I don’t typically mention birthday celebrations because the fear of forgetting someone’s special day is a tad overwhelming. But when one household celebrates two in one week’s time then it is noteworthy and worth a mention. Solon Oliver is now 17 and his brother Barrett is now 15. Parents Liz and Kevin, along with younger siblings Delilah and Hollis, spent the past week reveling with family and friends, with moments of raucous merriment and quiet reflection. I think Liz might share that one of the birthday week highlights was a one-on-one fishing adventure with Barrett. It’s not often that parents of teenagers have an opportunity to pass time together uninterrupted. Happy birthday everyone.

Also celebrating a milestone birthday is the granddaughter of Jane Slater. Celia Slater, daughter of Caleb and Cris, celebrated her 21st on July 16. Time really does fly. It seems like it was just yesterday that Celia and longtime pal, Chase Soulagnet, were being pulled to Menemsha Beach in a wagon loaded with sand toys and a cake to celebrate a young childhood birthday.

Andrew and Emma Fischer along with their toddler Marni have been making their way around town this past week, after venturing east from their home in California. Ms. Marni, along with her parents and grandparents Linda and Albert Fischer, made a pit stop to visit the critters in the Texaco touch tank, colored with chalk on the Texaco floor — where else can you do that? — and had a little photo shoot with a scup on Squid Row. Friend Shelley Edmunson wandered by just at the right time, scup in hand, and offered a perfect opportunity for Marni to check out the catch made by local fisherman Otto Osmers.

Michele O’Connor, mother of five teen to twenty-something boys, is at her South Road home this summer, basking in the liveliness of having all of her boys under one roof. With the crazy schedules of work, college, grad school and more that can overwhelm any family, it is remarkable when the stars align and everyone has an opportunity to pull together. I’ll hazard to guess that dad, Greg, is equally as happy, although I didn’t hear it directly from him.

Sisters Madison and Mollie McCaffrey, along with parents Lee and Matthew, were on board their home away from home and tied to Dutcher Dock for a little get away. Fun, family and friends is what it’s all about on Reel-Lee-Hooked.

Sarah and Warren Kimber must be feeling fortunate and grinning from ear to ear with their grandbabes in town. Casey (Kimber) and Nic Esposito and their little ones Phoebe and Ollie, always bring joy and laughter and an excuse to seek out fun.

The Chilmark Firefighter’s Association, with Jeremy Bradshaw and Gary Robinson leading the charge, returned to their spot in the corner of the Menemsha Beach parking lot to sell their highly sought after T-shirts this past Sunday evening. The goal is to be there Sunday evenings, so be sure to check out their new items, which include long-sleeved options. You can always stop by the Sunday morning radio check at the Crossroad fire house, held weekly at 10 a.m., to chat, purchase a shirt in support or, if you’re truly dedicated to community, offer to join. The department is always looking for volunteers.

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.