is making its way south from a Maine excursion through Nantucket to Ocean City, Md. and further. It was great to catch a quick glimpse of him.

Congratulations to Cody Coutinho and Jenna Zechner on their recent engagement. Cody is an engineer at Vineyard Land Surveying and Jenna is a registered nurse at the hospital. The happy couple met a number of years ago when they were both students at Merrimack College.

Congratulations to MK2 Jason Breau who was selected by his shipmates as USCG Station Menemsha’s Sailor of the Quarter. His exceptional leadership and willingness to mentor new unit members are some of the qualities that earned him this honor. In addition to keeping us all safe on the water, the crew manages to squeeze in some fun exercises as well.

If you see the Shenandoah under sail or anchored up with a band of children frolicking, singing and swimming, stop and enjoy just for a moment because on board are the up and coming West Tisbury School sixth graders which just may include Delilah Oliver, Quinlan Slavin, Westley Wlodyka and some very familiar chaperones, Dardy Slavin and Liz Oliver. After a delayed boarding – that darn northeast wind – the kids are ready and prepared for maritime life.

It seems as if every day there is cause to celebrate at the Black Point home of Pat and Howard Taylor. The celebration began with the arrival of daughter Carla for her 49th summer on the Vineyard. Another welcome excuse to rejoice, this time with cake, was granddaughter Olivia’s 11th birthday on August 21. The quiet celebration came in the form of some simple rest and relaxation for son-in-law Raymond. Fifty-five years of marriage for Pat and Howard was yet another cause to celebrate. The Taylors are grateful for their Island friends who have made their 40-something summers here truly blissful.

Chilmark news can be sent to squidrow@vineyard.net.