Chilmark awaits the rain! When will it come? Any outdoor activity these days can create a dust cloud. We have put our gardens to bed after finding the last of the veggies, but what will next year be like without some serious rains? Hard to believe I just said that. We, who have complained about foggy, damp New England most of our lives, now look forward to a cloud or two. It has been a wonderful summer for vacations and outdoor projects, but now let’s get serious.

It may seem like the endless summer, but don’t be lulled into forgetting your flu shot. There will be the annual flu clinic at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon. Everyone is welcome, over the age of 6 months. It is necessary for cars to register first at the West Tisbury School on Old County Road before going to the high school for the vaccine. Those using the bus or walking can go directly to the school. Please have your insurance card with you if you have one, those without insurance will be given the flu shot free of charge.

Chilmark sends congratulations to popular couple Ted and Judy Mayhew on the occasion of their 53 wedding anniversary this week. Cheers from us all!

While we wait for rain, swimmers are enjoying the beautiful fall weather and the fishermen are chasing the bait around the Island. Menemsha has been a busy place. It was a surprise to me to see what seemed like a large number of black belt karate folks walking around town. They were from Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and held a class on the Menemsha dock on Saturday last with another class in Aquinnah on Sunday. Seems that they have been coming to the Island for 15 years!

We send condolences to the family and friends of Chilmark resident Beatrice Phillipps Bennett, known to her family and many friends as Beach, who died on Sept. 17. A celebration of her life will be held on Sept. 28 at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury from 2 to 5 p.m. Desserts to share will be appreciated. She leaves husband Bill and daughter Bella and many friends and associates who will miss her very much.

Pizza night begins again on Sept. 30 at the Chilmark Community Church at 6 p.m. Lots of fun for all ages with early evening conversation and games provided.

Remember that it is still possible to eat in Menemsha with the Galley, Bite and fish markets offering daily foods and the Home Port open on weekends. It is always best to call ahead for hours if you are coming from afar. The Chilmark store is now closing on Tuesdays but open until 3:30 p.m. on weekdays and 5 p.m. on the weekend.

Congratulations to the Brodericks, father and son Steve and Tim, who have joined others as oyster farmers in Menemsha Pond. Mark Lovewell featured them in this paper last week with pictures and details. We wish them much success.

Chilmark’s favorite poet in residence Peggy Freydberg was honored at a poetry reading last week and Ivy Ashe wrote it up in last week’s Gazette with pictures to reassure us that Peggy, now 106, is still enjoying life and still thinking about life in her special way. Cheers to you, Peggy.

Adult and Community Education, Martha’s Vineyard, is offering us an opportunity to learn about upcoming classes to be offered this fall at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. We are invited on Oct. 1 to visit the school and meet instructors and register for courses at their Course Sampling Fair from 5 to 6:30 p.m. There will be 36 courses offered. Here is your chance to avoid the winter blahs and to increase your skills and knowledge. Please call Diane Abbot at 508-693-9222 for more information.

Nancy Aronie, Chilmark’s travelling writing teacher of note, will be at Rowe Conference Center from Oct. 17 to 19, leading a workshop in Writing from the Heart.

Please email me with your news to share. I need everyone’s input as we go into the quiet months.

Send your Chilmark news to: slaterjn@comcast.net.