Sometimes it’s hard to weave together the uplifting with the sorrow. Sometimes it’s hard to choose just the right words to evoke just the right emotions. Sometimes it’s hard enough to do this verbally, but putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard adds additional layers of challenges. So, I’ll simply share.

When I first met Ginny Jones many years ago she introduced herself as a curmudgeon. At the time, I couldn’t have agreed more. She was a tad crotchety, a tad outspoken, a bit crusty around the edges and even a tad harsh at times. It didn’t take long for me to realize how much I appreciated our candid conversations and her, often extreme, honesty.

I will miss our email chats, our side of the road conversations (that occasionally obstructed traffic) and most of all my visits to her amidst all the goodness Fo’c’sle Locker had to offer. We have lost a good one, a true advocate of the land, sea, people and way of life. My condolences go out to her friends and family especially her pretty fabulous grandsons Kent and Everett Healy.

Folks filed in to the CCC on Friday, Nov. 15 to celebrate David Tilton’s 90th. I didn’t do an exact head count, but I’d hazard to guess there were about 90 people in attendance to honor the newly recognized nonagenarian. In addition to music, a little bit of dancing, a lot of fabulous food produced by Theresa Manning and team, David took the microphone in hand. He told stories of fishing and hunting and growing up an avid lover of the land. It wasn’t quite an interview session with Linsey Lee, but David certainly rose to the occasion.

Also celebrating a big birthday this past week was Joe Chapman. Seventy is the title he now claims. Joe celebrated with a little less fanfare, but celebrated nonetheless. Oh happy day.

Jane Slater recently enjoyed the company of her dear friend Dianne Smith Poole. Although their palling around didn’t take them on a European cruise like it did a few years ago, there was plenty of fun and catching up took place amidst smiles, laughs and nibbles.

This past Tuesday night was the last pizza night at the Chilmark church for a spell. Tuesday, Nov. 26, Janet Weidner and Tom Ruimerman will facilitate the annual Italian Night which marks that the dinners will take a brief hiatus. Join friends on Tuesday at 6 p.m. for a home cooked meal and good conversation. Folks are welcome to bring a dish to share if the mood to cook moves you or simply show up and dig in. Questions? Email chilmarkchurch@gmail.com.

The Cape and Islands boys cross country awards were shared this past week and a couple of Chilmark kids made the list. The Lighthouse Division all-stars included Falmouth Academy freshman Hollis Oliver. Hollis is the youngest member of the Oliver clan that calls Liz and Kevin mom and dad. Cian Davis, son of Jake and Sarah, also a freshman at Falmouth Academy, found his name on the honorable mention list. Hollis managed to medal twice in one week despite being a new novice runner.

A dear friend, greatly admired and accomplished musician, and an all-around warmhearted individual is in need of our support. Ellen Biskis has created a GoFundMe on behalf of Geordie Gude. Without going into too much detail, I urge you to chip in to ease the financial burden he and his loved ones face granting him the enjoyment and simple pleasures life has to offer. Support for Geordie can be found here. 

Join me in casting love, hugs, strength and cheerful harmonica tunes his way.