A familiar face is walking the beat as the newest face representing the Chilmark police department. Sergeant Garrison Viera, who comes to us after a couple of decades serving West Tisbury, is both a welcoming and welcomed addition to the department. He is engaging, community oriented and a problem solver. Please help him put a name to your face and introduce yourself the next time you see him.

This past weekend was filled with familiar people all of whom were in town to get a little dose of pre-Vineyard summer. The Jane Slater house was filled to the brim with family. Caleb, Chris and Celia Slater arrived along with Sarah, Aaron, Scott and Jack Bennett. Siblings, spouses and cousins all had a wonderful time indulging in sunsets and their first lobster dinner of the season.

Sophie, Susan and Jason Balaban soaked up a little South Road sweetness at their Wayside Farm home along with their pup and sustenance on the just opened for the season on the Galley porch.

Line and Bob Schroeder made their way to visit, among others, Karen and Paul DiMaura who are back at their Crick Hill home. Along with their pup Magic, a whole bunch of time was spent sitting a spell on Squid Row, catching up with friends including Beth and Paul Mayhew.

Emma and Bob Shalhope are also back in town and also taking a little time to catch up with the aforementioned Schroeders, DiMauras and Mayhews. A long winter in Oklahoma has returned them to Barn Again perched at the tippy top of DH’s Hill. A sure sign they’re about to return for the summer is when the cover comes off their Nissan truck. That happened last week and, voila, lucky us: they appeared.

Beckett and Hugo Heller made their way to town with their folks Molly and Greg. The two made themselves at home at, among other places, Larsen’s and the Texaco. Beck also had the opportunity to be a celebrity taste tester at Salt Rock Chocolates. A fun weekend was had by them and their parents.

Chilmark School students made their way to Station Menemsha and Dutcher Dock for their annual Memorial Day remembrance ceremony. Poetry, music and reflection were shared after a moment of silence and tossing flowers to honor the memory of soldiers who died serving our country.

Memorial Day was the day Island friend Tom Rancich’s ashes were laid to rest at sea off the Florida coast at the Navy SEAL Museum. He was a brilliant and unique human with indelible qualities who made the world a better place in the short time he had to wander it. Tom died in January.

Please extend your condolences to Aquinnah neighbor Theresa Manning and her family. Theresa’s mom, Joan Kistner, died at the age of 90, surrounded by her loved ones. Her life will be celebrated and she will be laid to rest on June 2 in Pleasant Valley, N.Y. but her memory will live on in all those who loved her.

Menemsha’s iconic green lobster boat Summer Dawn has been retired by Captain John Larsen. John is still lobstering but has downsized to a skiff. Summer Dawn’s classic lines and quintessential New England color scheme have been the subject of many paintings and photographs. Her wooded hull that has served John for decades is on the market and awaiting just the right new owner to enjoy her. Please reach out to him if you are interested. She sure is a beauty.

Speaking of beauty, there is a new little human in town ready to shine her bright light on the world. Luma Mackenzie Peach Mayhew was welcomed into the world on May 26 by big sister Ida and parents Molly and Matt. Not only are the Peach and Mayhew families excited to enjoy watching her grow alongside Ida, but I am, too.