The Smith family was in full force this past weekend flocking to town to celebrate the marriage of Chris Smith and Alysha Norbury. Everyone gathered at the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club to listen to the happy couple say, “I do.” Chris will be back volunteering with the Chilmark Fire Department and Alysha strolling with her Corgi once the excitement of family and friends wanes a bit.

Joining in the nuptial fun were Chris’ uncle Phil Smith and MaryJo Joiner. It seems as if it was just yesterday that Phil used to rest his head at the family homestead on Larsen Lane. The two have called Alaska home for a number of years now. Each time they share a picture or story of their home I want to buy a plane ticket and go visit. One of these days I may surprise them by accepting the invitation.

On Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 6 to 9 p.m., the community will gather at the CCC for David Norton’s retirement party.

Chilmark celebrated it’s 325th birthday at the CCC this past weekend. A heartfelt shout out goes to Susan Murphy who coordinated the event. Tables of diners flanked the perimeter leaving the center of the room for those interested in busting a move to the sounds of Ellen and Tauras Biskis, Andy Goldman, Warren Doty, Geordie Gude, Willie Mason and more. I had the opportunity to stand alongside Julie Flanders and Linda Coutinho while trying to keep in tune for a round of Goodnight Irene.

A special thank you also needs to be extended to all those who helped set up, clean up and coordinate everything in between, and to Krishana Collins of Tea Lane Farm whose Dahlias delighted everyone. A spectacular pop of color is just what the 325-year-old doctor ordered.

The 74th annual MV Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby began at 4 a.m. Sunday for 12-year-old Westley Wlodyka. He rolled out of bed, slipped into his foul weather gear and made his way to Vineyard Sound. After a few hours of casting, jigging and spending a little time joking with Brooks Carroll (believe it or not the two blonde haired blue eyed boys are exactly four years apart to the day) he hooked up on a big False Albacore that, at the time of my writing, landed him in one of the grand leader spots. Nice fishing, Wes.

The camaraderie among fishermen and women has shown itself through the ages, from the newbies to the experienced, all fishing alongside one another asking questions and offering advice and encouragement. Be a steward of good sportsmanship and lend a hand to those trying to experience what you already enjoy.

Welcome to the world Esmé Armer. Proud parents of the newest West Tisbury resident are Elizabeth Cecil and Eben Armer. She’s one lucky little lady to be welcomed by such fine folks.

Sadly, Tyler, Sarah and Charlie Shipway said farewell to their sweet cat, Daphne, the other day. She spent many years with them sharing her feline love and will be missed.

Hailey, Freya, Michele and Jeremy Mayhew had the wonderful experience of watching the evolution of a monarch caterpillar becoming a butterfly. It’s a quietly delightful experience. I find myself looking for milkweed as I drive about town and quietly exclaiming to myself when I spot some. As Laura Ingalls Wilder said, “It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.”

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.