JANE N. SLATER

508-645-3378

(slaterjn@comcast.net)

Chilmark’s last holiday of the tourist season was a busy one with many visitors and seasonal residents here for the end-of-season fun and chores. There were many fishermen, a few swimmers and several weddings around town as the sight of the tents told us. Cheers to all!

Now to get serious about our own R & R season. There are some events that you may want to put on your calendars for the fall.

The annual Hike-a-thon in memory of Justin L. Coleman is scheduled for Oct. 13. The hike begins at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow at the Coleman home at 150 South Road. There will be a short talk first with donations sought for the Martha’s Vineyard Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. The walk will be approximately three miles and refreshments will be served at the Coleman home afterward. Justin, the son of Bill and Julie Coleman, lost his life too early in Australia some years ago.

The 30th Women’s Symposium will be on Oct. 27 the Chilmark Community Center from 9 a.m. to noon. The subject will be Unexpected Harvests. There will be speakers, discussion groups and refreshments. Donations are welcome to cover costs and, as it is a popular event, it is wise to get there a little early for the best parking.

The Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living is hosting a cultural luncheon on Oct. 20 at The Grill on Main in Edgartown from noon to 2 p.m. The speaker this month will be David R. White, director of the Yard in Chilmark. You may purchase tickets by calling Leslie Clapp at 508-939-9440

And, for your November calendar, save Nov. 24 for the annual Thanksgiving Concert by the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society. It will be held at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown at 7:30 p.m.

Congratulations to Virginia Dyer of Chilmark and Dan Hayes of Annapolis who were married at Virginia’s home on Tea Lane on September 29. Guests were here from as far away as Alaska and Hawaii. Tea Lane Caterers pleased all those at the festivities.

Ned Posin and Kaila Binney of Chilmark traveled last weekend to Nashville to attend a family wedding.

Stan and Marie Mercer of Menemsha Crossroad enjoyed a visit from Stan’s son, Stan, and his wife Susan over the holiday weekend. They make their home in Apopka, Fla. Stan’s mother was the late Gail Mayhew Mercer and the family has many Chilmark ties.

The word is out that the Allen Farm shop has many new and interesting items for our winter shopping. The shop will be open weekends and by appointment.

The paintings of Edie Yoder will continue on display in the Chilmark Library meeting room through the month of October. And prepare . . . Halloween is this month and the annual Halloween party hosted by the Chilmark firefighters will be on the 31st with the usual judging of costumes and offerings of refreshments. All ages are welcome and the activity usually gets underway at 5 p.m.