For longer than a century, Americans have set aside the first Monday in September as a day to celebrate Labor Day. This holiday creates a three-day weekend and is, for many, the last official weekend of summer frolic. Many take the day off from work to rest, play and reset. For many, however, the day is just another day in the work week. If you are one of the lucky ones to have an extra day of rest, be sure to recognize those workers who are laboring on Labor Day. It’s not always easy getting up and out the door because it’s “time to make the doughnuts.”

Stan Mercer was surrounded by family this past week to celebrate 91. The Mercers, Hermans and Olivers gathered to live, love, laugh and eat cake.

Margaret Maida also celebrated this past week. Eighty five was the milestone she reached. Her day was filled with visits, calls, texts, Facebook posts and celebration from near and far with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with extended family and friends.

There are regattas often on rivers, lakes and seas in various cities and towns. Most aren’t particularly noteworthy when it comes to Chilmark town news, but this past weekend Charlie Shipway came home with top honors. He ventured to the town of Marion for the 2024 Rocket Intergalactics Regatta hosted by the Beverly Yacht Club. Charlie participated in nine races. He should be very proud of his five first place finishes and four second place. It certainly was smooth sailing for Charlie.

Kerry Binder made a day trip to town from her home in Mashpee. She quietly visited with friends, toured favorite spots, nibbled on favorite foods and shared from her heart about the recent death of her husband Frank. A dip in the Sound at Menemsha Beach, a beach picnic with a dear friend and a sit on Squid Row were just what the doctor ordered. I’m glad I had an opportunity to exchange a few words and a genuine hug. I know you are reading, Kerry, so please know I’m thinking of you.

Bill Smith had been laid up for a while. Health stuff had a hold on him, but he’s feeling well enough to take a cruise on his motorized wheelchair. He bravely ventured down to Menemsha to take in the sites and sounds that late August has to offer. He’s full of stories, so if you’re lacking in entertainment a visit with Bill is always a captivating one.

Tory (Shanok) and Will Dolan quietly snuck away from their Vineyard summer and have settled back in to life on Florida’s Siesta Key. Sunsets, home cooked meals, dining out and quality time with their adult children and some close friends were all highlights. Their surrogate son, Brooks Carroll, will miss being a Dolan kid, so he just might appear on their doorstep come winter.

I had a Cecil French sighting. It’s not often that I catch a glimpse of him, but he grabbed some snacks at the Texaco with daughter Francesca and headed off to enjoy a little boating adventure with brother Rob.

Auden, Evan and Corin, the three grandsons of Jane Neumann who call Ireland home, have closed the book on their summer of 2024 in Chilmark. The teens have made their way home with dad Cris and mom Lesley. The Menemsha Galley fryolator and caffeinated beverages are on hold until next year. Best wishes for a happy school year.

The adults have been in and out of the Chilmark School eagerly preparing for the doors to open on Tuesday, Sept. 3 to kick off the school year. If my thinking is correct, young Wyld Ruel will be a kindergartener. I hope he and his classmates enjoy the excitement learning both inside and outside the classroom can offer.