There are runners who race against the clock, and then there are runners who inspire everyone around them with their spirit. Meg Athearn is definitely the latter. Let’s send a whole lot of excitement her way after a successful finish at the Mount Desert Island Marathon. It’s true, she may not have broken any world records, come in first or placed in the top 10, but what she did do is much more powerful. She set a goal, put in the work and finished 26.2 miles with pure strength and a smile that never quit. Marathons test your limits, and Meg met that challenge beautifully. Her joyful attitude remind us all what the spirit of running is truly about.
Upon hearing news of significant earthquakes in Panama, my immediate concern was for the Kirklands. Their red house on DH’s Hill sat empty this summer due to some health issues for Bill, but the connection to them is still strong despite the thousands of miles between us. My concern was transformed into relief after reaching out to check on them and receiving word from William that everyone is doing fine. Natural disasters inherently spark immediate worry for family and friends, but William’s message provides a welcome reminder of the family’s resilience and safety, allowing everyone connected to the Kirklands to breathe a collective sigh of relief.
Judie Jardin appeared at the door of the Texaco, her presence an instant reminder of bygone town hall days when she was a constant fixture. Seeing her also brought me right back to the summers her daughter, Jackie, and her granddaughters, Ruthie and Isobel, spent here as tiny, toddling humans. They may be grown now, but whenever we connect, we are instantly transported back to the days of matching stuffed animals, “Bite” fries (Oh how I miss them), and picnics alongside the Station Menemsha bell. Judie was here to join high school classmates who all are celebrating their 80th at some point this year. Frank Fenner was one of them who became an octogenarian a few months ago.
Lucky me, I got to meet young Wes, who proudly announces at any given opportunity that he is two. He made his way to town with his parents, Landon Steere and Maggie. Wes is the great-grandson of Ed Sussman, Dana Nunes, Heather Sommers, and David and Bonnie Steere. His trip to town also gave him the opportunity for lots of time with aunts, uncles, cousins, his grandpa Lee Steere and a few “sit a spell” opportunities on Squid Row.
Make sure your voice is heard. If you are not yet registered to vote, please consult Jennifer Christy at the town hall or go online to complete this step by Oct. 24 if you would like to cast your ballot in the upcoming state election. You can also vote early at the town hall every day between now and Oct. 30 during the following hours: Monday – Friday: 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., and 3 to 5 p.m. Please note Sunday is closed.
I am, once again, collecting addresses of all the houses that plan to have their lights on for trick-or-treaters. Whether you are decorating your front porch, setting up at the end of your driveway or planning a trunk-or-treat setup in Menemsha, I want to make sure you are on the map so our town’s kids pay you a visit. Most of you know the drill by now, but please feel free to email me at squidrow@vineyard.net with questions or a simple “I’m in!”
The 81st MV Derby has officially come to a close and is now the newest chapter in the Vineyard history book. A huge congratulations to all the community members who took home daily, weekly, divisional and special awards. More importantly, congratulations to everyone who simply took to the seaside to wet a line. Among the many highlights of the tournament, nothing beats listening to the stories of our youngest anglers. To Bennett Brown, Mae Thompson, Caleb Edwards, Clifton Colby, Jack Rossi, Ethan Rivers, Latham Kurth and all the others — you are truly inspiring.
The Beaulieu/Loud Memorial Award is one of the most poignant traditions at the derby. Established to honor the memory of Sonny and Joey Beaulieu, and Fred and Adam Loud, who tragically lost their lives at sea in 1993, this award is presented annually to family members who fish the tournament together while exemplifying the highest standards of sportsmanship, dedication and community spirit. This year, Gryphon, Latham, Katy and Ryan Kurth took home that honor after sharing their time on the water, reminding everyone that the derby is ultimately less about the weight of the catch and more about family.