Back in the day, when Chic Lee was the harbormaster and a regular fixture behind the register and manning the pumps at the Texaco, he had a constantly-shedding pup named Tugboat and a grandson who’d stop by after school for some sort of sweet treat. I can picture him slowly meandering his way down Basin Road in the depths of winter with his backpack and down parka — which might have been red — before entering the Texaco and flopping himself down on the couch in the corner. Other times he’d be palling around with his buddies which, if I recall correctly, included Peter Damico, Davis Solon, Aaron Brown and more.
Anyway, I’m strolling down Memory Lane because Chic and Chris’s grandson Clifford Moniz is all grown up and found himself with his gal Bethany and pup vacationing in Menemsha harbor this past week. I’ve seen him a couple of times over the years and, despite the 30-plus years that have passed since we first met, I’d recognize him anywhere.
Despite the extremely dry weather we have had, overall, the wild berries; huckleberries, blueberries, blackberries and more have been plentiful. Although we managed to harvest enough blueberries for a pie, we chose to eat them as is because nothing tastes sweeter than something you’ve picked yourself. Okay, I take that back: the berries picked and delivered in a pretty little bowl by Caitlin Cook and daughter Maeve Cook-Martin tasted just a tad sweeter because they were shared with love.
Speaking of picking, you might not think this is a big deal but the gal with two thumbs that are about as far from green as they can get has harvested four cucumbers and about 20 tomatoes thus far. Yes folks, that gal is me. I credit my abundant harvest solely to the seedlings I purchased from Lydia Fischer’s The Garden Farm. Her plants have performed beautifully and all I’ve had to do is remember to water them.
Lydia’s stand is on the Menemsha Crossroad and these days you can find her tomatoes, Fire Cat Farm flowers, and more there. I credit Lydia for making me realize I just might be able to grow stuff like the rest of you who have green thumbs.
Our Aquinnah neighbor Jack Fruchtman mentioned he’ll be at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum on Friday, August 5 at 4 p.m., having an open public conversation with museum archivist Bow Van Riper about the controversial topic of the “great replacement” theory. In simple terms, that theory states that immigration policies are part of a plot designed to replace the political power and culture of white people living in western countries. If you are seeking out an opportunity to engage your mind and deepen your thoughts then please join Jack and Bow.
Charter captain Jen Clarke headed out to the Canyons a few short days ago with a few familiar twenty-somethings on board. Jen, with Matteus Scheffer, Walter Greene and Quinn Keefe, had an epic tuna trip and returned feeling accomplished and a bit amped up knowing their bounty would feed many.
F/V Helen L with captain Tim Walsh and F/V Grey Haven with captain Johnny Osmers also made tuna trips and are back to the day to day grind of lobstering and sea bass-ing.
Oh, happy day to Tristan Scott, who celebrates 18 this week. I’m not sure how he and the posse I remember running, tumbling and playing on the Chilmark School playground have managed to make their way into adulthood so quickly. I am pretty certain I was standing on that playground with Tristan’s parents Lindsay and Josh just yesterday, watching the kids kick a soccer ball that was nearly as big as their tiny little bodies.
July 27 marked the day Bob Ganz turned 97. Although I am patiently awaiting the skinny, the scoop and the details about the celebration, I will put this out there: Are there any other surviving World War II veterans who call Martha’s Vineyard home? I suggested reaching out to JoAnn Murphy but are there any other resources that might be able to help Bob connect? If you have some ideas, please do share.
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