The other day in Edgartown I happened upon a school crossing, shortly before three o’clock. Two children wearing backpacks were making their way across the street, a boy and his younger sister, hand in hand. They were very good at it: the boy looked around intently and cried instructions to his sister, and she obeyed at once. We were right next to a gas station, with cars streaming out from the cross-streets. The children were trained for it but traffic being what it is, things looked a little dicey.

As the brother and sister carefully navigated the gas station, the crossing guard kept her eyes on the backs of their heads. She was smiling but I don’t think she so much as blinked, watching them go. The truck driver who had stopped to let the children cross kept his foot on the brake a few moments longer than he had to, and for a moment I had the distinct feeling that all of us grown-ups were thinking the same thing.

Are we loving the pollen this year? This gold dust is the bane of tidy and allergy-prone people everywhere.

At 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 11, drag queen Missy Steak will host a story time at the library, reading aloud some of her favorite children’s books.

The plant sale at Polly Hill Arboretum is up and running, with staff on hand until 2 p.m. to answer questions. Also check out the online plant plugs on the PHA website.

On June 5, the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School will celebrate the graduation of its largest class ever. Congratulations to all 15 of you. Now hurry up and go to work saving this world, please!

If you find yourself in need of some affordable blooms, Takemmy Farm’s stand has really beautiful bunches of lupines, peonies and other flowers.

Short column this week, I’m afraid. Please keep your news coming and let’s all work together to get our children safely across the street.