JANE N. SLATER

508-645-3378

(slaterjn@comcast.net)

Chilmark has survived another hurricane. This one left some serious scars down her ocean side. Squibnocket and Lucy Vincent beaches now appear as a moonscape with little to remind us of the benign beaches we picture at the mention of their names. I made a special walk-through today, two days after the storm, so as to report on the devastation. Directly to the left of the Squibnocket parking lot we see that approximately 15 feet of the low cliff is gone and more rocks line the new inland shore. More of the cliffs have eroded as we look down the beach toward Stonewall Beach and there are houses that look precariously close to the edge. Many shrubs rest at the foot of the low cliffs, torn from the earth and tossed back at beach level.

Over at Lucy Vincent Beach there is a debris line well into the parking lot. Chunks of clay the color of rust and the size of human heads or larger litter the ground. A walk on the beach was like a trip to another world. Most of the sand is gone and the land appears scraped down to a mottled clay foundation. Balls of sea foam scud along in the surf and at the shore line, the sound of the smaller rocks rolling in and out is loud and there is a line of surf at least four waves out rolling in with intensity. The walk up the cliff and over to the ponds hides our view of the ocean directly below, but when we came out at the ponds we were stunned by the amounts of clay in outcrops of many colors. No hint of a beach was apparent. How ironic that the storm’s name was Sandy. Many rocks of all sizes were rattling for position in the surf and many pieces of vegetation were being flung ashore. We did come across a large, dead seabird with a gray beak and blue webbed feet. It had already been some other creature’s lunch so we moved on. There was nothing living in the scene. On the way back a small songbird followed us over the hill, hopping from scrub to scrub as if wanting us for company in the forsaken scenery.

Now, that is the view today . . . but as we all know, a change of wind and tide can result in a different picture. Next summer may find a coating of sand covering all and Chilmark will be known for her beautiful beaches once more! Stay tuned.

There are so many more serious problems in our world that really require our concern. We send heartfelt wishes for relief to all our friends and neighbors to the south who were so harshly treated by Sandy. We hope that aid is quick to come and helpful for all.

We send condolences to the family and friends of Pat Cudmore of Falmouth who died on Oct. 24. There will be a memorial service at the North Falmouth Congregational Church on Nov. 3 at 11 a.m. We all remember Dick and Pat Cudmore, who for many years spent their summers in Menemsha and shared in the daily summer life of the town. Dick for a number of years served as assistant harbor master. Pat was a friendly person who shared in the lives of many of us. We will miss her and her frequent visits.

Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard reminds us that they will host the annual Handmade from the Heart sale this holiday season. They are asking for donations of handmade items of all kinds that they can sell on Dec. 8 at the Dr. Daniel Fisher House from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please call the hospice office at 508-693-0189 for more information.

Jim and Joan Malkin of Chilmark are happy to tell us of the birth in Boston of their first grandchild, Luca James Mason. He was born to the Malkins’ daughter, Jessica, and her husband, Gregory Mason. His mainland grandparents are Linda and Gary Robinette of Va., and Gary Mason of Charleton. Baby Luca has five living great grandparents. Evelyn Malkin, a frequent visitor to the Vineyard for many years, is one of them. Jessica and Gary are also seasonal visitors and Jessica was sailing instructor at the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club for some years. We send cheers to all and hope Luca will make his first Vineyard visit soon!

Kristin Maloney is home from a pleasant vacation in Abiquiu, N.M., with her mother, Sonia Hodson.

Chilmark library director Ebba Hierta enjoyed a visit from her mother, Connie Hierta and aunt Sara Piceu, who came from Michigan for a short visit only to be stranded here for two more days because of the hurricane, their first experience with our coastal phenomenon.

Remember to cast your vote in Tuesday’s presidential election. Polls are open at the Chilmark Community Center from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.