Ribs aching, throat scratching, sleep deprived and cough, cough, coughing is how I’ve spent my past week in the throes of an unpleasant bout of pneumonia. Since work has slowed down, I’ve had the opportunity to rest, lay low and rely on the power of Netflix to entertain.

Suffice to say, I’ve not done a particularly good job of keeping my fingers on the pulse of the town, so let’s just see where hunting and pecking for the right combination of letters takes me.

With the derby over and the Tavern, Galley, Chilmark Store and Larsen’s closed for the season, folks are turning inward. Festive fall-themed dinner parties with meats, cheeses and vegetables purchased locally and with, perhaps, some Salt Rock Chocolates for dessert become the norm as the sunset creeps earlier.

Ali and Sarah Flanders, of Salt Rock fame, will be popping up locally in November, so tune in on Instagram or their website and be ready to catch the details when they drop.

Beetlebung Farm is offering Jefferson Munroe’s The Good Farm turkeys this year. Order forms are available on Beetlebung’s website. They’ve also transitioned to compostable packaging for their party mix and you can pop it right into your backyard compost. Personally, I’m a bag re-user just like the good ol’ childhood days of slipping my feet into bread bags before donning my winter boots.

A great opportunity has emerged from within the walls of the Chilmark School. Susan Stevens shares that the educational team is in need of two teaching assistants. The position would put you in the midst of all the excitement of helping our young people grow into happy lifelong learners. Please reach out to Susan at 508-645-2562 for more information.

Let’s all shoot out a great big congratulations to Michael Passarella who received the honor of being named sailor of the quarter at Station Menemsha. He has paired his friendly personality alongside a strong work ethic, making him a vital member of the team.

A number of shipmates were recognized and commended for their efforts. Connor Corey received the good conduct award. Justin Harris, Jarrett Conner and Isak Scaggs were also recognized for their hard work while solving a major mechanical issue at the Station.

I had the pleasure of bumping into Roberta Morgan not too long ago. It made me think about how people’s routines changed, especially during Covid. I don’t see her or many of you as often as I’d like, so let me remind you all that I think of you often and look forward to bumping into you for an in-person catch-up. Today, however, I share a very happy slightly-belated 94th birthday wish with Roberta.