Memories of 1944 often involve a mix of fear, hope and resilience. It was a pivotal year in World War II, marked by significant Allied advances and the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany. For many, 1944 represents a turning point in the war and a period of both immense sacrifice and hope.

For Kimball and Caroline Crocker, just a few short weeks after D-Day, the East Boston family welcomed their second child, Kathie. Her presence brought hope and joy into their household. Today, June 27, marks 81 completed years sharing her ability to offer continuous hope, joy and resilience. Happy birthday Kathie Lee (Crocker) Carroll. You are appreciated and loved by many.

It’s been another week filled with laying my eyes on folks I haven’t seen in a while. Andy Bluestein and Laura Scrimgeour are at the Bluestein family home on Larsen Lane for a spell. Although Andy’s folks, Mary Kate and Dick, are not here this summer, their presence is felt and Andy will report back stories of Jeep driving, Island photography, Dutcher Dock walks and more.

Helen and Arne De Keijzer made the Menemsha rounds coinciding with sunset the other day while enjoying a getaway at their Larsen Lane home. If it’s like most summers, the doors will be open to the comings and goings of family. What fun they always seem to have.

Andy Lilienthal, and toddling Simon, have made themselves regulars at early morning Squid Row coffee club. Simon has decided he’s an early riser so hanging out with the gang overlooking the harbor seems like a perfect location to start the day.

Ann and Hal Noyes were feeling a sense perfect contentment with son Andrew and his family in town for an extended stay. Andrew, Cassie and their kids Alex, Hayden and Dylan made their way from Colorado at various times over the past three weeks and managed to get in some good quality togetherness with grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. They check the boxes of sunsets, swimming, boating, fishing and catching “slob” bass before making their way back home.

We’ve had a number of farewells this past week shared with our young friends at Station Menemsha. Although we will continue to be in touch from time to time, especially with the ease of modern day Instagram, Patrick Shanahan, Ezra Brown and Rosemarie Noonan have all made the move from Menemsha. I wish them all well and continued success.

Hans Solmssen stopped by for a little catch up. This honorary Flanders Field softball commissioner is eager to hear the words “Play ball!” for the first time in 2025 on Sunday morning, June 29. Beginning in 1932, in a field behind Daniel Herbert (as in DH’s Hill) and Hazel Flanders’ house, distant relatives of my kids, this summer tradition still offers folks of all ages and abilities an opportunity to gather, run, laugh and share a whole bunch of team spirit.

Although I will forever miss the days that Bill Edison would pull up to the pumps, pipe neatly tucked between his lips and an arm hanging out of the window with a fistful of yellow lined legal paper filled with the chicken scratch version of that weeks game, I do look forward to the occasion 21st-century emails from this year’s official commentator, Sig Van Raan. I wonder who is tossing this year’s honorary first pitch?

A quick shout out goes to Aaron Brown, our new highway superintendent. He and assistant Wayne Pachico have paid extra care to our town roadsides. Everything is looking beautifully trimmed and cared for. Please be sure to give them a few kind words of appreciation and a wide berth when you drive by their work stations.

Are you looking for a new T-shirt to add to your summertime line up? Look no further as members of the Chilmark Volunteer Firefighters Association will have a booth at the Chilmark Flea Saturday mornings. They will move and continue their sales in front of the Menemsha Crossroad Station from 2:30 to 7 p.m. or so. Proceeds from their sales go towards their college scholarship program, benevolence fund and more.