Memorial Day weekend kicks off the 56th summer of joy in Menemsha for Jan and Herb Speer. This weekend they aren’t just happy: they are delighted, with their home filled to the rafters with family. Their children and spouses Dawn, Scott and wife Dawn Marie, Heather, Drew and wife Renee have joined them along with grandchildren Sal and wife Nicole, Jessica and husband Jon, Danielle, Caitlyn, Matthew and girlfriend Erin, Kylie and Christian. Also making her debut to Menemsha and all it has to offer is their first great-granddaughter, Charlotte, who calls Sal and Nicole Mom and Dad. May their 56th season be one for the memory book.

Chilmark School nurse and Chilmark Preschool parent Bea Whiting shares that the Chilmark Preschool’s Spring Fundraiser Raffle is happening from now until June 4. They will draw the lucky winners on June 7 at their end of the year celebration. Tickets are just $5 a pop and give you an opportunity to win farm fresh veggies, pizza, doughnuts, original art work, a Menemsha getaway and more. Check out the details and purchase tickets at chilmarkpreschool.com/spring-fundraiser-2022. If you find yourself lacking tech-savvy skills, be sure to reach out to a Preschool parent (or me) for some assistance.

Although it doesn’t have a storefront, there is a new business in town and it’s called Bunk’s Skunks. Rodney Bunker is ready and prepared to deal with all your varmint issues. He can be reached through his website at rodneybunkertrapping.net, by phone at (508) 446-4711 or email bunkskunk645@gmail.com.

Susan Bienen Johnson’s oil paintings are being shown at the Chilmark Library until June 8. Her work focuses on the two places she calls home: Menemsha and Brookline. Susan has even managed to capture Menemsha Texaco in all her glory. Her dear friend Jackie Mendez-Diez fondly refers to her work as “little gems.” I agree not only because they are pleasing but because they all give a little glimpse of the views seen through windows that, especially in Menemsha, are a true gem.

Joel Behr made his way to town while he was on a short leave from the Coast Guard’s Polar Star. Although he will be back in July for a longer visit, he managed to fill his dance card on this brief trip. He paid a visit to the Texaco where he had an opportunity to, as Grandma Bette would always say, “sit a spell” and catch up with friends. He was also treated to a fantastic lobster dinner with Wayne Iacono, Judi Worthington, Jake Waters-Maciel and Colleen Wilson. They sure did have fun chatting it up.

It’s never easy when a family loses a furry friend. It’s never easy to find just the right words to say, so I hope a simple “I’m sorry for your loss” helps ease the pain for Sarah, Charlie and Tyler Shipway on the loss of their golden, Triton. He was so special to them.

I remember when the Rothmann family brought Shaq into their lives. Sawyer was a young teenager and working for us at the Texaco. Pictures and stories of that Bernese Mountain dog were plentiful. I am sorry for your loss. Shaq was clearly a much-loved family member.

It has been a busy college graduation week for many Chilmark families. To name a few, Alicia, Peter and Adam Knight traveled to Quinnipiac College to cheer for Olivia as she crossed the stage and turned her tassel. Maggie Mayhew, University of Vermont’s electrical engineer of the year, crossed the stage. Jonathan, Anne, Chris, Matt, Molly and toddling Ida watched with familial pride.

It may not be a diploma but another cause for celebration is Ava Stearns, daughter of Sarah Doyle and Bret, was named National Collegiate Equestrian Association Flat Co-Rider of the Year. She was also named Auburn University’s Flat MVP.

And how about that bluefin tuna that Scott McDowell’s Lauren C charter hooked up on by Quicks Hole? If you haven’t heard the story, stop by the Copperworks for the tale and, of course, a really cool handmade collectible while you’re at it.