For some, sunset is just a thing that happens at the end of a day. It marks the time one is supposed to close their eyes and prepare for a new day.

For others it is an awe inspiring experience that connects them to nature, earth, friends, places.

For many it is an “event” that gives folks a reason to gather with old friends and new from near and from far.

The sunset hour gives me an opportunity, from my perch at the Texaco, to see friends old and new passing by to their little slice of Menemsha Beach to watch Mother Nature’s show, or meandering back to their home or car to call it a day after being dazzled.

One such evening I was able to catch up with Christian Sarason, whose ability to work remotely has given him a much-appreciated opportunity to call Chilmark home for a good portion of the summer. His kiddos Nicholas and Ben and longtime love and life partner Alex are, of course, with him. Brothers John and Peter Keene, cousins, childhood friends and more are thrilled they are in town for a measurable amount of time.

It wouldn’t be a typical July if Harriet Goldberg and Don Weitzman weren’t puttering around town. Now on the tail end of their annual monthlong adventure, they’ve, as always, enjoyed themselves.

Their visits have evolved since the days of way back when their daughter Lily, one summer with a toothless grin, would venture to the Texaco for an ice cream treat. Although they still swim, venture to the fish market, read the paper and enjoy the tranquility of Vineyard life, Lily isn’t typically part of the vacation anymore. it’s amazing to me how quickly things can change. I now have two grown children of my own but back when we first met Don and Harriet, they didn’t even exist. Time flies.

It’s hard to believe July has nearly come to an end and August is upon us. Two noteworthy events ring in the eighth month of the year. On Wednesday, August 3 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., the Chilmark Volunteer Firefighter’s Association will hold its “something-th” annual Backyard Bash. Although we all miss the days of the firefighter’s auction, the Backyard Bash has become somewhat of an institution.

Pack a blanket or some lawn chairs and make your way to the ball field nestled in between the Chilmark Community Center, school and library. Arrive with an empty belly so you can fill up on burgers, hot dogs, corn, watermelon and more. You will find live music by Missis Biskis, kids’ games, raffles, T-shirts and sweatshirts for sale, and more. This family-friendly community party is the biggest annual fundraising event our volunteer fire department holds. Stop by and show your support for those who jump at the sounding of a whistle to come to your aid.

From 4 to 7 p.m. on the very next day — Thursday, August 4 — Menemsha will be the hub of activity with the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust hosting its annual Meet the Fleet. Make your way to the commercial dock where you’ll find local fishermen moored up ready to talk shop. You will also find crab races, the historic eastern rigged dragger Roann visiting from Mystic Seaport for tours, the Dock Dance Band, a USCG helicopter rescue demonstration, raw bar services from Beau Begin’s Clambulance, and so much more.

Bring some funds, buy a T-shirt, make a donation and help this non-profit continue its mission to support our local commercial fishermen. Parking is limited so plan to carpool and use the off-site parking at Tabor House Road and the Captain Flanders House.

Ms. Penny Athearn, youngest offspring of Meg and Dan, might only be nine, but her personality is larger than her less than decade of life. She was ready and eager to head off on her big adventure to sleepaway camp. I look forward to her return and the stories she will share. In the meantime, it’s a lot quieter around town without her presence.

August 1 marks the 94th anniversary of Don Smith’s birth. Although he’s no longer getting behind the steering wheel, he’s still actively out and about and wearing that larger than life grin across his face. When he’s not in the passenger’s seat tooling around, you can find him overlooking the head of the harbor, just taking it all in. Happy birthday Uncle Don. You are loved by many.