In baseball, a pinch hitter is a substitute batter. In academics, a substitute teacher is a person who temporarily teaches class when the regular teacher is unavailable. A stand-in is a person who substitutes for an actor, usually during the set-up phase of filming. I’m not exactly sure if there’s a coined term for a substitute writer but, if there is, it’s defined as Katie Carroll this week.

I’d like to extend get well wishes to Jane who, after being her very spunky outspoken self at Chilmark’s annual town meeting, felt a little off. She took a ride in an ambulance, ventured off to Falmouth Hospital and now has a fancy gizmo implanted, setting the pace for her heart. Here’s to a speedy recovery and good health, Jane. We are looking forward to having you back around the Crick.

Monday evening’s annual town meeting was well attended and 35 articles were addressed by our faithful moderator, Everett Poole. Some items breezed over quickly and others took a little more time for discussion, heartfelt sentiment and a bit of debate. To sum it up, for those who were not there, the town highway department will be acquiring a work truck, Chilmark joined Vineyard Haven, Edgartown and West Tisbury in banning the use of plastic bags, the Menemsha restrooms have funds approved for a bit of sprucing up and Chilmarkers opted to remain a dry town in keeping with its longtime tradition.

This past Sunday, a memorial service was held to say farewell to George Szilassy who, sadly, died this past November. The service was facilitated by the Chilmark Fire Department as George was a longtime member. Chief David Norton recounted the tales of George’s early years on the Vineyard. After arriving for a weekend in the 1970s he simply never left and a few years later turned his six month Menemsha lease into a 20 year pit stop. George was not only a dedicated fire fighter but was deeply committed to his “real job” as a painter. He had done exteriors, interiors, trim and his favorite 12/12 windows from Aquinnah to West Chop. We’ve seen a dip in coffee sales at the Texaco. George was known to line a box with seven cups of Joe, sit a spell or, perhaps, all afternoon, sip and chat. His presence is sorely missed.

Potluck Jam 36 is the thing to do Saturday night. The CCC will certainly be a happening spot filled with tons of local talent. Alex Karalekas, event coordinator, shares that there will be a superb line up of musicians ready to take stage and thoroughly entertain.

This past Tuesday, the most recent class of EMTs took their final exam. I am certain we will have a great group of newly certified EMTs going into service this summer. Among others, our very own Meg Athearn, mom of Clara, Zeb and Penny, and Phil Hollinger, nail pounder and fisherman extraordinaire, will meet their numbers and earn their certifications.

Something else happened on Tuesday, April 26. Chris Fischer, of Beetlebung Farm, went home with an “Oscars of the food world.” He was nominated, honored and awarded for The Beetlebung Farm Cookbook at the James Beard Foundation Book, Broadcast and Journalism Awards Dinner in New York city. The JBF Awards, according to their website, “recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields and emphasize the Foundation’s mission to celebrate, nurture, and honor America’s diverse culinary heritage through programs that educate and inspire.” Congratulations, Chris! An extra shout out goes to Chris’s father, Albert O. Fischer, who is simply beaming with pride.

A culinary oddity made its way around the Island with a stroll though Menemsha for a few photo ops: an oyster affixed to a beautifully formed arrowhead. Found by Dan Tilton, at an undisclosed location, this specimen was certainly a significant topic of conversation. Apparently, Dan has been keeping his eyes open for something like this for two decades. It is certainly a momentous find.

Folks are beginning to bustle about town. Shops, restaurants and summer homes will soon be filled with life after a winter’s slumber. Betsy and Christine have been stocking and fluffing at Larsen’s Fish Market. Their doors opened yesterday. Kara Merry has been painting the floors and readying brand new summer wardrobes for all at the freshly shingled Pandora’s Box. Jon Mayhew has been working diligently to get the exterior buttoned up for opening day.

Little ones are out of their snuggly winter layers and their little legs are letting them get about more freely. I had the pleasure of bumping into Master Asa Ruel and his mum, Bea Whiting. They were picking up a package at the post office before heading to a playdate at Nell Thompson’s house. So adorable our next generation is.

Just a quick reminder, the Vineyard Conservation Society’s 24th annual beach clean-up is Saturday at 10 a.m. Supplies will be provided so all you need to supply is yourself and some enthusiasm. Virtually all of the Island beaches will be staffed by VCS volunteers but if you’d like to keep it real local, swing by Menemsha, Lucy Vincent or Squibnocket to pitch in. I am sure Mother Earth will thank you.

Save the date. A potluck lunch will take place at the town hall in honor of Jonathan Mayhew’s dedication and service on May 5 at noon. Every retiring selectmen deserves a moment of gratitude. To be surrounded by fine food, conversation and friends sounds like a perfect way to show our appreciation. Thank you Jonathan.

Send Chilmark news to slaterjn@comcast.net.