It’s school vacation week and the town seemed to hold its breath, turning into what feels like a solitary retreat as families left for adventures elsewhere. If you happen to be sticking close to home, I hope you’ve had the opportunity to squeeze in intentional family time, garden prep, meandering a trail, birdwatching and maybe making a “must do” list.
Students made their ways through the doors into their caregivers arms with thoughts of sunshine and freedom. Yet, upon returning to school, a vibrant, colorful tradition waits for them: May Day. Mark your calendar since we all are welcome to join members of the Chilmark School for the annual May Day celebration on May 1 with the 4/5 kids performing the traditional maypole dance at 9 a.m. Each year, as this day approaches, I can’t help but reflect on my own kids experiences. Picking daffodils, baking cookies, making cards, writing notes and stuffing all of these goodies into a basket to be played upon a town elder or neighbor. It is a heartfelt community spirited day — a celebration of thoughtfulness and the outdoors — that remains a powerful, memorable experience for us all.
On Saturday, May 2, at 2 p.m. at the Agricultural Hall, a celebration of Roy Scheffer’s life will be held. As shared by his son Isaiah, all are welcome to celebrate the Royster while sharing some food. Desserts are not necessary, but are most welcome.
I wouldn’t call myself a bird watcher, but I’ve recently discovered that I enjoy observing them. I have the standard go to Sibley’s guide and the Merlin Bird ID app has been recommended, but there’s something about thumbing through the dog-eared pages that really resonates as I try to identify the ones I’m unsure of. I mainly just enjoy noticing the small details in my surroundings and, as the seasons change and the birds emerge, I can’t help but feel happy. My most notable identification this week was the eastern bluebird.
The male bluebird is particularly dapper, wearing a vibrant royal blue cloak over a cinnamon-colored waistcoat and a crisp white belly. With their round, plump bodies and gentle expressions, they look like living ornaments as they perch on fence posts. They have a sweet, warbling song that sounds like they’re quietly sharing a happy secret.
Amidst the pea planting and prepping the cat tunnels for high season crops, twenty-something Leo Sedlock, team member at Beetlebung Farm, was paid a visit by his mom, Jackie. Jackie, also a long time friend of Kendra Buresch, Chris Carroll and family, made her way to town from Vermont and managed to squeeze in some son time, friend time, hiking time and more. One of the incredible highlights of her visit was witnessing the eggs my niece Emme was incubating transform into tiny, lovable fluff-ball chicks right before her eyes.
The news of a baby girl is a pleasant reminder of life’s steady, joyful progression. Even when you aren’t part of someone’s inner circle the excitement is still palpable. Seeing former Station Menemsha crewman Brody Schilling and his bride Alicia make the transition into parenthood is a universal moment of connection. Little Emmerson entered the world on April 8 and, according to her parents, has forever changed their lives for the better.
Janet Stoddard popped off Island to Connecticut last week to celebrate a two year old nephew’s birthday. Yes, of course, she told me his name and a few details, but without pen in hand, the full scoop went tumbling out my ears. Next time I will have my ear plugs handy and do better to keep the information in.
The car doors clicked shut, and for a moment, Susan and Jason Balaban stood there in silence. They looked up at the roof of their antique house and saw fresh cedar shakes which covered it as a promise of protection. Let’s hope the 1719 home’s story will continue for another century.
I hope those who traveled for vacation week have a re-entry that is a mixture of refreshing memories and the gentle hum of daily routines resuming. Please share your tales of adventures so those who lingered can live vicariously for just a moment.