I guess it’s officially summer for me. I completely lost track of what day it is. And as such, I’m writing this week’s column late Monday, well past my deadline. It occurred to me yesterday at some point that I needed to sit down and write, but I caught up with accounting work during the day and then went to my night job , and the next thing I knew, I’m sitting here at 10:30 p.m. on Monday, trying to keep my eyes open long enough to get this done.
Christopher Stamm, Alchemy’s executive chef since 2019, bought 50% of the restaurant from owner Todd Dagres. Chef Stam’s culinary skills and style celebrate
his island roots as a descendant of the Mayhew family through his love of local generosity
Martha’s Vineyard Offerings. This partnership now cements Chef Stam as the cornerstone of Alchemy. Congratulation to all participants.
Wishing a happy birthday this week to my amazing, charming, handsome and smart boy, Riley Craig, who is celebrating his 22nd birthday in the middle of the Arizona desert on July 21st. Oh, how I wish I could be with him for a big hug!
Other birthdays this week are Susan Shea on July 20, Shannon Morris on July 21, Nicole Barlett on July 22, and Chris Reardon and Paula Rego on July 24.
We are in the height of summer, with countless outdoor activities to participate in. From guided or self-guided kayak tours in Felix Neck to daily walking tours around Edgartown that start at the Carnegie Building on North Water Street, to hiking and biking the trails of Land Bank or goat yoga at Native Earth Farm, there are so many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors during this hot, dry summer. You can find all sorts of things to do by checking things out on the Things to do page at the MV Times.
I was saddened to read this week of the passing of Katy Guerin and Ursula Prada. My thoughts are with their families at this sad time. My heart is heavy and grows weary each time we lose members of our small community.
COVID numbers are again incredibly high around these parts. Three figures high. Health departments recommend masks indoors or in enclosed spaces, or when we cannot stay socially distant. The latest variants are highly contagious, even to those who have already had COVID, and they also seem to ignore vaccines, so be careful. Wear masks. Wash your hands. Keep your distance. You know the chorus.
I have to share that I saw a gentleman doing random acts of kindness the other day in the grocery store, and I was amazed by it. He allowed someone with fewer items to line up in front of him, then bought a stranger a bottle of water so he didn’t have to line up just to hydrate. Small actions, but useful and caring towards others. I loved seeing him.
Have a good week.
If you have any suggestions for Edgartown Town columns, email Gail Gardner, [email protected].