JANE N. SLATER

508-645-3378

(slaterjn@comcast.net)

Chilmark is snow-less under bright sunshine as I write. We know it is still winter in spite of the date . . . beginning of spring. It is still cold! The hearty spring flowers are encouraging us all to think of spring as they continue to come into bud.

The cold weather has made us all put off our outdoor chores for another week, so please note that many indoor activities still offer us diversions.

We know what the students at the Chilmark School have been doing all winter . . . preparing their always exciting art show for us. The art is now hanging in the Chilmark library and will be there through April. Be sure to visit the show when you are in the library. The students and their teacher, Kathleen Cameron, welcome you all to juice and cookies at their opening on March 25 from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m.

The Chilmark library offers a workshop for the next two weeks on how to use our new system, CLAMS. Lisa Sherman will lead the second workshop on Wednesday, March 24 at 5:30 p.m.

Our own Nancy Aronie, teacher and writer of renown, spoke this weekend at the Berkshire Women Writers conference in Lenox. Workshops follow in April at the Kripalu Center.

A celebration of the life of Mike Syslo of Chilmark is scheduled for April 14 at the Chilmark Community Center from 2 to 5 p.m. Mike was well known to many across the Island. He worked for the Massachusetts Fish and Wildlife Marine Fisheries department. He is missed and remembered. Guests are welcome to bring appetizers or hors d’oeuvres.

The Chilmark Community Church will celebrate Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday as they always do with an Easter egg hunt for the children after the 9 a.m. service on Easter Sunday.

My neighbor kindly sent me some very recent snapshots of Lucy Vincent Beach with lots of sand in view. Hopefully, the winter storms are over and that sand can keep building for our summer pleasure.

The parent-teacher organization of the Chilmark School is hosting the annual fundraising dance on April 6 to replace the cancelled-due-to-storm winter party. This annual party includes music, dance, food, raffles and auction. The theme is an old-fashioned hoedown dance. Sounds like it should be fun for all! Please save the date for the festivities scheduled for the Chilmark Community Center.