February, with its weather so mighty and variable, lends itself to scrolling the internet for random facts to share. Here are just a few that might prompt a little dinnertime chatter. Did you know, on Feb. 19, 1884, more than 60 tornadoes struck the southern U.S.? On Feb. 20, 1872, the Metropolitan Museum of Art opened in New York. On Feb. 21, 1997 the all-digital Wheel of Fortune board was introduced. On Feb. 22, 1759 George and Martha (Curtis) Washington were married. On Feb. 23, 1896 the Tootsie Roll was introduced. On Feb. 24, 1980 the U.S. Olympic hockey team completed its Miracle on Ice by defeating Finland 4–2 to win the gold.

February in Chilmark is not necessarily as noteworthy as some of the momentous historic events that have happened over the last few centuries but, we’ve got some good stuff coming down the pike.

Saturday, Feb. 20, you’ll be able to find a whole lot of talent nestled into one great space. Adult talent, teen talent, friends, family and more will gather from 5 p.m. on for another fabulous Potluck Jam. The list of performers includes: Adam Howell, Phil daRosa, Robert Hanjian, Kasey Stevenson, Lea Hairston, Neil Howl, David Stanwood, Jemima James, Kate Taylor, Jason Bashaw, Nate D’Angelo, Rick O’Gorman, Mike Kerr, Chrysal Parrot, Anthony Esposito, Rick Padilla, Dan Mayasich, Landis Mayasich, Stephen Hart, Paul Thurlow, Musica Cielo Azul Moreau, Lisa Varno, Carole Vandal, Andy Herr, Matty Rosenthal, Brian Gager, Alex Karalekas and surely more. Steve McGuiggann, mastering the sound, will be sure to keep volumes in check.

While on my annual Valentine expedition to Chilmark Chocolates, two little birds cheeped some information to me. The little birds (no, of course it wasn’t Mary Beth Grady and Onnie Palmer) shared that Tony Palmer would celebrate his 40th on the 14th. Cake, dinner and lots of laughs surrounded this very special Valentine celebrant!

And two little lovelies turned four on the 14th. Happy fourth to Duke and Zeke Broderick. The fun loving twins celebrated with the help of their big brother Hunter.

Claire Ganz is in the thick of it as she prepares for her interactive installation Part of Me at Pathways Connecting Creations Show. Doors open in their space at the Chilmark Tavern on Friday, Feb. 26 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. with the presentation kicking off at 7 p.m.

Constance Messmer, spearheading the grassroots group LOVEmv, is, along with her team of volunteers, working on a comprehensive approach to keeping our Island beautiful. The basic idea of LOVEmv is to address litter on our roads, in our woods, in our waterways, and on our beaches. The team, in conjunction with town highway departments, the refuse district, and more, is working to create a program that addresses all of these clean and green needs. Constance would love to hear from anyone willing to volunteer a bit of their time. If you can help with anything — grant writing, Portuguese translation, creative advertising designs, a radio interview, financial support, simply getting the word out — connect with Constance via phone, 508-645-3612, or email Constance@constancemessmer.com.

Folks are circulating town with nomination papers. Can you believe it’s that time of year again? Most of our elected officials are running for another term as incumbents — Clarissa Allen for board of assessors and site review, Mitch Posin for planning board, Keith Emin for tree warden, Susan Murphy for finance committee and me for board of health (forgive me if I inadvertently missed you).

We have two folks in town who have taken out papers for seats on the planning board: Chris MacLeod, who is currently filling the remainder of Dan Greenbaum’s term, and Peter Cook, who has recently moved to town year round.

Sadly, Jonathan Mayhew has opted not to run for reelection. A big pat on the back goes to Jonathan for his dedication to our town. We all know the role of selectman can be a thankless job so, thank you.

Although he won’t be able to fill Jonathan’s shoes (because really, who can?), Jim Malkin has taken out his papers and offers to, if elected, do his very best to represent our townspeople fairly. In a conversation with Jim, he summarized his thoughts on running by stating that: "serving on the finance committee, the human resource board, the Squibnocket committee as well as other town projects, [he] feels that it is important to be involved in town government. Relying on the people of this town is vital to Chilmark’s character and future.”

Sadly, Heather Quinn, our dynamic Chilmark Preschool director, is not running for reelection, but we have two folks vying for one seat on the board of library trustees. Zoe (Pechter) Thompson and Candy Shweder are both interested in filling the vacancy. I was lucky enough to connect with Zoe the other day over a cup of tea and a block-stacking session with her one-year-old daughter, Nell. Zoe, born and raised in Summit, N.J., moved to the Vineyard in 2001 and shortly after opened the beloved Riley’s Reads bookstore in Vineyard Haven. Until its closing in 2011, it offered an impeccable selection of children’s books and was a favorite pitstop for many a youngster, including my own. After acquiring her master’s degree in library science from Simmons, Zoe put her great ideas and infectious enthusiasm to use as the Oak Bluffs children’s librarian. Right now, Zoe has taken on the role of full-time mom, but her passion for books and what a library can offer to its community has struck a chord with her since hearing of the vacancy on the board of trustees.

Also, there is an opportunity for someone to step into town politics. There will be a vacancy on the cemetery commission. Stop by the town hall for more information on what it entails and/or to pick up nomination papers.

Bill Fielder was in town over the long weekend for a much-needed reconnect with family and community. He spent time with his brothers Dave and Brad and his folks Chris (Flanders) and Evan. My house was one he visited. We were lucky enough to hear about the A he received on his last exam, in addition to the enthusiasm he has for learning the law.

Newsflash! Josh and Lindsey (Hauck) Scott’s Beetlebung Farm Meat is not only available at Beetlebung Tree Care on Cournoyer Road in West Tisbury but, it’s now available at Cronig’s Market. Nitrate-free bacon, breakfast, garlic and red wine, sweet Italian and hot Italian sausage will certainly perk up any meal. Check out the Beetlebungfarm.com website for all the products they offer. You needn’t be in town as they’ll coordinate shipping, too.

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.