Chilmark is a unique town. I have been thinking about the upcoming town meetings and the Chilmark voters who will turn out. They are a serious bunch who see red flags when certain words and phrases come into the discussions. I am thinking of a few that always meet the red flag of hesitation. “All the other towns do it,” or “they do it that way down-Island,” and “how about this,” and “it won’t cost a lot more.” I am sure you can all add to this list! Anyway, let’s start getting ready for our special town meeting coming up in October and learn what will be on the warrant.

Welcome to real-time, longtime Chilmark living to Peter and Sally Cook who are now living at the family home on South Road full time. They have been in and out for many years but now we have them year ‘round and their many friends and family are happy to have them. Cheers from us all!

Steve and Susan McGhee are back at their Menemsha home after a midsummer trip that took them to Ontario, Canada. Steve researched one of his grandmothers who was born in Buxton, Ontario, in 1859. The town was the last stop on the Underground Railroad that helped slaves to escape to freedom. The former slaves were offered education, land and work at that last stop. Steve was interested in learning how close his grandmother had been to the activities of the Underground Railroad. He learned that she was named for the wife of the founder of the terminus of the escape route. He also found many details and visited grave sites. Steve is an active member of the Chilmark Historical Commission.

Keith Emin, superentendant of highways for Chilmark, is home from a restful 10 days fishing on the Penobscot River in Maine. He is already hard at work and the roadsides in some parts of town have been newly mowed.

Jeff and Amelia Bazanson of Bridgwater are vacationing this week at their Menemsha house. Their daughter Aleta will join them on the weekend with her friend Barbara Lagrotteria. Both are from Quincy.

The Chilmark library’s Wednesday afternoon program on Sept. 23 will be a talk by Paul Magid telling us about his new book The Gray Fox: George Crook and the Indian Wars. The program starts at 5 p.m. at the meeting room of the library. He has a master’s degree in nonfiction writing from Johns Hopkins and has written two books on the life and times of General George Crook. Paul Magid is a year-round resident of West Tisbury.

Gretchen V. Feldman’s paintings have been on exhibit at the Louisa Gould Gallery in Vineyard Haven and if you haven’t seen the show, it will be there until Sept. 24. Gretchen, who died in 2008, left many beautiful paintings, some that have been shown on the Island and in many shows off-Island. Please call the gallery at 508-693-7373 for details.

The Ruimermen household on D.H.’s Hill is quiet these days as Andrew is now at Roanoke College in Salem, Va. preparing for his first year and studying history. His brother, Peter, is now at Manhattan College in Riverdale, N.Y. preparing for his first year studying engineering. We send them both lots of good wishes and cheers!

Tom Turman and Beebo Rantoul Turman of Berkley, Calif., are in Chilmark for a late summer vacation at the Talbot and Claire Rantoul house on Middle Road. The house is now 50 years old and all the family members do the necessary house repairs. Brenna Turman Rich, her husband, Devon, and their one-and-a-half-year-old son Owen enjoyed a vacation at the house in July. Many remember Talbot and Claire and are happy that the family continues the Chilmark connection.

Chilmark sends congratulations to Olivia Larsen who has been named director of the Aquinnah library. She has been a popular member of the staff at the Chilmark library and we all send her best wishes.

Send Chilmark news to slaterjn@comcast.net.