Thursday August 1 from 3 to 7 p.m. marks the fifth annual Meet the Fleet on Menemsha Harbor. Organized by the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust — John Keene, Shelley Edmundson, Wesley Brighton, Warren Doty, Matt Mayhew, David White, Stanley Startzell, Emily Bramhall, Todd Goodell, Chris Scott, me and, in memoriam, Luke Gurney — the event draws attention to the Vineyard’s fishing industry and raises money for the organization, which has had a number of success stories already, including $1,000,000 of sea scallop quota leased by West Tisbury resident Sam Hopkins, the purchase of a conch license leased to Johnny Osmers and lobster trap tags purchased on behalf of a number of local fishermen.

In addition to having an opportunity to talk to local fishermen, watch a filleting demonstration, cheer at both a net mending and shucking competition, slurp down local shellfish, tour the historic fishing vessel Roann, and enjoy live music performed by Brothers Rye, there will be a USCG helicopter demonstration. Air Station Cape Cod’s helicopter will hover over the harbor, and rescue swimmers will be front and center. Be prepared to get a little salt water spray. Can you tell I’m excited? 

One of the MVFPT’s success stories is the opportunity for Sam Hopkins to land sea scallops in Menemsha. Hundreds of pounds left his vessel Endeavor late last week and made their way into local markets including Menemsha Fish and Larsens. They were also distributed by wholesaler Menemsha Fish House to a number of Island restaurants including the Tavern and Homeport. 

Abbe Burt arrived last week from down-Island for her annual and much loved summer at the Prince cottage on North Road. She admits to being thrilled to have escaped the hustle and bustle of city life for the peace and tranquillity of her up-Island sanctuary. Give her a shout if you’d like to grab a cup of tea, an ice cream or just to sit a spell. 

At last week’s BLISS party at Captain Flanders House/Bliss Pond Farm, while unwinding on the dance floor, Jennifer Iacopino prompted tears of joy when she surprised childhood friend Julie Flanders with an unannounced visit from New Hampshire.

The Bernhard family has departed their Carroll Lane home after a wonderful, albeit too short, visit. Eldest daughter Lily was a true joy to welcome as part of the Texaco family.

Pam Goff is looking forward to hearing David Rhoderick on organ and Ed Merck on bass recorder play pieces by Handel and Bach for the worship service at Chilmark Church on Sunday July 28 at 9 a.m. She reminds us that all are most welcome to attend and no special invitation is necessary.

I’d like to shout out a hello to former Stonewall resident, Bob Conway. I received an email from him just the other day and he is not only sounding quite well but just celebrated his 96th birthday.

Don Smith will celebrate his 91st on August 1. He says there won’t be much fanfare but I’m going to chance a guess that his children, Hollis, Jeannie, Robin and Russell won’t let an opportunity to celebrate go unnoticed. If you see him out and about in his brown Kia Soul be sure to wish him many happy returns.

Summer friend and founder of the MV Book Festival, Suellen Lazarus, shared that excitement is building with the upcoming festival, August 2 to 4. With the exception of Friday night’s launch at the PAC with Chelsea Handler and Seth Meyers, events will be free and set on the grounds of the CCC. According to Suellen there will be something for every sort of reader: fiction and history, thrillers and memoirs, politics and food and so much more.

There’s a news flash from the cemetery commissioners — water is available on site. More details to follow next week.

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.