I had a conversation with someone the other day who mentioned she recognized my name from the paper. I assumed she was referring to a recent article where I’d been quoted as the board of health chairman and began a conversation with her about current Covid-19 guidelines.

Her response wasn’t one I expected. She sort of shook her head and referred to me as the “town gossip.”

I was slightly taken aback as I’ve never thought of the town columns as gossip, but I guess they may technically fit the bill. The term is defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others.”

But gossip has such an unpleasant connotation so I try hard to focus on short items of news and a little bit of human interest, and never anything scandalous. “Yikes” is about the only word that can sum up my conversation. I promise I will continue to do my best to be polite and heartfelt.

He may not have hot mulled cider in his shop this year, but he’s there with the lights on and happily tapping on copper. Scott McDowell’s copper fish, squid and lobsters along with handcrafted silver, and beautiful art and antiques are all to be purchased for the holidays. Scott and Anette are both around daily so give them a call if you are seeking just the right treasure to put under the tree for that someone special 508-645-2995.

Ginny Jones has made herself available at Fo’c’s’le Locker. She’s in the shop here and there and has some super reads and a whole bunch of things that would make unique stocking stuffers.

Ben McCormack’s Under the Surface Gallery, nestled in to the old freezer at Everett Poole’s plant, has had the doors open as well. The easiest thing is to give Ben a call at 508-962-7748 to find a time to meet.

Stanley and Lanette’s team at Menemsha Fish Market have had ready to eat items for lunch available almost daily and plenty of seafood choices to take home for dinner. Give them a call to order and they’ll be happy to walk you through your options: 508-645-2882.

With three pop-up shops in the Basin, rarely a moment goes by without some activity. Salte has some cool vintage goods and more in the Pandora’s Box space. Saltrock Chocolates are using the takeout window at the Menemsha Deli Wednesday and Saturday afternoons right up until just before Christmas. Jeremy Scheffer has made his Spearpoint Oysters available Saturday mornings through Dec. 26 nestled in alongside Larsen’s Fish Market. Circle by the Texaco, too. We just got in a fresh supply of our Kraken gear-hoodies, long-sleeved Ts, gaiters and Ts.

I’d like to extend my condolences to Hellie Neumann who has made the journey to California to be with her father as they both mourn the loss and celebrate the memories of Hellie’s stepmother, Elizabeth, who died in November. She was well prepared for her two weeks of mandatory quarantine after riding her first one out like a champ following a return from Italy in the spring. Be well, Hellie. We will see you in 2021.

Farewell to Ryan Ouellette whose last day at Station Menemsha was last Wednesday. He was always such a cheerful visitor at the Texaco wearing a big smile and positive outlook. His home state of Florida is calling his name.

Joel Behr, who was stationed in Menemsha until this past June and is now on the Seattle-based Antarctic heavy-duty ice breaker Polar Star, just got underway on a rare mission to the Arctic. They typically head south to resupply the research station at the world’s southernmost point, but the pandemic has scaled back studies there and travel to the continent has been limited.

In the Arctic, the Polar Star crew will test communications equipment and conduct training exercises to help protect the nation’s maritime sovereignty and security in the region. I did my best to give him the email version of a mom-like pep talk before he cruised out of service. I suggested he take pictures, collect stories to share and revel in the experience many of us will never have.