Chilmark is mourning the untimely death of Chilmark volunteer firefighter and all-around friend to all, George Szilassy, who died on Nov. 19. George lived in Chilmark for many years and made a friend of all he met. George was a house painter of skill and during his years among us he did many fine jobs and, in that way, met most of Chilmark. We send condolences to all who knew and loved him. He was buried in Medway, home of his family. Chilmark was truly George’s home and he will be greatly missed.

Beginning Dec. 1 Jennifer Burkin will be a new library associate in charge of adult and children’s programming at the Aquinnah Library. Jennifer, her sister Lisa and mother Gloria are now year-round residents of Chilmark again, and we welcome them to our midst. Jennifer is a licensed art teacher who taught an art class last winter at the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School. She will be using her skills at the West Tisbury library on Dec. 13, where she will lead a workshop for children at 2 p.m.

Congratulations and welcome to Bill Fielder, who was recommended to and accepted by the selectmen as a new patrolman on the Chilmark police force. Bill has been a part time and summer employee for seven years and will now go to the police academy in January and return in June for duty.

The Chilmark Community Church invites us to hear the Vineyard Sinfonietta perform during the 9 a.m. service at the church on Dec. 6. The public is invited to enjoy the music of these Island musicians.

Soup suppers are underway at the Chilmark church on Tuesdays at 5:30. All are invited for a warm meal and some good company at no charge.

The Chilmark Church will offer winter lobster rolls to go at the church on Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lobster will be sold in containers with the rest of fixings to make lobster rolls. Mark your calendars for this opportunity to enjoy a summer treat one more time!

Todd and Jennifer Christy and their children, Dash, Eloise and Adrienne, are home following a wonderful nine-day trip to Paris and a few days in Loire region of France. They were happy to report that Paris was cheerful and upbeat toward the many tourists there and sightseeing and visiting went without incident. The family was there to visit grandfather Joe and they had a safe and fun adventure.

The Christy family welcomed Jenny’s sister Chris, her husband, Barney Hodges and children Sam, Sophie and Malia, for the Thanksgiving celebration. They came from Cornwall, Vt., and cousin Ian Neill and Tess who came from Boston joined the reunion.

Chuck Hodgkinson is back at his desk in town hall after successful knee surgery and is preparing for the second knee surgery due on Dec. 21.

Jan Buhrman is offering a one-day, all day, cooking and painting retreat at the Community Center on Dec. 5. Please call her for details and enrollment: 508-360-4491.

Time to start keeping track of all the holiday sales dates. The Chilmark Community Church will hold a Christmas flea market on Dec. 19 at the Community Center. Please contact chilmarkflea@gmail.com for details.

The annual Chilmark children’s Christmas party with Santa’s arrival and distribution of gifts will be at the Community Center at 5:45 p.m. on Dec. 17. This is always an exciting day for Chilmark.

The annual Chilmark Library party will be on Dec. 16 at the library from 4:30 to 6 p.m. There will be wreath making for those who wish to join in and refreshments provided by the Friends of The Chilmark Library. This date also marks the beginning of the book sale. There will be the usual large number of second hand books offered for $1 for hardcovers and 50 cents for paperbacks. Prices descend as the days go by and the sale ends the end of December.

The library will welcome the Vineyard Haven Classic Brass Ensemble on Dec. 19 from 3 to 4 p.m. This is wonderful music preformed by the Chilmark Dunkl family and others. The public is invited at no cost.

The Pathways season will have begun by the time you read this but the programs will be ongoing until spring. The Pathways holiday store is open and the gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. every day through December. Dec. 8 will be poetry and writing night beginning at 7 p.m. The public is invited to come and share writing or just to listen and enjoy the works of others.

Alex Karalekas, Matt Stamas and others will present an evening of music at the Gallery on Friday, Dec. 11, and on Saturday, Dec. 19, the Pathways Gallery will hold a grand opening celebration to start the new season. All are welcome to all events that are scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Chilmark Tavern.

The continuing mild weather has been a help to the outdoor work required in the restoration of some of Chilmark’s old houses. The Mayhew-Meinelt house continues to be transformed. The Adams-Tilton-Scott house on South Road is undergoing a freshening up now that Peter and Sally Scott are settling in to year round life in the family home built in 1845.

Holiday lights are going on all over town. The display in front of the Hancock Real Estate office is very attractive with golden deer and many lights. Thanks for the cheer, happy holidays to Deb.

Kelly Sullivan, popular Edgartown school music teacher, is asking for your help in improving the life of her handicapped brother who needs a better handicap accessible van. Please call her at 603-505-1343 or go to Fundrazr.com (Wheels for Brian Sullivan). An auction will be held at the Portuguese American Club on Friday, Dec. 11. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the auction is at 7 p.m. Please call Kelly or Mark Kokoszka for more information.

Send Chilmark news to slaterjn@comcast.net.