Chilmark looks very good to these weary eyes. I am happy to be home from two weeks down under. Celia Slater, my 17-year-old granddaughter, travelled with me to Melbourne, Australia, where we were royally entertained by our Mosher cousin who lives in Essendon, a nearby suburb of Melbourne. She led us on a detailed tour of the whole state of Victoria and we enjoyed every minute. I came home planning to fill dull winter columns with travel tales but it appears spring has upstaged me and life in Chilmark is moving more rapidly. I shall have to fit the stories in as we go along.

I am writing mid-day on primary Tuesday and am looking forward to helping count the votes tonight. Hard to believe it is really as it appears.

Many thanks to Katie Carroll who wrote up all the news and happenings of Chilmark while I was away. I do appreciate her gift with words and her willingness to help out.

Marshall, Katie and Brooks travelled to the College of William and Mary in Virginia to visit with Bradley, who is newly enrolled and enjoying her life there. While they were in the area, the family visited Jamestown, the site of the earliest settlement in the country. You may remember that several years ago the archeologist Bill Kelso came to Chilmark and spoke at the Chilmark Historical Commission’s annual August program. He told us about excavating the area and hoping to find the gravesite and bones of Bartholomew Gosnold, discoverer of our islands. It seems he was successful and the Carroll family was able to view, under glass, the bones now believed to be those of our explorer, Gosnold.

Chilmark joins me in sending condolences to the family of Virginia Davis of Hobe Sound, Fla. and Abel’s Hill, Chilmark. She died on Jan. 28. For many years she and her late husband, Donald, raised their family and maintained busy summer lives in Chilmark until retiring here to continue their many community involvements. Ginny served as an active president of the Friends of the Chilmark Library and was a very successful and tireless fundraiser during the construction years of the library. She also served on other boards and committees, all of them benefiting from her hard work. She is missed by her many friends in Chilmark and her works are still appreciated.

We send condolences to the family and friends of Charles Close, who died in Key West on Jan. 22. He was 79. Charles had a prominent part in that endless summer of Chilmark folk music that was part of some of our pasts. He was most often seen sailing or playing either the banjo or guitar and went on to some success in the folk music scene. He had many friends here who always thought he would be back. I am reminded of the line from a James Taylor song…I always thought I would see you one more time again.

We send condolences to the family and friends of Robert Lunbeck who died in Audubon, Pa. on Jan. 21 at age 88. Bob and Barbara and their six children were Chilmark seasonal residents for many years before moving here year-round in 1994. Both were very active in community affairs and gave much time to important institutions. Bob was very active with the Martha’s Vineyard Museum for many years. He was laid to rest in Norristown, Pa. His many friends in Chilmark will miss him.

I am happy to report that selectman Bill Rossi is back at work and climbing stairs after successful knee surgery a short time ago.

Many Chilmark families are finding their way home after enjoying the school vacation in warmer climes.

Chris, Hope Linden and Finnegan MacLeod are home from a much enjoyed a trip to Disney World. Chris is rested up now and ready to campaign for a seat on the planning board. Good luck!

Jonathan, Mary and Emily Boyd are home from a sunny vacation in the Bahamas.

Scott and Sara Smelted are back from Kauai, Hawaii. Notice how Chilmarkers all head for an island vacation?

The Vineyard Conservation Society is hosting an up-Island information session on the proposal to ban plastic checkout bags. The session will be on Wednesday March 9 at 6 p.m. at the Chilmark Library. The article will appear on all six town warrants and would go into effect next January if passed.

Carol Shweder is hoping to be elected to the position of library trustee…just wanted to point out that she is also known as Candy and is the well known potter of Chilmark fame who has been working and selling her art for many years from her studio off Middle Road and at assorted sales markets across the Island. She and her husband have been on the Chilmark scene for many years and she has been a member of many committees and commissions. She is vice-chair of the conservation commission.

I also note that Sally Cook has taken out papers to be elected to the cemetery commission. Sally is a member of the extended Scott family that has lived in the old farmhouse on South Road for more than 50 years. We are happy to have Peter and Sally now part of the year-round community and interested in taking part in Chilmark activities. Peter is also running for a seat on the planning board.

All these contests will be resolved at the annual elections that will take place on Wednesday, April 27, polls open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The annual town meeting will be on Monday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the community center.

The Chilmark Community Church will switch to pizza nights on March 8 and continue to offer community suppers on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Please note time change. All are welcome.

Send Chilmark news to slaterjn@comcast.net.