JANE N. SLATER

508-645-3378

(slaterjn@comcast.net)

It is hard to know what to write about this week. The weather is the same everywhere right now, cold, snow and more cold, so that subject is moot. Then there is all the anticipation surrounding the upcoming inauguration that is gripping most of us. I don’t know anyone with an invitation so can’t get any first-hand reports for you. Oh, well, all I can say for sure is that it is a typical winter week in Chilmark, with more wildlife out and about than people. The fields are full of geese; there are ducks in the ponds and flocks of grackles on the telephone wires!

The Chilmark library invites us all to come watch the inauguration on the big screen beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 20.

By now I am sure most of you have heard from the Gamsons themselves, who are back from their exciting vacation to the Galapagos Islands via Quito and Guayaquil, Ecuador. Their daughter, Jerry, and her three children accompanied them. They welcomed their son Josh and his family for a Chilmark visit as soon as they were back in Chilmark.

Bonnie George, the Chilmark vice president for the Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club, wants the membership to know that the meeting scheduled for Jan. 20 will be moved to Jan. 27 with Allan Keith speaking about the flora and fauna of Florida. The garden club is happy to welcome new members. Please call Bonnie George for details.

There are census jobs available to Chilmarkers. You can get information and testing for the temporary job on Jan. 21 at the Chilmark Library at 3:30 p.m. You may also call 1-866-861-2010 for more information.

Nancy Aronie is offering a winter Writing From The Heart workshop at her studio off State Road. It will be Jan. 26 through 29 from 9 a.m. to noon. Many who have taken the course say the workshop has changed their lives by giving them renewed trust in their own voice and better self-expression for more skilful writing. Many have taken her course more than once. It will brighten up your January and may change your life! Give her a call to reserve a spot in the class, 508-645-9085.

The Chilmark Church continues to offer a soup supper every Tuesday evening at 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome and those who can, are asked to bring a contribution to the soup, salad, bread and dessert meal.

Tonight’s movie at the Chilmark library is Snow Falling On Cedars. It will begin at 7 p.m. Popcorn and drinks are offered. The Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival and the Chilmark Library sponsor this eight-week program.

The Chowder and a Movie matinee will meet again on Jan. 28 at noon at the library, with free chowder offered by the Menemsha Fish Market. Thanks to the Friends of the Library for sponsoring this popular program.

The Golden Globes Award program was a bright spot on the television last week. I enjoyed watching for the Chilmark connections and was rewarded with the appearances of the Gyllenhaal siblings, Maggie and Jake, and a glimpse of Tony Shalhoub.

A reminder to parents ... Maisy, the big mouse of literary fame, is visiting the Chilmark library on Saturday, Jan. 24th at 10:30 a.m. Maisy is a very popular fictional character but she will appear bigger than life so remember to prepare the children.

The Wednesday evening program at the library this week will be a program by herbalist Holly Bellebuono. She owns Vineyard Herbs and will discuss the many benefits and uses of herbs. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. and is open to all free of charge.