It was a big week for the Chilmark School fifth graders. They started with a ride across Vineyard Sound aboard the motor vessel Richard S. Edwards to Penikese Island, where they spent the day learning and adventuring. The curriculum for a Penikese trip supports STEAM-focused (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) and nature-based educational themes. That aligns beautifully with the Chilmark School’s philosophy. They ended the week with a memorable graduation ceremony. Reed Cabot, Emme Carroll, Mira Davis, Oscar Flanders, Erick Moore, Dillon Prakash and Wren Robertson spoke about making their way through elementary education in preparation for their big leap to middle school. Fynn Monahan and Bella Thorpe spoke as this year’s PTO scholarship recipients. A memory slideshow that was shared prompted genuine laughs and dreamy heartfelt “awws.”

There was yet another celebration this past week and another rite of passage. West Tisbury School eighth graders were honored in a graduation ceremony at the Agricultural Hall. Among the graduates were Chilmarkers Laila Fenner, Emily MacMillan, Delilah Oliver, Charlotte Scott, Quinlan Slavin and Westley Wlodyka.

It’s pretty common for folks stop by the Texaco for a sweet little ice cream novelty, reminiscent of those they may have chased the ice cream truck down for. It’s pretty common for someone whom I haven’t seen in a while to stop by for a few minutes to say hello and catch up. The other day a face I hadn’t seen in a number of years stopped by along with a little face I’d only seen on social media. Megan Holtham Bliss and three-and-a-half year old son Harper appeared at the Texaco take-out window. I did what most of us call a double take and shared a mighty hello once I realized who I was looking at. We shared a few moments of re-acquainting and ice cream treats. It was nice to see and meet these two who now call the Pine Tree State of Maine home.

Kelly (Keen) and Tyler Andresen, with their littles, Violet and Casey, often visit by boat. This week they’ve come by car to have an extended family visit with grandparents Sarah and Spider Andresen. Tyler’s sister Whitney and her family will join the fun, too.

A “yippee” and a high-five go out to Eloise Christy, who managed a 5’2” high jump that matches the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School record. According to her dad Todd, this puts her at number three in the state of Massachusetts. Way to go, El.

It’s never easy to share news of a friend’s passing. Nor is it easy to find the right words to pay tribute that allow us to hold their memory in just the right light. Lisa Kantrowitz, beloved wife of Elliot Fankuchen and fond and fierce mother to Sam, Alex, Peter and Olivia, battled cancer for 23 years. But on June 6, her battle ended. She could pick up a conversation right where it left off even if the conversation had taken place many months before. She always wore a smile and asked about my family with genuine interest. She offered advice when needed, listened thoughtfully when time allowed and snuck the occasional sweet treat when fueling her iconic elderly blue diesel Mercedes. Fuel for the vehicle and fuel for the body. I will miss our conversations but will cherish the ability to hear her passionate voice in my head. All I have to do is close my eyes and listen.

Jane Neumann is back after wintering in North Carolina. I spotted her at a distance and look forward to an up-close and personal hello.

Emily Broderick shares that the strings group that practices and plays together weekly is offering an evening of waltz music. Stop by the Chilmark Community Church fellowship hall on Wednesday June 23 from 6 to 7 p.m. Guitar, mandolin, fiddles and banjos will be picked and strummed for your enjoyment. You can sit and listen from the patio or lace up your shoes and take a few twirls.

Travis Lenkner and Erin Delaney, along with their wonderful kiddos Greta and Jack, have returned to their South Road home after spending spring in Chicago. I look forward to seeing them and hearing Jack’s tales of preschool.