1965 was a pivotal year in American history, marked by major events in the Civil Rights Movement, including the Selma to Montgomery marches and the signing of the Voting Rights Act, as well as a significant escalation of the Vietnam War with the landing of Marines at Da Nang and continuous air strikes. Other major events included the assassination of Malcolm X, a major power failure known as the Northeast Blackout, and cultural milestones like The Beatles dominating headlines, Julie Andrews starring in The Sound of Music and Bob Dylan revolutionizing rock music.

The other thing that happened in 1965 was Carl Crocker was born. Just a few short days ago, on August 17, while patrolling his traffic beat in Menemsha he was quietly reveling in the fact that he’d completed 60 years wandering the Earth. A handmade card, complete with Grateful Dead dancing bears by me, chalk art birthday wishes by many and an ice cream cone contributed to the smile-making day. Rumor has it, sweetheart Suzy Crowley had a cake awaiting him at home to wrap up his day.

The eldest child of Jenna and Cody Coutinho celebrated a birthday. Henry is now five and, amidst all the crab catching, ice cream sandwich eating and energy he brings to day-to-day life, he is looking forward to kindergarten in just a couple of short weeks. His little sister Sadie, grandparents Robert and Linda, and great grandmother Margaret Maida are all cheering him on for this exciting upcoming milestone.

Tuesday evening lobster rolls at the Chilmark Church are still a weekly thing but, as summer begins to wane, not for much longer. Doors are open from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., but the opportunity may come to an end a little earlier if supplies run low. Stop by to make a purchase and take a moment to chat with a lovely and varied cast of characters, including the remarkably organized Emily Broderick.

Sue Luce Thomas spent a little time at her family’s Chowder Kettle Lane home. It was a revolving door of kids and grandkids coming and going, but the door opened first for her youngest grandson whose name just might be Zane. Ice cream, photo shoots, Menemsha walkabouts and more filled their Bingo cards.

Chic and Chris Lee come up in conversation frequently, but not daily. They were a couple who had a strong presence in town with Chic as Menemsha harbormaster and Chris making sandwiches to feed the masses. Their names are rattled off more frequently when grandson Clifford Moniz is in town and that happened this past week. It’s always nice to catch up with him.

Like clockwork, Sig Van Raan sent along an update on Chilmark softball. It’s hard to believe the 2025 series at Flanders Field will soon come to an end, but for now, games are in full swing. It’s like a homecoming for many of the older players like Jim Ketchum and Paul Iantosca, but there’s cause for celebration when young players rise to the occasion. Eight-year-old Caroline “Coco” Kim, while pinch running, scored the winning run in game two. As Sig mentioned, “her boundless enthusiasm stole the show.”

At the time of my writing, the Fair had yet to begin, but the chatter about entries was like a sustained wind: constant and persistent. The excitement has been palpable and, according to a few “higher ups” in the agricultural society, things are coming together rather smoothly. Also at the time of my writing, volunteers were still needed in all areas. I threw out the idea to friend and local babysitting legend, Sara Mackie, as she took in the sunset from Squid Row. Here ears perked up as we chatted about it being a great opportunity to give back to such a legendary event steeped in community spirit.