The quiet, reflective mood of a late summer evening is deepened by the soft, contemplative light. The ethereal pink skies of September symbolize the poignant transition from the abundant frivolity and fast pace of summer to the reflective and contemplative mood as autumn approaches. September light invites a quiet pause, a moment to reflect on the passage of time and the joys it brings with it.

The pink skies Mother Nature revealed as the sun began to sink into the horizon on Sept. 1 set the most glorious backdrop for my niece Emme Carroll’s 15th birthday. Not only was it an evening to celebrate her, but an evening the schoolchildren nestled into their beds after laying out first day of school outfits.

A perfect coincidence, a stars aligning moment so to speak, took place, too. Kimball Crocker, father of Carl and Kathie Carroll’s dear big brother, arrived in town for a few days. He transported himself here from Rhode Island just in time to indulge in great niece Emme’s ice cream cake.

One day prior, on August 31, Esmé, daughter of Elizabeth Cecil and Eben Armer, celebrated six on Menemsha Beach. Later that day, Becca Solway celebrated the big 5-0.

Abbe Burt rolled though the bay at the Texaco for fuel the other day. While indulging in a little late-day Galley soft serve, she shared it was her 15th summer at the Prince cottage on North Road. Vacationing up-Island has its perks. Down Island friends, like Susan Smith who sat in her passenger seat, are cause for ice cream and buzzing the bight. Pup Sadie sniffed passerby’s from the back window as we discussed upcoming birthdays. Abbe celebrated 81 on Sept. 2. Richard Burt celebrated 91 on Sept. 3. May it be a week filled with giddy indulgences for the Burt family.

After a summer filled with comings and goings of kids, grandkids and more, Holly and Larry Glick have skedaddled off to New Jersey to meet their third grandchild, Lucy Joy Krosnick. Born on August 29 to Rachel and Sam, lovely Lucy will always celebrate a little extra since she shares the day with great-grandfather, Edward Glick. Edward just celebrated 91.

If I remember correctly, Benjamin Suchoff, the eldest grandchild of Holly and Larry, turned six this past week. I am certain little sister Noa helped celebrate.

Stephanie Bouchard Neipris squeezed in a late August trip to town with her kiddos Alan and Dorothy. Among other things, they managed to take a dip at Menemsha Beach before scooting back off-Island and adjusting to a new school year.

Caleb, Chris and Celia Slater also managed to squeeze in a little visit. Fishing, sunsetting, beaching and dog walking topped their list. Although work calls, they vow to be back as often as possible throughout the Derby and then some.

Lee McCaffrey makes her way to Menemsha a few times a summer with husband Matt and, almost always, daughters Mollie and Madison, and their boat  Ree-Lee-Hooked.

I don’t know them well, but always appreciate Lee stopping by at just the right moment to share a few kind words. This time, she stuck her head into the crack of the nearly closed window to simply say, “Thank you for keeping me connected to Menemsha with your Instagram posts.” Isn’t it funny how a simple thank you can boost spirits at just the right time?

The Chilmark Preschool not only welcomed new students but also an interim program director. Casey Kimber Esposito had transformed their classroom into an updated, learning conducive space. She perched herself at the doorway to greet her students.

It might not be going back to school, but Linda Thompson has pulled out all the stops at the Chilmark Library. Her paintings, all devoted to picturesque spots in town, are hanging at the library through Sept. 14.

Open the windows on September. Enjoy the crisp breezes of early morning as the school bus rattles by filled with children eagerly anticipating the first day of the MV Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby. It’s almost time for five weeks of nonstop fishing tales.