The lights are on at the red house perched along the edge of DH’s Hill. William Kirkland traveled from Panama to Alabama where he retrieved his dad, Bill. The two road tripped it north at a rabbit’s — rather than turtle’s — pace, eagerly anticipating that long-awaited boat ride across Vineyard Sound. The house is freshened, fridge stocked and Bill has partaken in Squid Row coffee club catching up with the likes of dear friend Paul Mayhew. Bill is in residence for the summer, eagerly anticipating a revolving door of family coming for visits. They might just be as excited as he is for a little Menemsha time.
Billie Hancock is back in town for the summer. I haven’t had a Billie hug just yet, but she’s managed to lay eyes on much of my family. She’ll be here for a long spell and, as always, looking forward to having catch up chats with many or all. As per usual, Billie didn’t just make a trip from Florida to Martha’s Vineyard. She traveled to Michigan for a visit and made her way by her childhood high school. Perhaps she will share some stories while she’s here? Welcome Ms. Billie.
Former Chilmark School K/1 teacher of 30 years Robin Smith shares there will be a dedication ceremony to honor friend, neighbor, educator and founding director of the Chilmark Preschool on Sunday, July 7, from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the music garden behind the Chilmark School. As Robin shares, “Chris had a passion for life, a gift for working with children and a love of music. These qualities plus her vision, wisdom and philosophy made our preschool’s high-quality program what it is today. She was community minded and always sure to include our town families in many of the school events. We were fortunate to persuade Chris to come out of retirement in 2005 to open the school. We were so lucky to have her for a delightful seven years.” Chris’s presence in this world is missed every day.
Kathie Carroll isn’t too keen on being in the spotlight, but celebrating her 80th birthday on June 27 is worthy of a little shoutout tucked neatly in the midst of this column. She celebrated at an assortment of small gatherings with, perhaps, a few more to come. As I always say, birthdays should be celebrated over the course of a week. Kathie, you are loved.
Congratulations to Riley McIntosh who was celebrated and promoted to Boatswain’s Mate second class (BM2) and a small ceremony at Station Menemsha, where friends and family were in attendance. The celebration wrapped up with a little cruise on the 47’ motor lifeboat under clear, sunny skies. What fun.
The story of Serena and Franco Modigliani’s escape from Mussolini’s fascist Italy, leaving on the last boat to the US from Paris just before the outbreak of World War II, is — for the lack of better description — riveting. They settled in the Boston area and shortly after found a summer home on North Road. Although Serena and Franco are no longer with us, the generations of the Modigliani family who are continue to share their story.
David Modigliani, son Sergio and Suzanne, recounts this story in his new Tribeca Film Festival-winning podcast series, Pack One Bag, He tells the story of the Modigliani family’s fight to survive Italian fascism, love and war. You can stream for free, wherever you listen to podcasts. The podcast climbed the Apple charts making its way into the top 50 in the United States. I’ve only had an opportunity to listen to the first episode, but look forward to being able to tell them I’ve listened to it all.
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