RICK HERRICK

508-693-8065

(herricklr@verizon.net)

Dr. Calhoun L. H. Howard, a longtime resident of East Chop, died on August 12 following a brief hospital stay in Rutland, Vt.

Cal became part of the Island community 55 years ago when he married Dorothy Johnson, who summered at the Vineyard with her family. Like many during his working years, he made his way to the Vineyard every summer weekend to join his family. During those years, he played an active role on East Chop, serving on the boards of the East Chop Yacht Club, the East Chop Beach Club, and the East Chop Tennis Club. He eventually became commodore of the yacht club, president of the beach club, and had the distinction of being the only vice president of the ECTC who never set foot on a club tennis court.

Upon retirement, Cal volunteered to help meet a wider range of needs. He was on the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital board of directors, serving as its chairman. He was keenly interested in conservation efforts, both large and small, from helping to erect the osprey nest at the beach club to serving as chairman of the Vineyard Open Land Foundation. In addition, he served on the Board of the Wakeman Center, and was an active member of the Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club. Finally, he was an enthusiastic member of the First and Third Dining Club where he served as secretary.

Cal leaves behind Dot, his wife of 54 years, his daughter Craigin Salsgiver and husband Jim of Dorset, Vt., his son Cal Howard and wife Janet of East Chop, and his daughter Susan Caplan and her fiancé Wilson Perry of Daytona Beach, Fla., and eight grandchildren. Cal will long be remembered here for his incredible work ethic, his deep commitment to the East Chop community and his wonderful sense of humor. Dot can be reached at 1115 South End Road, East Dorset, VT 05253.

Saturday, August 9, was club meeting day on East Chop. President Caryl Dearing opened the beach club meeting at 10 a.m. The meeting was routine in one sense, and yet you couldn’t be there without being impressed with the many people who volunteer at the club. Most of Caryl’s remarks centered around thanking people. Special thanks were given to Warren Clark, the assistant treasurer, who pays the bills and accounts for club receivables, Bruce Sanders for his long service on the board and his dedicated work as house chair, and our manager Lisa Knight.

I was interested to learn from Liz Donahue that $106,000 has been raised in gifts for the capital campaign. Bill O’Brien also reported that a geologist was hired to report on the health of the beach. The geologist found little erosion on our 710 feet of beach frontage. He recommended constructing a berm in the sand to prevent sand from migrating under the deck. After receiving permission from the conservation commission, the berm was put in place.

The yacht club meeting immediately followed. Commodore Jay Kay thanked Perry Dripps and his staff for the extraordinary success of the youth sailing program. He also thanked Henry Jeffers for his dedicated work for the club that spans many years. Finally, he thanked Bill Shelley for running the gem races, and for all that he does to maintain club security.

President Walter Vail welcomed club members at the tennis club at 5 p.m. He reported that a new roof and septic system were put into place during the off season. He also reported on the status of the Five Year Plan to refurbish the back rooms of the club. Following his remarks, Allie Hyzak presented an alternative plan to accomplish these same goals. Again, I was impressed with the many volunteers who work so hard at the tennis club. Walt recognized all of these people. Loud ovations were given to Steve Wilkerson for his work as club president and for his long service on the board, and to Nancy Jefferson, board secretary and to Penny Guest, board treasurer.

Finally, I was introduced to my athletic future at the beach club on Sunday, August 10. Lyn and I participated in a shuffle board tournament. The event was organized by Laurie Howick with 30 club members in attendance. Fun was had by all with the winning prize going to Lyn and her partner Dave Lawton.