The rhythm of the seasons influences human interaction and connection. With the warmth of the sunshine, the promise of longer days and the opportunity to linger over cocktails comes the return of our seasonal friends and neighbors. The sunset crowd grows bigger, ferry travel becomes more challenging, but conversations with folks you haven’t seen in many months are priceless.

Stephanie and Robert Shalhope made the drive from Colorado to deliver the Toyota Tacoma Bob and Emma will have in their Barn Again driveway for summer use. They have also had the pleasure of dusting a few cobwebs and vacuuming up a spider or two in preparation for the elder Shalhopes return. The boat, Kiamichi II, has been launched just in time for grandson Jack to have an opportunity to take it for a shakedown cruise. He, too, made the trip for a more brief duration.

Tom Luce popped to his family home in Menemsha with a couple of friends, but sans kids for a little dust off. Summertime will soon be upon us and the Luce house is home-away-from-home home base for many generations.

After pomp and circumstance at UVM this past weekend, Bella Thorpe returns to town for a summer of family, friends and a little income boosting. By her side is beau, Jackson Grim, who will add to an abundance of summertime smiles and memory making.

Hip, hip, hooray for Elijah Dunn Feiner who also walked his way to a diploma at Brandeis University. Eli, according to dad Jim, also received an award for his really spectacular metal sculptures.

Andy Rice, the famous sheep shearer from Hoggett Hill Farm in Halifax, Vt. has ventured back to town to tend flocks before their woolen sweaters get too warm for summer. His talent and his stories certainly wow anyone he comes in contact with.

Karen and Paul DiMaura made their way to their Menemsha home atop Crick Hill. After a little back and forth they’ll settle in for a lengthy spell eagerly anticipating dog walks and casting at whatever fish species might be biting.

Craig Leitner, is also back driving his fabulous Jeep around town. He felt too old- although I told him you’re not old until you are ninety- to be digging holes with the kids at Tea Lane Nursery. So, now you can find him working the floor at Alley’s a few days a week.

Speaking of Jeeps, has anyone spotted the new-to-him old Jeep Scott McDowell recently jumped in the driver’s seat of? I sure have. It’s a beauty.

Welcome to newest community member, Magnus Bradshaw. He may live just over the line in West Tisbury, but has strong Chilmark/Aquinnah ties. Magnus is welcomed by big sister Madeline and parents Marguerite and Max.

Earthly farewell dear Roxane Ackerman. Thank you for being such a strong advocate for our children’s educational well-being. While serving numerous decades on the school committee, you challenged, embraced and empowered our youth and reminded the stewards that guide them that it’s their job to make the next generation better. Thank you for sharing your voice — sometimes loudly. You will be missed.

In addition to the year-round farm stand staples, Menemsha Fish and Menemsha Texaco, more open doors have joined the shopping and dining opportunities. The Chilmark Tavern, Chilmark Store, Pandora’s Box and, this week, the Galley, Homeport, Ruel Gallery, with Iggy’s to follow.

I don’t mention a whole bunch of birthdays for fear of inadvertently overlooking someone’s special occasion. But, when I am aware of a particularly noteworthy celebration I simply can’t contain myself. Liam Keene, eldest son of Emily and Pete, has made the jump from tween to teen. Happy 13, Liam. Thanks for always greeting me with a genuine smile, almost always a hug and forever a twinkle. Continue being the best joy-filled human you can be. And, as always, catch ‘em up young fisherman.