Some of the most noteworthy highlights of summer on the Vineyard take place this week. Lights illuminated the gingerbread cottages of Oak Bluffs. It is a magical evening that instills a sense of wonder and excitement in both young and old as it takes you back to a 19th-century evening tradition. Illumination is followed by the four-day Agricultural Fair where the thrill of tossing a skillet, showing prize winning livestock or earning a blue ribbon for baking the tastiest of treats is right up there with being flung upside down in the salt and pepper shaker or being whizzed around in the crazy centrifugal contraption Round Up. The week is rounded out by the whiz, bang, boom of the Oak Bluffs fireworks display.

Welcome home to Tim Carroll and Genc Brinja, who have recently returned from a two-week trip to the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. First of all, let me put this out there, I am 100 per cent jealous. Now that I’ve been completely forthcoming with my feelings I will share some of their highlights. After flying cross country and boarding a cruise ship they made their first stop in Juneau. Whale watching and a visit to Mendenhall Glacier topped their list of memorable moments. From there, after a day at sea, they arrived in Glacier Bay and were awestruck by massive glaciers, bears on the beach and eagles. Sitka was the next destination, highlighted by a kayak trip followed by driving go karts. In Ketchikan they got to experience the Alaskan wilderness by off-road go kart. As they made their way back south they had an opportunity to stop in Victoria, British Columbia where they enjoyed dinner at the Empress Hotel before spending some time in Seattle. Pike Place Market, as it is for most folks who visit Seattle, was a highlight. The two returned home to perfectly content birds who were well cared for by many, but most loved by child friend Josh Langner.

Congratulations to Mary and Primo Lombardi on the most recent addition to their extended family. Grandson Crew Primo Kiendzior was born at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital August 10, weighing in at 7 pounds, 2 ounces. Young Crew is welcomed home by big brother, Abel, and his mom and dad, Nina (Lombardi) and Dana.

A few days ago I received an email from eight year old summer visitor Sophie Kim. Sophie shared that her little sister Caroline will celebrate her first birthday in town on August 31. Sophie, of Pelham, N.Y., sounds like a very good big sister who politely asked that her sister’s birthday appear in the Vineyard Gazette. So, as requested, I’d like to shout out a very happy first birthday to Caroline, from Nizzy and Grandpa, Mommy and Daddy, Sophie and Theo. The soon to be one year old will celebrate with homemade chocolate cake surrounded by her grandparents Noel and Joel Bleier, parents Lindsay Bleier and Ken Kim, big sister Sophie and six-year-old brother Theo. Caroline, your age will no longer be measured in days, weeks, or even months. You are now one whole year old. Lucky you to be surrounded by some much love. Sophie also shared that Uncle Scott Bleier will also celebrate his birthday here on August 22. Although I am sure there will be a centerpiece of cake to celebrate, the family has a fishing adventure planned too!

I received word from Julie Coleman that she will not be leading her walks as planned. She shared that her husband, Bill, has suffered a stroke in North Carolina, where they reside when not in town. Although Bill’s left side was affected, he is still able to talk. He is a man with a very positive demeanor so I am certain with his inner strength and a lot of support from his family and friends, he will make a remarkable recovery. You can drop them some positive thoughts at onceaweekjulie@gmail.com.

Fran Flanders is home and doing well after heart surgery. We all hope to see her back out and about in no time. Meanwhile, her German shepherd “teenager,” Zeb, paid a visit to Menemsha with Fran’s granddaughter, Bella Thorpe. Zeb has always been adventurous but has made great strides over the past couple of months learning how to contain his excitement.

Ben Sinnett has been in town visiting with his sweet mom, Emily Bramhall. Although Ben now resides in Colorado, he is always happy to be back catching up with friends and family.

Condolences to the Bramhall /Sinnett/Fleming family on the loss of their beloved pup Mango. Her sweet soul will be missed.

Chris Stanley enjoyed escaping the city of Boston this past weekend. He joined his bride, Malia Scott and their offspring Eva, Theo and Quinn at their family home on South Road. Although Chris won’t make it back this weekend, he does have plans to scoot out of the city again. This time, he has his sights set on the summit of Mount Washington as a participant in the Ride of a Lifetime. The 7.6 mile ride with an average grade of 12 per cent in its 45th year is known as the Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb.

Elliot Thaker, a college friend of my dear daughter, Bradley, made a spontaneous visit to the Vineyard as he travelled from his Maryland home to a family vacation in Vermont. After he texted her somewhat naively asking if there was a bridge, this dedicated friend found his way to the ferry, donned a Menemsha Texaco T-shirt, and pumped gas for a morning alongside the Carroll family. Nice to meet you, ET, we will be shorthanded come next week so feel free to return.

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.