For many, there is a special place that brings a sense of peace. For many, there is a special place that brings a sense of excitement. For many, there is a special place that taps into all the senses. Menemsha Beach is a place that provides an opportunity to connect deeply with nature by taking a quick dip in the salt water, by sitting quietly taking in the sunset or by casting and reeling until the tug of a fish brings electrifying delight.

That tug and inevitable whizzing sound when a fish runs with the line is an earlier than usual occurrence. Marc Fairstein was the first I witnessed walk off the jetty with a bonito in hand. Others have followed, but his was the first I saw with my own two eyes.

The promise of fish, graduation ceremonies and the fast-approaching summer solstice have brought familiar faces to town. Katharine Poole traveled from Nashville and I had the pleasure of a roadside hug and quick catch up. Her visit was brief so the aligning of our stars and crossing of our paths was, as they say, good karma.

Although I didn’t have a visual myself, I received confirmation that Katy Keene Metell was also in town. Her brother Pete shared the word. Rumor also has it that Andrew Noyes is here with some, if not all, of his flock. The mountains of Colorado sent him to the sea where his folks, Ann and Hal, warmly embrace his presence. The rest of the family, I am sure, does too.

After having a quick chat with Jane Slater about Tom Porter, it was as if his ears were burning because he showed up at the Texaco. He and Helen have decided to make their Menemsha Crossroad house their home. Welcome.

Jane also shared that her grandchild, Robin Bennett, eldest offspring of Sarah and Aaron, has graduated from high school with honors and accolades. They will attend Clark University in Worcester this fall which thrills me because Clark is my alma mater. Congratulations on a high school career well done.

Also paying a visit that will be followed up with another one in September is Barney Brickner. He managed to squeeze in some palling around time with dear friend Bill Rossi along with a chat with me and a visit to the library where he caught up with Drew Dubno. He and Drew hit it off while discussing the Elisa Brickner Poetry Contest named for his sister who died in 1973. What a wonderful opportunity to make a connection. Did you know there’s a scrapbook filled with the winning poems since the contest’s inception?

Anne Verret-Speck and Forrest Speck have quietly nestled into their 43rd June on Creek Hill. The two can be seen taking leisurely daily strolls stockpiling their energy in eager preparation for the familial assemblage. Children, spouses and grandchildren will soon flock to the camps within prefect walking distance of sunsets, swims, crabs and Tootsie Pops.

Kaky Powell swung through the Texaco the other day. Her niece was sitting beside her and a sweet voice from the back seat declared, “Katie! I’m here!” It was Kaky’s mom, also known as Adam, Peter and William Miller’s grandmother, Sue Cook Powell. Fondly known as Soupy, she made the journey north from her home in Arkansas just in time for a fabulous reunion with her grandsons who had all returned from worldly adventures themselves.

Peter Cook is someone who is ready to share some knowledge with you at a three-hour workshop this Saturday, June 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Chilmark Library. Titled Preserving the Artist’s Legacy, Peter’s workshop will outline was to organize, preserve and promote an artist’s body of work. Skills learned in his time as a teacher and three decades as a writer/producer at WGBH, most notably Antiques Roadshow, will certainly hold your attention. The workshop is free, but you need to register so give the folks at the library a call or email [email protected].

Also happening this Saturday, thanks to the fabulous organizational skills of Julie Flanders, is the annual Chilmark Church Children’s Fair. From 10 a.m. to noon, you can stop by with your littles to visit with friends, play games, jump in a bouncy house, indulge in a cupcake and walk away at the end with a beautifully painted face. It’s a morning of simple pleasures. We all can use a dose of that.