I write these words as I sit in my perch overlooking Menemsha Harbor, listening to sweet little 8-year old Frankie Gude sing on Squid Row. The words don’t want to flow smoothly.

I can’t help but think about the tragedy that took place on South Road on the 22nd anniversary of the Jus Chillin’ boat explosion and as Hurricane Ida is barreling over Louisiana. Although the words aren’t rolling onto the page with ease, one thing is clear: life is short, so hug your people and make the most of a moment. They can be fleeting.

I’d like to shout out a big high five to Samantha Bunker. A couple of weeks ago, the beach department staff did a major overhaul on the Menemsha boardwalk, readjusting all of the sections that were askew and leveling out the lumps and bumps. It was hot, they were sweaty, the end result got a big thumbs up.

A few days ago, Samantha, a seasonal guard staff member, went through that same process. All of her hard work and the energy spent didn’t go unnoticed. She is a dedicated, stellar human and walkway extraordinaire.

Town clerk Jennifer Christy reminds those interested that the planning board will host its third public forum on Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. The topic is Peaked Hill Pastures. Find the link on the town website.

I was so excited to see Andrew Ruimerman and Kimberlie Willard. The couple is in town for about a week. They are visiting, among others, Andrew’s folks Janet Weidner and Tom, along with twin brother Peter. Boating, fishing, shoreline meandering, cookouts and more are on the couple’s To-Do list before venturing back to western -- not West -- Virginia, the place where they have made their life together.

I had another sighting. Stephanie Bouchard Neipris, along with her family, was in town for a summertime adventure. Husband Nathan and kiddos Dillon, Alan and Dorothy joined forces with cousins Mikey and Hailey to have a whole lot of fun with their parents Ashley Bouchard and Mike. Also part of the adventure were grandparents Marsha Larsen and Roland Mason.

Congratulations to Russell Maloney, who has been asked to join the Island Autism Group’s board of directors. The group recently purchased the Child Farm on upper Lambert’s Cove Road and hopes to build the Island Autism Center. It will consist of residences and working farmland, and will be a place where children and adult residents with autism and similar intellectual disabilities can live life to its fullest potential. Check out their website at http://www.islandautism.org for more information.

There have been a couple of first-time college departures in town. Some parents are finding themselves empty nesters for the first time and others are experiencing a strange sensation each time they set one less place at the dinner table. Nevertheless, both parents and college kids are settling in to their respective grooves.

Summer kid Will Dolan has found himself in the midst of hurricane and tornado warnings at the University of Alabama. Bella Thorpe has made her way to the shores of Lake Champlain, where she’s settling in to the college experience at University of Vermont. Adam Knight is also up there in Burlington, so perhaps carpooling is in their future. Solon Oliver finds himself a Bridgewater State University Bear. One day, one he managed to find a basketball hoop, so he should be just fine.

Birthday twins Clive Demers and Beckett Heller celebrated their third birthday this past week. With their moms, Dyan and Molly, they ventured to Menemsha for a little beach time and some ice cream. It was a glorious mother-son double date with pictures on Squid Row to remember it.

I had the opportunity to have a quick catch-up chat with Carol Haskell of Rowayton, Conn., formerly a Stonewall summer resident. Although I didn’t see them, she mentioned nearly her whole family was in town and thoroughly enjoying an opportunity to soak up some Chilmark summer. I’m guessing Carol spent a little quality time with cousin Emma Shalhope, too.