Slack Tide is in Vineyard waters with Captain Scott Darling at the helm. With various friends and family on board, up over the rails have come tuna, striped bass, sea bass, scup, mackerel, bluefish, mako shark, brown shark, whiting and even a sea robin. Bonito and false albacore are beginning to show up in our waters so before he heads back to Pennsylvania, perhaps a couple will be landed for good measure.

Sergeant Garrison Viera is back patrolling the Chilmark roads and byways after a four-day hiatus. He swapped out his hat to that of the agricultural society’s vice president and used his eagle eyes, calming demeanor and fabulous organizational skills to make the 161st Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair a memorable one for all of us. I tip my hat to him and Carol, Brian and Kate Athearn, Janice Haynes, Mary Boyd and the countless volunteers, staffers, vendors, participants and more who made this past weekend so memorable for all.

She did it. Clara Athearn, in addition to being awarded a red ribbon for her peach pie, passed her driving exam and is now a licensed driver. Each time I see a young person behind the wheel, I am reminded of this simple saying that we all use: time flies.

Liz Oliver put some effort into her decadent chocolate muffins made with non-traditional ingredients and earned herself a blue ribbon at the fair. I just so happened to be browsing the case they were in when she snuck up behind me and pointed out that vibrant award. You’ll have to ask her for her recipe the next time you bump into her. Her youngest, Hollis, also earned a ribbon for his baking.

The lights are on at the Kirkland’s red house at the midway point of DH’s Hill. Bill is here with his children William and Christina and very-energetic granddaughter Samantha. On top of many household chores, they’ve enjoyed sunsets, the fair, ice cream and, most of all, catching up with dear friends. Early morning coffee on Squid Row, where Bill had a chance to reminisce with ol’ friend Paul Mayhew, was, of course, a highlight.

Not only did Robert and Stephanie Shalhope visit Bob and Emma at Barn Again but grandson Jack made the journey as well. To say his grandparents were excited to have him in the mix is a true understatement. They fished, toured, adventured and had high-quality family time. The only thing that was missing was Jack’s sister Claire.

A few of our neighbors, including Michael Selletti and Jannette Vanderhoop, traveled to historic Jacob’s Pillow to participate in this year’s dance festival. As members of the cast of Âs Nupumukômun (We Still Dance), they collaborated, participated and shared some really remarkable work. I look forward to hearing more about it in person.

The big five is being celebrated by Clive Demers on August 25. Little sister Iris, parents John and Dyan and grandparents Phil and Fran Demers will sing for him and cheer for his as he completes half a decade of life. Kindergarten is knocking on the door.

Shortly after Doug West died last December, his wife Irene Ziebarth promised a celebration of his life would take place this summer. Friends and family gathered at Farm Neck last week to remember him. Jennifer Blum, chair of Vineyard Conservation Society, took on the role of emcee as Brian West, Doug Thompson, Jordan Cohen, Phil Wallis and Carole Simpson shared stories of his life and character. Jack Fruchtman read Brendan O’Neill’s remarks.

Doug's cremains will be quietly interred at Abel’s Hill Cemetery this coming week by Irene with her son Rob and his partner Sadia Raoufi, visiting from California, by her side. I offer my sincere condolences.