Aging. It can zap you of the energy you once experienced as a child, brittle your bones, clog your arteries, wrinkle your skin, and, at some point, nudge you into the category know as elderly. Many in this category continue to hold significant places in the world. For the lucky ones, life is vibrant, animated and full of spirit until, one day, it simply stops.

Ninety-six year old Roberta Morgan was one of the lucky ones. With her death we have, as they say, lost a “library” of knowledge, wisdom and oral history, handmade Raggedy Ann dolls, homemade donuts and more. Although her silence is an irreplaceable loss for the community, we shall rise, remember and carry a little piece of her within us.

Roberta’s life will be remembered and celebrated graveside at Abel’s Hill on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 11 a.m. with an informal gathering at the Ruel Gallery immediately afterwards. How lucky the world is to have had Roberta for nearly a century.

While having a shore day, Wes Brighton stopped by the Texaco for a visit. We chatted about the fish tank and a few other odds and ends. Amidst those odds and ends was chatter about a book he thoroughly enjoyed. Wayne Iacono chimed in that he did, too. Neither could recall the name, but with a little prodding, I let the power of the internet guide me to the title-Spartina. Written by John Casey and loosely based on his life, it won the National Book Award for Fiction in 1989 and is about a Rhode Island fisherman who takes dangerous risks revolving around his passion for the sea and his boat. Yes, I found it, read it and chime in recommending it.

Marie Mercer is back on Menemsha Gate after eight days in Colorado palling around with her son Steve. Sightseeing day trips from home base at Steve and Cathie’s in Placerville were plentiful. One day they found themselves mesmerized by a field of 200 elk. Another day, they found themselves enveloped in the middle of a road surrounded by cowboys driving cattle. They also made their way to see grandson Jake in Durango. Grandson Ben was deep in the books at Colorado College so a visit with him will take place another time.

What is that saying? While the cat is away the mice will play? While Marie was away, Stan had the pleasure of his son Stan and his wife Susan’s company for a few days. Timing was perfectly coincided with Stan Jr.’s 50th high school reunion. Daughter Pam Herman spent a few days with her dad as well. It wouldn’t be playtime for the mice if Liz Oliver didn’t dote on Papa Stan for a spell, too. It sounds like the Mercer house had a revolving door of fun.

Congratulations to Eva Stanley, eldest child of Malia (Scott) and Chris. Eva earned a masters in political science from the University of Amsterdam. I had the pleasure of seeing a photo of her decked out in her graduation garb. I’m guessing grandparents Marie and John Scott are pretty pleased, too.

Cassie Courtney, a parent member of the Island Children’s School family, shares they have set up a weekend pantry in the school’s old ice cream booth. Located directly behind ICS, it will be open weekends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. They’d be grateful for any contributions, especially those focusing on items such as diapers, wipes, hygiene products and non-perishable pantry staples. They hope to have a refrigerator up and running soon so they can expand offerings. Donations can be dropped off at any time in the cooler outside the stand. Thank you Cassie, son Abe and the ICS family for thinking of your community members.

It wasn’t that long ago that there were dance parties, musical performances, sleepovers and too many hours spent on the computer playing on Club Penguin under my roof. It wasn’t that long ago that there were school plays, pizza parties, beach adventures, driving cows across town and loud chatter from the backseat of the car as if I were invisible in the driver’s seat. Now, two wonderful young women, whom I’ve had the pleasure watching weave their way through the ups and downs of life, have turned 30. Jessica and Mariah Campbell, may you continue to find inner peace, confidence and strength. May you always feel the love. I will always consider you my extra daughters.