School’s out for summer so here’s a summary of safety laws pertaining to our frolicking children: in a car, children must ride in federally-approved child safety seats until they are at least eight years old or over 57 inches tall. On a boat, children under 12 years old must wear a United States Coast Guard–approved personal flotation device (PFD) whenever above deck on any vessel that is underway. All stand up paddle board (SUP) users on coastal waters – when not in a bathing, swimming or surf zone – are required by law to have a type I, II, or III PFD aboard. Yes folks, a SUP is a vessel in the eyes of the Coast Guard. Anyone 16 or under must wear a safety helmet when riding a bike, skateboard, scooter or skates. We could go on and on about personal safety especially when it comes to our kids, like wear sunscreen, look both ways when you cross the street and by all means don’t run with scissors. These are just a few gentle reminders before I say let the good times roll.

It’s that time of year again when Anne and Robert Perschel open the doors of their Spring Point home to let the house guests flood in. Their son Jordan and his delightful girlfriend Arielle Schwartz will appear from the Windy City of Chicago just in time to celebrate Robert’s birthday. Laughter, cheer and excitement will ensue when Jordan and Arielle’s friends Ryan and Carolyn, Ross and Danielle and Dave and Jen all swoop in from Boston to celebrate the recent announcement of Dave and Jen’s engagement. There will be barbecues aplenty at the Perschel home while this crew is in the mix.

Weighing in at eight pounds, six ounces, Bennett Williams Brown, a fabulously healthy boy, joined his parents Lindsey (Miner) and Aaron in the world on June 16, 2018. His grandparents Bill, Caroline, Bobby and Janice and aunts and uncles are all thrilled to welcome him to the Miner/Brown family. I first received word that there was a new babe in town from Bobby who, in typical Bobby fashion, bellowed across the Menemsha parking lot, “I have a grandson! He is just awesome and everyone is great!” The statement was clear. The statement was perfect. Welcome Bennett.

Yellow lined paper filled with legible chicken scratch was the way Bill Edison would share his stories about Chilmark softball with me. He wouldn’t just jot down facts, he’d set the scene on paper with details that always made me chuckle. As of last fall, Bill is no longer with us. He was such a presence at Flanders field each Sunday morning that his memory will be honored on July 1 around 9:00 a.m. or so – just before the first official game of the season.

Congratulations to Meghan Parker, daughter of David and Rebecca of Carlisle, who was included on Colby College’s dean’s list. Meghan is working at the Farm Institute this summer.

Jonathan Scott is in search of Viking stories or artifacts relating to Martha’s Vineyard. He’s put together an interesting booklet of the information and theories he’s compiled thus far and is hoping to connect with anyone who might be able to add to the research. Or, if you are simply interested in talking shop, give him a shout. His number is in the book under Jonathan and Marie.

Ms. Delilah Oliver was a member of the South Coast Soccer League Division 2 U11 girls championship winning team. After some stiff competition at Mariners field in Fairhaven, the girls took on the first place team from Westport and pulled of a two-one win.

I am saddened to hear that former longtime Chilmark resident Carole Hulsizer has died at the age of 91. She and her husband Robert were active community members when they resided in town.

Happy anniversary to Pam and Rodney Bunker. Although I think Pam is still coming down from an adrenaline high after her awesome 50th birthday party, the two managed a fun dinner out to celebrate wedded bliss.

Jane Piore Gilman of New Jersey and Crowberry Lane posed a question to me a couple of weeks ago. Although I’ve asked a number of folks for the answer, I certainly haven’t exhausted all of my resources. But, since I have your attention, I’ll share. When was Middle Road first paved? I look forward to a precise answer. No, of course there isn’t any pressure to produce!

Chilmark news can be sent to squidrow@vineyard.net.