Many think of Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial kick off to the summer season. The three-day weekend offers a great opportunity to conquer the lawn that may need its first mow, the boat that has a fresh coat of bottom paint and/or is readied for launch or the hosting of a barbecue with plenty of burgers and hot dogs.

Yes, these are a few of the famous signs of summer’s approach but Memorial Day weekend is also a time to remember those who have died in our nation’s service. Flags fly, heads are hung in quiet reflection and flowers are placed on graves as a symbol of respect and honor. For Chilmark School students, they march to the sea to discuss the meaning of Memorial Day through shared poetry and the tossing of flowers in the harbor to commemorate those who died serving our country.

Sunday, May 26 at 9 a.m., Rev, Charlotte Wright and the members of the Chilmark Church will host their annual Blessing of the Fleet alongside Menemsha Texaco. Recreational or commercial, sail or power — all vessels will be acknowledged to ensure a safe and bountiful boating season. All are welcome to attend, but be sure to bring a chair since seating is limited.

Helen and Arne De Keijzer have been at their Larsen Lane home preparing for a revolving door of summer guest, including one of the many Texaco ice cream consumers, grandson Jacob. I wonder if strawberry shortcake on a stick will be his go to again this year? Palates evolve as we grow, so there might just be a new favorite. We shall see.

I had an uninterrupted opportunity to have a little catch up with Andrea Geyer who was enjoying the peace and tranquility of her Prospect Hill home in May. We exchanged updates on our kids, although our kids are now all adults.

Rabbi Barney Brickner, brother of the late Elisa Brickner for whom the Chilmark Library’s annual children’s poetry contest honors, was in town for a few days and plans a quick return for a few more. He traveled from his home in Alameda, California.

The Christy family ‚ Jenn, Todd, El and Wren — traveled to Burlington, Vt. last week to enjoy the pomp and circumstance as eldest child and big brother Dash earned his bachelors degree at the University of Vermont. Congratulations graduate.

Robert, Stephanie and son Jack Shalhope traveled from Colorado to prepare the family home “Barn Again” for the arrival of Bob and Emma, who will travel in early June from their home in Oklahoma. The major chores are complete, including launching their boat Kiamichi, so the eldest Shalhopes can simply enjoy their daily pleasures while in town.

F/V Martha Rose returned from a week of fishing and delivered a full supply of sea scallops to the MV Seafood Collaborative. They have been flash frozen and will be available at the first West Tisbury Farmer’s Market on June 8. They will also be included in the Vineyard Seafood CSF(Community Supported Fishery) program. For more info on the CSF, go to the MV Fishermen’s Preservation Trust website.

I’d like to extend condolences to the family of longtime Chilmark resident Diana Freed, who died last week. She and the late Norman Freed called Chilmark home from 1990 to 2015, when they moved off-Island to be closer to children and grandchildren. It’s an end of an era as they say.

John Packer’s Offshore Engineering has been a true family affair this past week. His barge has been in Menemsha Harbor replacing pilings and raising the drive on docks drop down/green dock in the channel. Children David, Nathaniel and Charlotte have truly taken the reigns. All ole dad had to do, according to him, was fuel the trucks which gave me multiple opportunities to catch up with him on various topics.

Seth Karlinsky is back on the beat manning the trash cans, which are dispersed around the harbor. He does a fine job tending their constant filling and also keeps a watchful eye on the restrooms. Thank you, Seth.

Please do your part and pick up and properly dispose of any debris you might wander by as you travel through the Basin. It’s a team effort to keep refuse at bay. Thank you for keeping Menemsha clean.