Chilmark is enjoying sunshine and warmth and the clear signs of a busy season on the way! If you are not here yet you have not missed any beach days because we have not been really warm until now. Beach stickers are on sale now at town hall every day beginning at 9 a.m. Purchasing your sticker on some days will be a fun experience as my fellow correspondent, June Manning of Aquinnah, is working for Chilmark in the summer program this year. She is always a joy to talk to and has a wealth of knowledge about our Island.

The Chilmark Community Church will hold their annual children’s fair this Saturday, June 14, at the church on the Menemsha Crossroad from 10 a.m. to noon. They will offer pony rides, games, face painting and a bounce house among other events. It is free to all. There will be a plant and seedling sale at the same time on the church porch. The pizza nights at the church are now over for the year and on June 16 the popular lobster rolls will be available from 4:30 to 7 p.m. They will be offered at the same price as last year!

The Chilmark School presented their last musical performance of the year last Wednesday at the Yard, a new location for the event. Following a long tradition, all who were involved in the production were treated to free ice cream sundaes by the Galley in Menemsha. They also offer free ice cream to students who successfully compete in the annual Chilmark Library reading challenge every summer. This is the 17th year that the Galley has opened under the management of the Fenner family. They are a popular and valued part of the Chilmark community.

Please note that the West Tisbury Congregational Church will be holding the 27th annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 20, at the church from noon to 4 p.m. It is always a tasty treat as the berries are offered in many varied treats. All are welcome. Funds raised are to support the historic church and its community outreach programs.

Our librarians report that the ice cream social held at the Chilmark library last week was an unprecedented success, with some 45 people turning out for a sing along event and ice cream. Watch for new dates; the next ice cream social is sure to come along this summer.

Town hall reports that due to unexpected delays some resurfacing is still being done on Middle Road.

Many of our summer residents are arriving daily now. Conrad and Jane Neumann are at their Larsen Lane home for the season. They winter in Durham, N.C.

Tom Langman is at his Menemsha home, coming from Reston, Va.

Forrest Speck and Ann Verret are at the Morgan cottage for their annual vacation and enjoyed a visit from a grandchild last week.

Harriette Otteson entertained Carolyn Bauer of Highlands Ranch, Colo. and Sally Swartz of Greenwood Village, Colo. Both ladies were east with the Denver Bicycle Touring Club doing a tour of Cape Cod and the Islands They were all friends who had met on past travels.

Here is a word of warning to pet owners Islandwide. Some dear friends of mine lost their dog this week to Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They live in Oak Bluffs but it is apparent that ticks are everywhere and becoming more of a threat.

I hope you saw the recent issue of Architectural Digest that included an article about a newly-constructed house on the Vineyard. Longtime seasonal resident Hugh Weisman was the architect of the beautiful home. Congratulations to Hugh.

Please note that I will be happy to include events for the public that take place in up-Island towns and any events that include Chilmark folks. Please send me any news of private events you wish to share.

Send Chilmark news to slaterjn@comcast.net.