Without much fanfare and with only her safety escort by her side, Zoe Thompson completed her 3.1-mile crossing to raise funds for LifeFlight of Maine.

Covid-19 got in the way and numerous events were either canceled or went virtual so, rather than swimming the Penobscot Bay, Zoe splashed into Quitsa Pond and made her way through Menemsha Pond with her husband Simon alongside in their boat keeping watch.

Rigorous practice wasn’t in the cards this year so her time was a little slower. Nevertheless, she did it and we all should be proud of her.

Pam Goff shares that the Chilmark Church hosted its first outdoor service this past Sunday. For the time being, weather permitting, Sundays at 9 a.m. is when folks can gather at a distance with face coverings required, under hopefully blue skies. Zoom service will continue for those who prefer to attend virtually from the comfort of their home.

Our Aquinnah neighbor, Jack Fruchtman, is looking forward to the opportunity to engage in conversation with Martha’s Vineyard Museum archivist Bow Van Riper about monuments, statues and plaques – especially those commemorating Confederate generals.

American founders, Columbus and more will be dovetailed into the discussion as well as plenty of time for questions and comments. What could be a very spirited interaction takes place at 6 p.m. on Monday, August 17, outdoors at the museum. This is a socially-distant event with face coverings required. Along with a nominal fee, the folks at the museum ask that you register to attend so they can plan seating accordingly.

Fire Chief Jeremy Bradshaw has rolled the brush breaker down to the Menemsha parking lot a few evenings this past week to sell T-shirts and other C.F.D. swag. Without a backyard bash in the works this summer, there isn’t any fundraising event in the mix. Consider supporting the department by purchasing a T, a mug, bag or other item emblazoned with the seal.

While you’re at it, consider dropping a donation check in the mail – funds go to, among other things, college scholarships, annual Halloween and Christmas parties for the town’s children and educational sessions. If you’re really enthusiastic, you should volunteer.

Andrea Geyer has been in town recently. We had an opportunity to have a little catch up which, as always, was filled joyfully with stories of daughter, Ava, son, Bennett and his bride, Molly.

Rebecca Miller and Matthew Dix, along with their three children, Sadie, Ruby and Joshua, and the staff of North Tabor Farm have settled into their new farm stand. The delightful little post and beam structure is not only welcoming but stocked with superb veggies, eggs, blueberries while they last and sometimes more.

The basking shark which was caught on video enjoying a swim along the jetties and then making its way hugging the shore of Lobsterville Beach caused a bit of a stir. Its presence made some folks nervous and others quite excited. Nevertheless, it was a big topic of conversation.

Also a topic of conversation is the dry spell we’ve been experiencing. Signs have gone up around town asking folks to conserve water. So let your car get dusty, your boat a little extra salty and fishy and your grass a little crunchy. Water your garden and keep your veggies alive but let the rest fend for themselves. Rain will come someday.