Here on Martha’s Vineyard, spring doesn’t arrive on a calendar; it arrives in the air. When the ospreys reclaim their nests, the herring begin to run and the pinkletinks begin their chorus, the Island’s maritime soul stirs, signaling the lobster fleet to wake from its winter slumber.

In Menemsha, the silence of February is replaced by the rhythmic clack of traps being stacked, the low thrum of diesel engines warming and the smell of fresh bait.

Here on the Vineyard, the pinkletink’s peep isn’t just a sound of nature; it’s the sound of a deadline. It means the ice is gone, the water is warming and the season’s first haul is finally within reach.

The spring launch of the lobster fleet marks the start of a new season at sea. As the hulls slide back into the harbor, the quiet of winter gives way to a steady stream of activity. When the first pots are finally splashed into the cold Atlantic, a sense of purposeful energy settles over the harbor — the cycle of the sea begins once more.

Bob Sloane’s Twilight is back in the harbor for a short stay and Vinny Iacono has steamed in with a new boat. I believe her given name is Miss Mia and she came to town by way of Maine. May the seas treat this new captain and vessel team well.

A few of our Menemsha lobstermen paid coinciding visits to the he Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association annual weekend and trade show a while back. I’d forgotten to mention just how exciting this particular event was until now. Raffles are rarely won my anyone I know, but Wayne Iacono returned home with a $500 gift card to Ketcham Supply in New Bedford. Ketcham’s motto is “Gear up for success!” so that is what Wayne will do.

As an aside, another one of our young commercial fishermen shared some exciting news. Warmest congratulations to Matteus Scheffer and Grace Kenney as they celebrate their engagement. We couldn’t be happier for you both as you embark on this exciting journey toward shared dreams, beautiful memories and marriage.

Just in time to celebrate their dad Keith’s birthday, Tegan and Laila Fenner returned home. Laila’s winter in sunny Florida offered a glimpse into adulthood. Tegan’s worldly trip took him back to Bali with childhood friends Brooks Carroll and Fynn Monahan. He made his way home by way of Florida where he had the wonderful opportunity to rendezvous with his girlfriend Malin Hansen who escaped the Norwegian cold in exchange for the Florida sunshine. Keith was joyfully celebrated. Aunt Alicia Knight, who also celebrates this week, was pleased to get her own birthday hugs from them, too. As always, Merrily and Frank were thrilled to be wrapped up in all the familial celebration.

Tyler Shipway returned stateside from his semester abroad in Italy on Tuesday. Without much time to catch his breath, he was awarded a bachelors in architecture on Thursday at Wentworth Institute of Technology. Mom Sarah and grandmother Judy Mayhew, made their way to Boston on Tuesday to greet Tyler and dad Charlie and grandmother Lucinda Sheldon of Oak Bluffs rendezvoused with them to enjoy the festivities and excitement that surround any college graduation. To add to the excitement, Tyler has been accepted to and is enrolled in graduate school at Wentworth, which starts in the fall. It’s an accelerated program where he graduates next spring with a Masters in Architecture. Go Tyler!

I connected with Emily Boyd, daughter of Mary and Jonathan, a few weeks ago and she was in the process of making what felt like a life changing decision. Choosing a college is not just about the name that will be on the diploma. It is about choosing the environment where she wants to grow with the people she wants to challenge her. After a quick trip back to campus, Emily has taken that step and has chosen Wellesley College as the place she wants to be as a member of the class of 2030. Go Emily!