Chilmark is grieving today for the loss of a very respected and beloved member of the community. Louis S. Larsen died March 11 while at his winter home in Florida. Louis, known as Louie, was a valuable senior member of our fishing community. Louie grew up in Menemsha and was a fisherman from an early age. He went on to captain fishing boats and to run a successful fish market on the Bulkhead. He and his late wife, Mary Smith Larsen, raised four children and the family has continued to grow. Louie was a friend to many in Chilmark and was beloved by all who knew him. He was a kind and friendly person who was always ready to help with all problems great and small. He was a soft-spoken man who had a quick smile and always a greeting for even the briefest meeting. Louie will be missed by the fishermen who valued his advice, and by all the rest of Chilmark who valued his presence and his stature in our town. We send condolences to his extended family and all who are missing him across the Island.

The selectmen held a special hearing on March 11 to hear details from experts in geology and ocean behavior regarding the new plan for saving the beach at Squibnocket. Approximately 50 people came out to listen and to question various parts of the plan. We will be asked at the town meeting in April to vote. Our vote will not be to implement the plan, but to show our interest in pursuing the plan and refining it to suit all parties. Much work will be done before we are then asked to vote at a special town meeting to approve the plan. The selectmen will schedule one more meeting before the April 28 town meeting. If you are interested and want to see the plans, please go to the town website or stop at town hall and ask for information. It is really to everyone’s best interest to try to preserve the Squibnocket Beach, a true town asset.

The Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group will hold its annual fundraiser at the Chilmark Community Center on April 12 from 6 to 10 p.m. There will be lots of shellfish to eat, live music and silent auctions. Mark your calendars for a good time!

The last potluck and music evening of the season will be on April 19 at the Chilmark Community Center. These popular evenings are sponsored by Alex Karalekas and Warren Doty. Everyone is encouraged to bring an instrument and play — a good time is always had by all and everyone is welcome to come.

Bob Sloane and Betsy Larsen are back from an interesting tour of Sicily. They traveled with a Rick Steves tour and enjoyed it all.

Julie Flanders and her daughter, Bella Thorpe, are back in town after a wonderful winter vacation with friends in Hawaii.

Marshall Carroll and family are home after a vacation trip to Tampa and surrounds to allow daughter Bradley to tour the University of Tampa.

The Allen Farm is gearing up to entertain Clarissa Allen’s cousin, Darina Beirne, who is coming from County Roscommon, Ireland, for a spring visit. She will enjoy a trip scheduled for Rangley Lakes, where she will go skiing at Saddle Mountain.

One more date to note for April is the spring Women’s Symposium on April 26 at the community center from 9 a.m. to noon.