Art — be it putting pen to paper to create a story, throwing clay on a wheel to create something beautiful and functional, or snapping photographs to either capture a moment or tell a story without words — is something that is created on a day-to-day basis. We typically hear about the more-established adult artists but occasionally there are children in town who deserve a little recognition, too. Sixteen high schoolers recently were awarded Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and a few of them call Chilmark home.

Congratulations to senior Silas Abrams who received a silver key for his bamboo-handled tea pot and an honorable mention for his eyeball pot. Congratulations to freshman artist Quinlan Slavin who received an honorable mention for his piece titled It Made Her Do It. Silas is the son of Jessica Benjamin and Pinto. Quinlan is the son of Dardy and Sean.

Toddling Henry Coutinho, son of Jenna and Cody, made the rounds on Valentine’s Day delivering love, flowers and sweets. He paid an extra special visit to great-grandmother Margaret Maida at her Menemsha Crossroads home.

There’s some sort of saying that refers to kids’ smiles and how being around their happiness can make worries fade away, stress be gone and life good. I can’t recall exactly how it goes, but isn’t it true? Thanks for spreading the love, Henry.

Former Station Menemsha Coastie Joel Behr was transferred to the ice breaker Polar Star a while back and I shared they had made it the farthest north the ship had ever gone. Recent reports confirm they’ve made it to Antarctica’s McMurdo Station after an 86-day transit from their home port of Seattle. The crew broke 37 miles of ice to reach the station on Operation Deep Freeze, a joint military service mission to re-supply the U.S. Antarctic station where the National Science Foundation coordinates research.

February seems to be a big month for birthdays but it’s not often that a couple celebrates by throwing Valentine’s Day smack dab in the middle. These are some of the happiest days for the Dotys, with Nan having celebrated on the twelfth and Warren on the fifteenth. Chocolates, flowers, cards, cakes and ice creams abound at the Doty house this week.

Red lights of excitement were flashing at the fire station on Monday night and the monthly meeting. After time, dedication, hours spent studying and hands on learning, both Alan Porter and Jon Mayhew were promoted to Chilmark volunteer fire department lieutenant. Both have shown they can withstand the mental and physical demands of taking on extra responsibilities. Congratulations to both.

Let’s send wishes for a speedy recovery to Tegan Fenner, who is wearing a clunky cast-boot after breaking his right foot. He’s holding up as well as any 18-year old would with the inability to tote himself around behind the wheel of his Jeep. Movies, video games and visiting with friends will have to suffice since surfing and snowboarding are off the table for the time being.

I was sorry to hear that Wayne and Gigi Kurth lost their faithful Golden Retriever pup Callie after an illness. Although they make their year-round home in Connecticut, they return to town to visit family and friends as often as possible.

Let’s send a little extra love to Frank Dunkl, who suffered a stroke a while back. Although he’s on the mend, it can be tough to have the heartbeat of a family not feeling up to snuff. I look forward to seeing him back out and about with Peter and Heidi soon.

Something fun is happening with John Keene Excavation’s trademark Danish cow. After a little finagling and finessing, you too can, as they say, “help spread the herd” by purchasing T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps and more. It’s easy. You can do it from the comfort of your couch. Simply go online to spreadtheherd.com and click the link to shop apparel.