I met Susan Wilder Hobby more than 30 years ago. She was a vibrant soul who joyfully engaged in conversation, always wearing a smile and with twinkling eyes to round out each pleasant exchange. Daily, I look at three pieces of her artwork: a barrel stave painting of Menemsha Texaco, a small watercolor of Station Menemsha, and a shadow box with dried flowers, shells and a few little trinkets that have since passed their prime but still bring me joy.

Susan spent her last day on Earth surrounded by her loving family. The world will be just a little less delightful without her in it. I’d like to extend my condolences to her husband of 60 years, Jack, and her children John, Roger and Jill Napior and their families.

Bella Thorpe is back from another stellar performance at the Green Mountain Horse Association Show in Vermont. Bella and Bella showed at the fourth level and the Prix Saint George, taking home a silver medal that also earned them a spot at regionals.

They’ve been able to pick right up where they left off each time they coordinate a get-together. Sometimes only a couple of months pass between visits and other times it goes beyond a year. Theo Stanley, recent high school grad, recent 18-year old, and soon-to-be freshman at University of Colorado Boulder, is back in town with parents Chris and Malia (Scott) and siblings Eva and Quinn. Aside from catching up with Brooks and friends, he has spent some quality time with family, including grandparents Jonathan and Marie (Fischer) Scott.

At the recent Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard event highlighting 40 years of service, Judy and Ted Mayhew found themselves in the spotlight. Ted is a founding member and one of the first board members and Judy was a dedicated member of the first volunteer class. There are so many unsung heroes in our community who, as they say, fly under the radar, that it’s nice to see a little bit of recognition.

Susan Murphy finds herself in an unfortunate situation. Her dinghy, aptly names Mrs. Murphy, seems to have disappeared from the town landing in Quitsa. The lovely little Erford Burt design, with its name proudly displayed on the stern, needs to find its way back to its owner and caretaker. Please keep your eyes open as you meander your way along our shorelines and call (508) 645-2883 if you spot it.

Although the Steamboat Springs, Colo. Keefe kids--Quinn, Allie and Grady--have been in town for the better part of the summer gainfully employed at various locations, the parents Lori and Craig have not. Their arrival has finally been noted and I’ve had an opportunity to catch up with Lori. We spent a lot of time together when our kids were little, overlapping at swim lessons and such. But now that they’ve all gone in different directions, the time us parents spend together has dwindled. One highlight shared is that Allie will spend her fall semester at the Island School on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera. What a life-changing adventure that will be.