Chilmark is host to many happy and well-fed guests and residents today. As I write, it is all still to happen. I hope your happenings were as cheery and full filling as I hope mine will be.

The warm weather has given the holiday season a different sort of mood. Everyone enjoys the mild weather but, because they are Yankees, they are fearful of what the future winter will be.

We have some new guests at Beetlebung Corner this week. A sizable herd of attractive sheep are enjoying the still green grass in the Fischer field around the pond at the corner of Middle Road and Menemsha Cross Road. I suspect they are headed for the larder but they are a handsome breed with black heads.

Congratulations to Bradley Carroll who is heading off to the College of William and Mary in Virginia. We send her congratulations and best of luck.

We are all concerned about the health of Jackie Flynn Brown who is, at this writing, in Massachusetts General Hospital suffering the complications of asthma. Jackie and her sister, Karen, and brother, Michael Flynn, are the trio that keeps the Bite in Menemsha running smoothly every summer. They have many friends who are all hoping Jackie will be home soon. Best wishes from us all.

Kerin Wetmore enjoyed a few days in Chilmark this week visiting with her many friends here. She presently lives in Cambridge.

We send best wishes to Chuck Hodgkinson who has had his second knee operation this week. He should be moving around town hall next week with ease.

Hospitality Homes is being launched by the Island churches. They will provide a warm place to stay overnight to anyone who might need it. There are many reasons: being homeless and or being out of heating fuel are a couple of reasons. The churches have divided up the week and beginning Jan. 1 and going through to Thursday, March 31 this will be the schedule: Monday and Thursday nights at the Federated Church at 45 S. Summer street in Edgartown; Friday nights at Grace Episcopal Church on Woodlawn avenue at William Street,

Vineyard Haven; and Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday and Sunday nights at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church at 34 N. Summer street in Edgartown.

The Martha’s Vineyard Island Clergy Association sponsors Hospitality Homes. They are offering bedding, dinner and breakfast to all in need — both for singles and families. If you have further questions please ask at your local church.