I read somewhere, although I can’t recall where, that “some of the best memories are made in flip-flops.” As I watch couples, families and groups of friends make their way to and from the beach, often laughing with a tote bag full of toys, towels or picnics, this quote seems so appropriate for the first official week of summer.

Jane Neumann is back in town. I’ve finally had my up-close chit chat with her. Although it wasn’t long enough, it gave me a little taste of the good conversations to come.

Caleb, Chris and Celia Slater were in town to check in with Caleb’s mom Jane and to do a little fishing, lobster pot pulling and celebrating of Chris’s birthday. Jane’s granddaughter Celia has a new job to tell us about.

The Martha Rose returned to the commercial dock with Captain Wes Brighton at the helm. Ian Andres is onboard, helping to keep the sea scallops flowing. They sold to the Martha’s Vineyard Seafood Collaborative, who will distribute these beauties to various restaurants and markets.

The first official day of summer was busy at the collaborative. Not only did the Martha Rose’s sea scallops cross their threshold but fluke and black sea bass from fishing vessel Tradition, fluke and monkfish from F/V Gloria Jean, conch from F/V Sherry Lynn, lobster from F/V Merlin and a few more odds and ends that will likely make their way to your dinner table. A big shout-out to manager Pete Lambos and his right-hand man David Olson for their friendliness and professionalism along the dock.

I’ve had the pleasure of a few catch-up conversations with Billie Hancock, who is in town from her home in Ponte Vedre Beach, Fla. As always, she thoroughly enjoys her time with daughter Buffy, grandson Christian Carroll and the rest of her family and friends who call Martha’s Vineyard home. Although just over the line in West Tisbury, the Cabots (Davies, Ann, Chili and Ali) have returned from their off-season home in New Hampshire. Eldest son Jackson, has yet to arrive but will join his family in relatively short time. Chili can be found happily slinging fish at Larsen’s. Ali, a recent eighth grade graduate, has joined Team Texaco, and we are happy to have her.

Delilah Oliver, also a recent eighth grade graduate, has found herself gainfully employed at the Galley. Welcome to the workforce.

Patrick Shanahan of the Coast Guard station at Menemsha not only celebrated his 21st birthday but finished up his coxswain qualification packet for the station’s 24-foot asset. Justin Roberts was recognized for his qualifications as a boarding team and boat crew member. Congratulations to both young men. There’s a lot to learn before you can place a check mark next to all these accomplishments.

Mike Broderick and Mary McConneloug are back in Europe for the 2021 mountain bike racing season. Germany welcomed them with open arms and I look forward to sharing periodic updates.

Anne Verret-Speck and Forrest Speck of Amesbury have called the Morgan cottages in Menemsha their home away from home since the summer of 1983. Now that their children are grown with children of their own, it is, as we all know, more challenging to gather the whole family in one place at one time. This year, they managed to pull the team together and celebrate a special occasion. Jenny Speck-Sherson, husband Adam, along with sons Kagan (19) and Forrest (16) traveled from Belchertown; Elizabeth Speck Shepard, husband Skyler, along with Hal (7) and Wally (4) traveled from Berlin, Germany; and Teddy Speck and Cailin McFarland, along with daughters Esmé (6) and Imogen (3) traveled from Newburyport to join brother John as he was assisted by a beautiful sunset in his marriage proposal to Ariel Adelstein. She said that wonderful little word “yes” and it was all beautifully captured in photographs by Teddy who snuck his shots from the cover of the nearby bushes. As of next week, Johnny and Ariel will call New Orleans home. Congratulations to all on making this magical get-together happen.