Chilmark enjoyed a steamy hot spring day today as I write midweek, but we are reminded that it is still spring and we are still on an island when the fog rolls in and out all day. On Tuesday a group of four U.S. senators hosted a premiere screening of the new National Geographic documentary, American Heroes Fishing Challenge.

The Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard has a long wait list for the kittens who will soon become available for adoption. All of the kittens have been wormed, had their first shots and as soon as they are old enough will be spayed or neutered.

Condolences to the family and friends of James Alley who passed away last week. He always had a smile and a cheerful story to share with one and all, especially about cars and houses, and he always assisted us when our school bus drivers would allow us to stop at Alley’s General Store for a treat on our way home from school. He will certainly be missed for his unwavering dedication to the town of West Tisbury.

Several employees of the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital received Partners in Excellence Awards earlier this year from Partners Health Care. The employees were nominated by their colleagues and selected for their contributions of leadership and innovation, quality treatment and service, teamwork, efficiency and community service.

The 4th Annual Names and Rank Memorial Day Sunday worship is at Trinity United Methodist worship center at the Camp Ground in Oak Bluffs on May 26 beginning at 10 a.m. The names and ranks of those who served or are serving in the military will be read. The service will include a Memorial Day meditation, a scripture message and sacred hymns. All are invited. Call the church office at 508-693-4424 for more information.

I am eight years old. My father, my brother Andrew and I board a large fishing boat in Menemsha. We have packed sandwiches and bananas for lunch.

West Tisbury school principal Michael Halt will leave the Vineyard at the end of the school year to take a job as a high school principal in California.

Mr. Halt, who has served as principal at the West Tisbury school since 2004, has accepted a job as principal of San Clemente High School in San Clemente, Calif., superintendent of schools James H. Weiss confirmed Thursday.

He said Mr. Halt planned to announce his departure to his staff at the end of the day Thursday.

Last fall a group of nine soldiers arrived in Menemsha to compete in the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby.

Melissa Dribben and John Stern purchased 2 Duck Pond Road for $435,000 on May 13.

The common room of the Chilmark School rustled with popcorn bags and whispers on Friday afternoon as the entire school, kindergarten through fifth grades, prepared to become the audience for their own animated films. The projector screen lit up and animated puppets hula-hooped, built forts, played four square, shared snacks and engaged in lively dialogue about conflict, compromise and cooperation.