Most of the time folks have nice things to say about the Chilmark column. I try to graciously thank them and explain that some weeks are easier than others because I really rely on them — my community members — to pass along things they’d like to see shared. I tend not to be a busy body like Mrs. Oleson from Little House on the Prairie, listening in on party lines or snooping from around the corner with my notepad in hand.

Occasionally, there’s that someone who has a tidbit of criticism to share. Again, I try to respond diplomatically — although as we all know criticism is a hard pill to swallow. I am only as good as the information I am given and, if the information is clearly spelled out elsewhere in the paper, I tend to forgo it in the column. I apologize to all of you whom I’ve inadvertently ignored over the years and, if you truly know me, you know that’s not my style.

Criticism does make me question why I do this because it’s not as easy as task as you may think. But each week I rise up and think about that famous Winston Churchill quote, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts” and I continue on most of the time feeling appreciated because I truly do care about you.

Twenty-ish years ago we had one of the most enthusiastic summer helpers at the Texaco. She’d arrive early. She’d offer to stay late. She’d chat up our customers and wield a broom, sending the sand back to the beach like no other. Moira Catherine Sica, whom we all call Cat, stopped by a couple of days ago to introduce us to her first child, Kody. He sat in his stroller taking in all Menemsha had to offer while happily enthralled by dad Kurt. Babies are amazing and I look forward to watching this one grow.

Robert Shalhope paid a quick visit last week to check in with his folks, Emma and Bob. We had an opportunity to visit for a few and I look forward to his return with his bride Stephanie in September. Rumor has it and, no, I’m not spreading gossip, I’m just using the phrase, Adelaide will also be in town traveling from her home in Scotland. I look forward to seeing her nearly as much as her parents do. Barn Again is going to be very full of life come September.

Andy Bluestein has been in town really uncle-ing hard to his four-year old nephew, Finn. The two are great pals and enjoy catching minnows together and tending to Andy’s Jeep. Finn’s dad Tom explains, “a good uncle figures out where the line is with things that are allowed and then goes just over it into what the kid wants and parents shoot you a bit of a look.”

Finn, or F. Richard as grandfather Dick Bluestein refers to him, traveled from Newburyport with his dad, mom Jen and their dog Lucy. Grandmother MaryKate is happily taking all of this delight in and stowing it away for the memory book.

The Salzman family has gathered at their home on top of Fulling Mill Hill to celebrate Nancy’s ninetieth birthday. Joining her to celebrate are her sons Jim and Andy along with their families and that of her late son David. Those traveling from London, Israel, Santa Barbara and various places in between include grandchildren Jamie, Ben, Michael, Liam and Natalie. Great grandchildren Dylan and Harvey with mother Nedira will Zoom in to celebrate. As part of the celebration they will share stories from their sixty summers of sailboat racing on Menemsha Pond, Clam Cove and both attending and working at the Chilmark Community Center. What fun they will have celebrating. Oh happy day!

Off she goes, “ut aquila versus coelum” (as an eagle towards the sky) embarking on her journey to Brunswick, Me. where Bowdoin College is on the receiving end of Lily Bernhard, eldest daughter of Jill and Ted. Freshman year kicks off with a bonding camping trip. I, for one, can’t wait to hear stories.

As you know I rarely mention birthdays, but Margaret Maida celebrates on August 25 and who can skip an opportunity to shout out Margaret? Not me. Happy birthday, Mrs. Maida.