Open signs hang on nearly every shop in town these days although the message remains clear. Please remain outside and place your order at the window or over the phone. Despite the takeaway Menemsha has to offer, from the Galley to the Deli to the fish markets and the Texaco, folks seem happy to have some small sense of normalcy as they stroll the basin on a summer-like afternoon. Most have masks at the ready and are enjoying fresh sea air, sand between their toes and either a few moments of kite flying with their kids or a distanced conversation with a friend who has been holed up at home for what seems like an eternity.

Although many events have been canceled, there is one thing that we don’t have to worry about–the cancellation of summer. I am looking at summer, along with many, as an opportunity to slow the pace down a little. After polling a few folks, most agree that they are anticipating the simple things like days at the beach, building ponds for crabs, or backyard s’mores with a side of laughter and maybe a few songs accompanied by someone on guitar who hasn’t strummed in a few years. There is so much to look forward to if you simply open your eyes to the opportunity.

Jane Slater and I had a chat the other day, both having noticed a reference to Captain Wes Brighton’s sea scalloper, Martha Rose, tied alongside Dutcher Dock. We agreed that this was the perfect opportunity to share a public service announcement: from the fuel dock to the south (toward the fish markets) the fixed wood dock is commercial dock or bulkhead dock and from the fuel dock north (toward the beach) the fixed wood dock is Dutcher Dock. Named after Rodney Dutcher, this section of dock was paid for by a fund he coordinated after witnessing the destruction from the 1938 hurricane. It was built as a place for transient boaters to enjoy a little time in Menemsha.

Although Dutcher died before its completion, there was a grand celebration held to dedicate it to him in August 1941, which was attended by many Chilmarkers and both local and state officials including the governor. Was the governor, perhaps, Leverett Saltonstall? I’ll know you’re reading if you answer my question.

Speaking of Dutcher Dock, the harbor has opened for the summer, effective June 15. Adam Knight, son of Alicia and Peter, had his first shift as wharfinger. He received a few hours of instruction alongside harbor master Ryan Rossi as they received the first three transient vessels of the season. Returning wharfinger, Christian Carroll arrived promptly at 8 a.m. Monday to report to his first day back at the job.

Susan Murphy and her pup, Hamish, had visitors this weekend. Grandson Tracy, along with his parents Lucas and Tricia, appeared by water on Saturday afternoon for a visit. The trio, with their dog in tow, splashed their new-to-them 1972 Sea Ray into its first saltwater at the ramp in South Dartmouth. Through Buzzards Bay and across Vineyard Sound they traveled with their sights set on the Menemsha bell buoy. Susan met them at the dock, checked out their new ride and they were off on an adventure which, of course, included watching the sun sink down below the horizon on a mid-June evening that truly felt like the first day of summer.