SKIP FINLEY

508-696-3742

(sfinley@mvgazette.com)

Last week was a first for me. I Skyped my interview with Abby Williamson in Asuncion, Paraguay. Abby is an ELF, an English Language Fellow, a position funded by the U.S. State Department to train natives, mostly from third world countries, to teach English.

When you ride the On Time III with Captain Bob Gilkes at the helm you are bound to hear the words “Wasque” and “erosion” at least once during the crossing. Since this latest breach occurred, Bob has been documenting Mother Nature’s handiwork at the southeast corner of Chappy with a camera and a tape measure.

We are seeing a lot of rain but the forecast is predicting good weather for the rest of the festivities coming up in August. I am loving the cool nights and no mugginess.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Adeline Riley, Austin Smith and Bryan Somas, who all celebrated August 10, Grace Manson on August 12, and to William Pate and Deborah Silva who celebrated their day August 14.

As I type right now I am missing the skillet throwing contest at the fair. Not to brag but you know this reporter, Holly Nadler and June Manning would easily tie for first place in this event. Bill and Jan Stokes’s daughter Kim Beal of West Hartford, Conn., has arrived at the family’s Island home.

The weather bureau reports that July was the second hottest month on record in the northeast since record -keeping began in 1895. On the other hand, the first 15 days of this month have been the coolest since 1935. With the fair in full swing, it is hard to believe our summer season is fast becoming history.

Melissa Schellhammer and Beau Begin of Edgartown announce the birth of a daughter, Juniper Kai Begin, born on August 9, 2013 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Juniper weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces at birth.

Aimee and Paul Cotton along with big sisters Grace and Caroline of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Samuel James Cotton, born on August 9, 2013 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Samuel weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces at birth.

Carole Lee Sylva and Matthew Flanders are happy to announce their engagement. Carole Lee is the daughter of Roger and Gloria Sylva of West Tisbury. Matthew is the son of Brian and Noreen Flanders of Vineyard Haven. An Island wedding is being planned for the fall of 2014.

Chilmark is managing just fine in spite of fears about road closings and delays created by the president’s vacation. Businesses and activities are doing well and only a limited few are truly inconvenienced. Fortunately, the situation is temporary. We congratulate Chris Fischer, chef at the Beach Plum Inn, on his evening with the first family. Surely, the rainbow that was over the town on Tuesday said it all.