The secret that was hard to keep amidst a community filled with constant chatter seems to have been kept from the ears of the two it was intended to surprise. The marching, singing, ukulele-playing flash mob gathered at 7 a.m. this past Monday morning to celebrate Betsy, Kristine and their entire Larsen’s Fish Market family’s — both biological and not — 50th anniversary. Although Big Louie and Mary are no longer with us, Betsy, Kristine and their staff carry in the tradition of smiles and customer service. Lucky for us, Albert Fischer was there to document the event with his noteworthy photography skills. Cheers to a half century of wonderful-ness.

Margaret and Rob Hannemann can hardly believe their seventh grandchild, Francis Jean Allard, was born just four weeks ago. Her delightful little self has taken her place amongst the family and, along with big sister Lula, is prompting lots of oohs, ahhs, hugs and kisses. Frances, Lula and their parents, Laura and Ross, are visiting from San Francisco for the next several weeks. To say Margaret and Rob are thrilled is an understatement.

Also visiting with that crew is Emily Atkinson, an alum of the Chilmark Store. Shortly before Francis and Lula arrived, grandsons Teddy and George Simmons, with their mom Alethea as well as granddaughter Emma Hannemann and her mom Meg, paid a visit. The Hannemann house may need a revolving door, but all of the visits have made this a busy and happy summer indeed.

He had so much fun he’s doing it again. Jay Lagemann is welcoming us all to yet another Sculpture Garden party on Saturday August 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. An excuse to gather family, friends and strangers-that-become-friends on a glorious summer afternoon is simply too good to pass up.

The extended Scott/Stanley/Cook family gathered this past weekend for their traditional Sunday morning Menemsha swim with a few extras in the mix. Nathaniel and Maureen were in town along with Andrea and Bill Suhr’s kiddos, Rupert and Rosa, and many many more.

A surprise celebration took place at the Smith house on the Crossroad the other day in honor of Phil Hollingshead, who completed rigorous training at the Police Academy. He serves for both West Tisbury PD and Tri-town Ambulance. Big thanks to his better half, Samantha, and friends for pulling it together. So much fun was had by all.

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.