JANE N. SLATER

508-645-3378

(slaterjn@comcast.net)

Time stood still in Chilmark on Wednesday when folks from all over the Island and beyond came to remember Joy Flanders and to grieve for her with her family. Joy was a positive and lively spirit who brought happiness to many with her cheer and, yes, joy. She was the wife of Steve and mother of popular girls, Genevieve, Allison and Sarah. Joy died on Sunday, way too young, of a cancer that she battled bravely. Her family laid her to rest at Abel’s Hill and hosted a remembrance for her at the Chilmark Community Center. She taught in several Island schools for years and was known and loved by many across the Island. We will all miss the lively and positive person she was, but her smile and laughter will be with us always. We send condolences to her extended family and many friends.

Work continues in Menemsha as the pile driver works daily rebuilding the burned dock. The sound brings assurance that the May deadline may be met and we will be up and running by the summer rush. Let’s hope so.

The Chilmark Community Church will have a program of music and prayer at their Sunday service on February 27. The program includes visuals that will appeal to children. The piece was written by Bernos de Gasztold and will be preformed by the Rev. Phil Diet-terich, Martha Child, Barbara Lopes and Brian Lopes.

The Chilmark Public Library continues to host BZ Riger in a series of classes teaching us more about our computers. Wednesday, March 2, will be about blogging for beginners. The class is open to the public and begins at 5:30 p.m.

The Friends of the Chilmark Library will show the movie, The Country Girl, at their Friday family movie night on March 4. All are welcome and popcorn and drinks are provided.

Phyllis Conway is at home and feeling better. We hope to see her out and about soon. She will enjoy hearing from her many friends.

Chris Murphy, Chilmark animal officer, is trying to catch up with a runaway dog in the Prospect Hill area of town. If you can help, give him a call. It is described as a brown and white dog.

Most of Chilmark is headed to the mainland for school vacation. We are hoping that many will call me with the details of their good times so I can share it all with you when they return next week.

And, I have to share this, our daffodils, the ones in the sun, are up about an inch! That has to be good news!