An Island Point of View

An Island Point of View

Note to the Blues: the Derby Is August 23

The signs are everywhere. Shorter days, football teams getting ready, the August Blues fishing tournament in full swing—yup, this summer is slipping away like a Don Henley song. So when I found myself with an open afternoon last week I decided to get out to the beach and see if maybe I could actually participate in the tournament by catching a bluefish. Seems reasonable, right?

An Island Point of View, Nantucket History & People

A Dedicated Ranger Making Our Isle Better

I’ve started my days this week fishing from a bridge in Salem, MA as cars and trucks cruised by me at 30 or so MPH, scaring me to death. Yeah, this was not first choice, but at least it allowed me to catch some fish and clear my head out a bit. Another thing that it did was to help me to better appreciate the beauty of Nantucket, particularly Great Point. I’ll be home soon enough and will have some sand between my toes shortly thereafter.

An Island Point of View, Nantucket History & People

A Nantucket Rainbow Reminiscence

“The Rainbow Fleet should sail this summer sixteen strong.” The year was 1922. Clarence Gennett, Vice-Commodore of the Nantucket Yacht Club was beginning to realize his dream. Gennett was one of three brothers who, with their father, Henry Gennett, owned the Starr Piano Company and its subsidiary, Gennett Records. The company laid the cornerstone for the recording of American jazz, blues, and country music.

An Island Point of View

Jaws 50 Years Later

American society was simply not prepared for the impact of the movie Jaws when it arrived 50 years ago. Nope, never saw it coming. Producer Steven Spielberg caught lightning in a bottle and just like that Jaws became the highest grossing movie in history (until another Spielberg flick called “Star Wars” showed up in 1977).

Dan and Kathleen Kelliher
An Island Point of View, Nantucket History & People

Thanking Those Who Help along the Way

Teachers are a special breed. They are vital to our society and far too often underappreciated (and underpaid). As in so many things in my life, I remember those who treated me well…and those who didn’t. In fairness, I also remember the ones that I didn’t appreciate enough at the time. I truly regret the times that I acted poorly for those who simply wanted to make me a better person. My two daughters have both grown up to become teachers and I couldn’t be any prouder. It is a noble profession.

August Blues Nantucket 2025
An Island Point of View

August Is for Blues

Heather Unruh has won a lot of awards over the years. Four Emmy awards for her journalism and the Clarion Award for women in communication. How about the Gracie Allen Award from the group American Women in Radio and Television? Yup, she won that as well. But which award is displayed prominently in the family room of her Nantucket home, you ask? Of course it’s her first place framed August Blues—Nantucket Champion print that she won last year.

Nantucket tautog fishing 2025
An Island Point of View, Nantucket Essays

Going Out after Togs

Not to divulge big secrets, but when I’m not taking people out beach fishing, I spend some time working with my buddy Mike Ramos. Mike is a master plumber. He often needs a hand while turning on / closing down houses for the seasons. I have a blast working with Mike, playing the role of “plumber’s monkey.” And a real fine monkey I am, if I do say so myself!