Frances Labaree thought a trip to Larsen’s to purchase fish for dinner was going to be quick and simple. After pulling into a parking spot, Frances found her little blue Prius hung up on a curb stop. It was the Chilmark Police Department’s traffic officers that came to her rescue. With all their might and ingenuity, Brian Kennedy, Andrew Karlinsky and Ben Levine freed her car so she could return home, protein in hand. As always, Betsy, Kristine and the team made the fish purchasing as efficient as possible in this strange time of Covid.

A few days later, Frances pulled up at the Texaco and, after a conversation about the antifreeze she needed, our trusty traffic officers were at it again. From their vantage point in the center of the parking lot, they spotted the vehicle and the driver they assisted a few days prior. They noticed her front bumper was dragging due to its unfortunate interaction with the curb stop. So, this time, they did a little body work and removed a broken section of bumper so Frances could drive to Boston the following day without it dragging on the highway. She was thrilled and offers a big pat on the back to them and genuine gratitude.

In the early 1970s, an artist asked the Hillman family if he could set up his easel and supplies to paint the picturesque scene that highlighted their Middle Road barn. Young Elise was fascinated. The artist must have sensed this and asked her to sit for him. After many hours of sitting, he produced an oil painting in which the focus shifted to less of the barn and more of Elise. Now, some 50-ish years later, Elise recalls the artist had sold the painting, but to whom she does not know.

She also notes having spotted it some years ago in a down-Island gallery. She fondly reflects on her time sitting for the painter and now hopes someone out there might be able to put a name to his face and, even better, offer some thoughts on how to track the piece down. Are you willing to help solve the mystery? Please email me at squidrow@vineyard.net for further clues.

Because of last-minute circumstances beyond their control, Pam Goff shares the Chilmark Community Church has had to cancel the annual Flea Market for the summer. On a positive note, the church will have its first open-air worship service on the church lawn Sunday, July 5, weather permitting. Social distancing and masks will be required and the ability to worship from one’s car if more convenient.

Activity around the harbor, along our shorelines and in the center of town has really ramped up. Please be reminded that face coverings must be worn if you will be within six feet of someone. People are still supposed to refrain from encroaching on others’ six foot personal zone unless they are from the same household. Groups on the beach should give 12 feet of separation between them and the next group. Although these are pretty simple rules to follow, and it’s really not asking a whole bunch, it seems to be quite difficult for many to manage. Let’s all do our part to keep numbers low so a safe and enjoyable summer can continue.