As darkness falls and the still water of the harbor becomes a place of wonder, the illuminated jigs transform the squid fishing scene into a mesmerizing spectacle. The submerged LED slices through the dark water, creating a surreal and beautiful scene. Baitfish, drawn to the brilliant glow, begin to gather, their movements a silvery dance just beneath the surface. This sets the stage for the main event, as the nocturnal squid move in. A few were spotted. None were caught, but the activity drew friends together and also provided moments for quiet reflection. That is how we spent Sunday evening celebrating Bradley’s 29th birthday.

Spider Andresen celebrated 81 at the end of August. Grand kiddos Maya, Casey and Violet all ate cake in his honor. Bruce Golden celebrated 83 on Sept. 1, Bob Hungerford celebrated just a few days prior and Pam Goff just a few days later. What a lovely time of year for birthday celebrations.

Owen Fielder, son of Olivia and Bill, celebrated his first birthday on Sept. 6. He was surrounded by family and friends including some very doting grandparents, Chris and Evan Fielder and Cindy Higham. Onlookers cheered as he cautiously dug into a decadent cupcake adorned with a big number one. At one point he seemed to question the rousing round of “Happy Birthday” being sung, but he recovered quickly and napped frequently the following day.

Rumor has it a former Texaco staffer, David Linfield, has found his forever person. David and Yasmin Faruki tied the knot in town a few short weeks ago and I extend them lifelong joy. David is the son of Susanna Caldwell and the late Nicholas Linfield.

There’s another wedding that’s about to take place this weekend. The Frank family scooted out of Chilmark residency a bit early this summer to immerse themselves in eldest child Sophia’s wedding weekend. I don’t know the full scoop, but I do know Sophia and Carlo will marry on Sept. 13 and I predict they will live happily ever after spending the weekend professing their love to one another surrounded by family and friends. Sophia’s parents are Scott and Jennifer.

Julie Flanders had company this past weekend. Lifelong friend Jennifer Iacopino and husband Jack popped down from their day-to-day life in New Hampshire for some Julie time. There’s never enough J and J time, but a couple of days will have to do. For now.

You don’t realize how big a role a pet plays in your life until they are gone. Heartfelt condolences to Heather and Vincent Maciel on the loss of their beloved pup, Fiona.

First week reports are in from many. The results show that school is “good.” I didn’t hear one single negative remark from any of the dozen or so kiddos I polled. Young Winston Elliston’s first response to the question posed after day one of school was actually “great.” Subsequent questioning has only rendered positive replies. His mom, Julia, has confirmed all is well. Also having good weeks with their shifting schedules are Dahlia Reynolds-Willis, Bennett and Juniper Brown, Ida Mayhew, Rasmus and Wyld Ruel, Vera Scheffer Lew and many more. Finley Wilbur has announce multiple times with an ear-to-ear grin on her face that she’s in kindergarten now. Kindergarten is pretty dandy.