The entire community has fallen into a state of grief with the sudden loss of neighbor, friend, Island advocate and town counsel Ron Rappaport.

Ron’s sudden departure leaves us knowing we will no longer see him riding his bicycle, hair flowing out from under his helmet. His sudden departure leaves us knowing he will no longer sit prominently, but quietly unless called upon, at town meeting.

His sudden departure leaves us knowing there will be no more email exchanges that start with “What do you think about....”

Ron’s departure leaves us knowing wonderful conversations have permanently ceased.

There is a vast array of words and phrases that describe Ron, but none are better than dear friend and fierce community advocate. My love goes out to all of you since all of you, even if you’re unaware, have been touched by the remarkable-ness that was Ron Rappaport.

I received word straight from Jessica Malkin Mason. I am pleased to share her kidney transplant was a success. The process to recovery has begun. Her new kidney that made its way to her from somewhere in the Midwest, is doing its work neatly tucked in to her abdomen. She will spend the next six-ish weeks in New York. She will wander hallways in the transplant ward. Then, she, along with husband Greg, will spend time at a friend’s nearby apartment.

Doctors who perform these miraculous surgeries like patients to be close for monitoring. Meanwhile Lucca, Anders and Estelle are doing their thing with grandparents Joan and Jim’s watchful eyes looking over them.

A few words from Jessica, “I want to thank all my friend and family in Chilmark and Island-wide for all the love and support. It’s been an integral part of my journey and my strength. Hopefully others in our community will be interested to explore living kidney donation and save a life like mine for the others on-Island who are still awaiting their match.”

Hillary Noyes-Keene’s phenomenal art work is hanging at the Chilmark Library until June 27. It can be enjoyed during regular library hours between now and then. The reception was hosted on Wednesday, June 12 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The title of her show is Farm + Sea and Hillary’s keen eye put a unique perspective on the subject matter.

Hugh Singer has headed back to Alaska after spending the spring working for the MV Shipyard and pleasing his mom, Claire Ganz, by being nearby. His next fishing job takes him to the port of Cold Bay, which is somewhere in the midst of the Aleutian Islands. Out to sea on a boat he will go, but back to the Vineyard in early fall he will come, mind filled with stories to share.

The next generation of what I still think of as kids has begun to have kids themselves. Landon Steere, son of Lila Sussman and Lee, and his bride Maggie became proud parents to Wesley Hans Steere on June 5. Not only are they, their parents and siblings completely smitten, but Island grandparents Heather Sommers, Ed Sussman, Dana Nunes and David and Bonnie Steere are too.

Graduation day at the Chilmark School is always a heartfelt, memorable and meaningful experience. This year, principal Susan Stevens and educator Rebecca Barca-Tinus will pomp and circumstance their ways into retirement, along with fifth graders, who will begin their transition to becoming middle schoolers. Share a round of applause for Penny Athearn, Willie Bologna, Lorenzo Doyle, Finn Moriarty, Maeve Moriarty, Josephine Persinko, Lucille Stahl, Tillie Taylor and Hudson Wike. As Dr. Seuss said, “Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose!”