I never aspired to be a journalist. I’m not actually certain that writing a town column even entitles me to that designation. I sort of stumbled into the role when, Jane, my practically famous predecessor, needed a break from the task. From there, it took on a life of its own. Most weeks, I sit in front of a blank computer screen, eyes closed, while scanning back through the week in my mind searching for interesting little tidbits to share. Receiving emails, calls, texts or handwritten notes like the bygone days of Bill Edison are a rarity, but I revel in those moments because it not only is easier for me to compose my column, but it means the giver of information truly wants to see their words immortalized in grayscale newsprint.

I received a voicemail from the new Abel’s Hill Cemetery superintendent, Susan Rust. In one of her first duties in the role, her enthusiastic voice requested that I remind you all it is time to start thinking about removing what the late and great Susan Murphy would refer to as holiday “brownery.” Wreaths, swags and ornamentations are beginning to fade and the wind has had its way with them nudging them askew and seemingly out of place. It’s time to tidy and prepare plots for the snowdrops that will appear sooner than we may realize.

Welcome home to David Norton who did a stint in a Boston hospital. He was under the weather, but after getting the boot from the chaos, he is back nestled in his peaceful spot on Mayhew Lane. As always, well wishes for folks who are ailing encourages quick healing so send those wishes his way.

While tidying up things at the Texaco towards the end of a work day, in walked two familiar faces. The last time I spotted these two was give or take 20 years ago when they were in dire need of a Swedish Fish fix. Siblings and summer kids Jamison and Hadley Wiggins were on the Island scoping out a potential design job for Hadley and managed to squeeze in a stroll down Memory Lane. It was nice to catch up with them and hear they are all well. Dad Craig is touring national parks in an RV and mom Deborah lives nearby — the two of them live on Long Island’s North Fork. Shortly after their return home, Hadley’s eldest, Grey, will be celebrating her birthday in a museum and “Funcle” Jamison plans to play a big part in the festivities. There is a frolicking and toddling one-year-old little brother in the mix as well.

Richard Bennett popped in the Texaco for a chat the other day while fueling up his truck. While sharing the commonplace pleasantries typically intertwined with brief conversation, he shared some exciting news. Board certified therapist “dedicated to helping people live their most authentic, joyful lives,” Tricia has put her knowledge and out there in the world in the form of a book. How Love Happens, hitting the Amazon bookshelf on Feb. 1, it offers 52 practices so that you are ready to meet your lifetime partner.

As she says: “Let the wisdom of women introduce you to yourself, so that the love of your life can find you.”

It sounds like there will be book group opportunities coming soon and, even if the particular subject matter doesn’t suit your needs, time with Tricia is remarkable no matter what the topic. Congratulations on bringing your labor of love to life.

Can you believe it? We have another author in town with a book available for pre-order and hitting the shelves in April. Julia Spiro’s, Such a Good Mom, is a standalone mystery that’s likely going to be one of the best beach reads summer 2025 will see. I won’t divulge too much — you can Google the title if you are truly curious — but I will share the plot is set on Martha’s Vineyard with a young mom searching for answers about a family friend’s death. This is Julia’s third book.

Congratulations to the Chilmark Volunteer Fire Department. The news is just in that they received a grant to purchase ice rescue equipment. The grant application process is an arduous one, but it was worth the effort. It will be nice to have the appropriate equipment in town, but hope not to need to put it to use.