For far too long, my bedside table has been a landscape, or perhaps more accurately a graveyard, of “should-reads.” But, as Lynne McCormack begins planning the Chilmark Library’s adult summer reading program, I’ve decided to clear that space for the stories that actually make me want to stay up past my bedtime.
I recently finished Ben Shattuck’s The History of Sound. I followed that with Anthony Doerr’s Cloud Cuckoo Land. Of course, no bedside table in the house is truly complete without the works of our own Julia Spiro. Reading her stories adds a layer of local connection that makes the summer feel personal. The characters are people you might actually run into at the market, making the stakes of her novels hit closer to home.
As Lynne puts the finishing touches on the program, I’ll share a gentle reminder that adult reading doesn’t have to be educational to be valuable — fiction provides a mental space that nothing else can. I’m looking forward to the program launch so I can share these experiences and find my next great destination between the pages. If you have any small, but thoughtful gifts you would like to contribute to Lynne’s magical prize box, please reach out to her. Of course, the kids summer program is taking shape with Drew Dubno at the helm.
Principal Kate Squire invites community members to the Chilmark School for a historic ceremony on Wednesday, May 20 at 11:30 a.m. The school community will be gathering with tribal leaders and the Black Brook Singers to raise the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) flag for the very first time. To help students prepare for and understand the significance of this day, the Tribe’s education director, Brad Lopes, will be joining all school morning circle on Monday, May 18.
Nancy Aronie recently underwent heart surgery and is currently focusing on her recovery, which means her popular Chilmark Writing Workshop will be temporarily on pause. While the procedure and subsequent rehabilitation require her full attention, the goal is for her to heal quickly and return to guiding writers to their own golden voices. Sending you lots of love, Nancy. Take all the time you need to recharge — your energy will be uplifting to us all when you are ready.
Taking on a double knee replacements no small feat, but Diane Poole did it with determination and strength. Let’s all send her a little extra love and support for a smooth, steady and successful recovery.
After months away, Betsy and Bill Ramsey are back at their Larsen Lane cottage eagerly embracing the quiet pace of walking to the familiar shore and reconnecting while taking in sunsets over uninterrupted conversations.
Condolences go out to Helen and Tom Porter on the loss of their pup, Abbie. May reflecting on the countless memories of the joy, loyalty and unconditional love she gave to you wrap you in comfort.
As I mentioned last week, Tim Carroll turned what I will call, going with the nifty 50 theme, a suave 60. A party was hosted and the not quite week old daughter of Tilma Johnson, Celeste, was in attendance. She was pretty in pink and quietly caught the eye of all. Ten-week-old, Bennett, didn’t make a peep the whole evening and what one of the last men standing at party’s end.
Speaking of babies, I hear Hilary Dreyer and Benjamin Martin, of Aquinnah, welcomed their daughter, Daphne Helen Dreyer Martin, to the world on April 30. Welcome little one.
It’s always a treat when the Instagram algorithm serves up something actually worth watching. I have no reason to follow Greenpoint Fish & Lobster, but I was pretty pleased to have paused when it popped up. There he was, our master shucker Otto Osmers on board the F/V Selje. There’s something incredible about watching him shuck an oyster seconds after it’s been pulled from the sea. Seeing his signature precision and speed against the backdrop of the open water really drives home direct connection from the ocean to the plate.
The return of Tim Powers, pup Dory and his dragger, Gloria Jean, to the commercial dock serves as a signal that winter’s grip has finally loosened. For those of us watching from shore, the sight of the sturdy vessel cutting through the harbor is more reliable than any calendar—a true testament that spring has finally sprung.
This article appears in May 15, 2026.