Let’s pick up where we left off last week by continuing the U.S. tour with Bob and Linae Schroeder. Guess who made a pitstop in Menemsha this week. Yes, the traveling duo just couldn’t stay away and who can really blame them? I walked out the back door of the Texaco and on to Squid Row and didn’t think much about a group of folks who were sitting and having what seemed to be very pleasant conversation. A voice chimed into the conversation and I thought to myself, “I know that voice!” Bob and Linae spent a few days catching up with friends including Karen and Paul Dimaura.

Wayne and Gigi Kurth traveled from their Avon, Conn. home to spend a week here in town catching up with friends. They also had Gigi’s cousins from Oklahoma along for their visit so they visited a few MV highlights.

The Glasgows are back from their Italian adventure just in time for sons Noah and Jakie to dive back into the books. Some highlights for Molly, Eric and the boys’ Roman holiday (sorry, I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to make a movie reference) included touring the Colosseum, swimming in the Mediterranean and Castello di Gabiano’s hedge maze. For Molly, quietly sipping coffee happily made by someone else is something she could easily get used to. You can find the family back at the Grey Barn strolling through their day to day life fondly remembering fun family moments.

Wayne Iacono hosted his annual Labor Day cookout with the usual cast of characters including the Haynes family, the Finns, the Startzells, Tiltons and more. There’s nothing like a group of friends circled around a couple of grills loaded up with great food. Who needs conversation when you can celebrate Labor Day with a land and sea bounty?

High schooler Ava Stearns continues to excel in the horse world. She competed in the well-known Hampton Classic this week in Bridgehampton, N.Y. The 65-acre show grounds, known as a premier destination for horse people, is the place to see top jumper riders from around the world. The Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under Reserve Champion title went to Ava on Cartello Z, owned by Caroline Lloyd. Ava’s mother, Sarah Doyle, traveled with her and father Bret Stearns, brother Graham and friend Jack Schroeder ventured to Long Island to cheer her on. A fun moment at the show for the boys was meeting and snapping a photo with none other than The Tonight Show’s Jimmy Fallon.

Artist June Schoppe presents her first solo Island exhibition at the Chilmark library, Sept. 9 to 29. The opening reception of Chilmark: Constancy and Change will take place Saturday, Sept. 9 at 3 p.m. at the library.

Lia (Littlefield) Kahler sadly shares that her concert with friends scheduled for Sept. 10 has been cancelled due to circumstances beyond her control. Although there will not be a concert and silent auction, Lia continues to have ambitious fundraising goals. She feels strongly about supporting efforts of Island clergy and a large number of volunteers who provide the Houses of Grace winter shelters nightly from Jan. 1 to March 31. Lia is asking for donations to help her achieve her goal set at $10,000. Checks can be made to Permanent Endowment Fund (memo line: Homeless) and sent to PEFMV, P.O. Box 243, West Tisbury, MA 02575 or visit endowmv.org.

David Norton is no longer just our friend, neighbor and fire chief. He’s acquired a new title: grandfather. Liam David Larsen was born to daughter Holly and Matt Larsen on August 24. He was a tad on the early side but weighed in at a very respectable 5 pounds 8.5 ounces. Welcome to the world sweet little baby boy.

In other baby news, Gary and Jessica (Cummens) Kovack have introduced a baby girl into the world. Although no longer stationed in Menemsha with the Coast Guard, Gary and all of the Coasties are part of our community. We share in the excitement of welcoming to the world the 7 pound 2 ounce Lucca Dahlia Kovack on August 29.

One more little one to mention makes his home in Oak Bluffs with parents Sara (Hilliard) and Scott Smestad. Ethan Phillip was born August 11. He too was a bit on the early side but is making great strides surrounded by a ton of loving admirers including high school freshman Bella Thorpe. Sara and Bella have had a tight bond since Bella’s baby days.

Since I am on a roll with all of these birth announcements, I will take a quick moment to shout out a very happy birthday to my first born. Happy 21st Bradley. We love you, miss you and are so proud of you. It is a true pleasure to call myself your mom. Okay, I am done. I could get overly sappy here but I will save that for a more private venue. Thank you all for indulging me.

School is back in session. Please remember our community’s children are waiting for and getting dropped off by bright yellow buses at the end of roads and driveways. Keep your eyes open and please, please, stop for the school bus. Thank you.

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.