“Captain Clinton J. Prindle, Commander U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England cordially invites you to attend the U.S. Coast Guard Station Menemsha Change of Command Ceremony where Chief Warrant Officer Steven White will be relieved by Senior Chief Nicholas Grim” is what the invitation read.

So I changed out of my work T-shirt and into something a little more suitable and watched this historic and time-honored tradition where the transfer of authority is passed from one officer in charge to another.

Steven White and his wife Ariel, along with their two children Silas and Phoenix, are island hopping their way to USCG Sector Honolulu as Nick, along with his wife Amie and boys Sam and Ben, steps into the commanding role at Station Menemsha. Steven has been a pleasure to work with during his tenure. We collaborated on efforts such as Adopt a Coastie and other community efforts.

Sam and Ben’s enthusiasm for immersing in Island life will hopefully keep that community connection between the townspeople and the station members active and enthusiastic.

He said he hadn’t been back to Menemsha in 10 years, but I don’t think he could have possibly stayed away that long. Geoff Schroeder, former dock rat and transient boat summer kid, traveled from Colorado with his daughters Sena and Cleo and bedded down at the home of Sarah and Spider Andresen along with Geoff’s parents Linae and Bob.

Also joining them was Ben Jooste, 16-year-old son of Geoff’s sister Sam. Ben traveled from his home in South Africa — his first international trip without an adult escort. He, too, enjoyed his Menemsha visit and made a few new friends during his brief stay.

Born to Marguerite and Eric Cottle on February 5, 1941, Wesley Cottle lived a vibrant life during his 82 years. Wesley spent his final days at the Henrietta Brewer House and completed his stint on Earth on June 5. Wesley was an avid reader so a nice remembrance would be to make a donation in his name to the Friends of the Chilmark Library.

As I said to his sister Martha, I am sure he is back to palling around and causing mischief with Don Hurley. They certainly were quite a pair here on Earth and I can only imagine what they’re like in the afterlife.

The town of Aquinnah is also shy a charismatic town resident. I was saddened to hear of the passing of Lenny Butler. Lenny was an active community member for decades upon decades, immersing himself in his family, work and, most notably, as the “quiet champion in the cause to save an old lighthouse.” Lenny died on July 5, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of his friends and family and, of course, with each spin of white and red.

Amy Cody and John Furst’s son and daughter in law, Arlo and Jess Furst, are visiting along with baby Frida. While making her debut island visit, Frida will celebrate her first birthday surrounded by family including Jess’s mom Judy Wright, who is also visiting for the first time.

Amy and John are also looking forward to daughter Madeline Furst and husband Alex Weiss’s arrival, but five-year-old grandson August and two-year-old granddaughter Rosemary are the big excitement. Flying Horses, Lucy Vincent Beach, Native Earth Teaching Farm, soft serve at the Galley, lobsters at Larsen’s and Popsicles at the Texaco are all on the menu in the coming days.

The 16-year-old canine companion of Adam and Olivia Knight and their parents Alicia and Peter has retrieved her last ball and buried her last bone. She was a sweet pup who played an integral role in their lives. The house will be a little quieter without Mabel in it.

Just about on schedule, the Chilmark fire station and Tri-Town Ambulance buildings have been deemed complete. The occasion was celebrated with an open house on July 11. Their visual presence cannot be missed in the center of town. What a pleasure it will be for department members to have a safe, secure, bright and clean new space to work from.

Nisa Mars Counter’s artwork was also celebrated with a reception on July 11 at The Workshop Gallery in Vineyard Haven. Her first solo show, titled Bloom, will be on display through July 23. It’s vibrant, beautiful and visually impactful. Stop by; your eyes will enjoy it.