Chilmark’s parents, teachers and neighbors all thank our party elf-in-residence, Katie Carroll, for another successful Halloween party at the community center on Monday evening. The Chilmark Volunteer Firefighter’s Association sponsors this annual party but Katie is responsible for organizing and producing the event. There was the annual costume judging and then sweet treats for all. Here’s Katie’s report.

“Children gathered with friends and family to take photos, nibble on pizza, stroll for a costume parade and receive a goodie bag to kick off the evening of hunting and gathering for sweets about town. This year’s costume parade was judged by Linda Coutinho, Brooks Carroll and Alysha Norbury. They, as always, had a very difficult time deciding who the best in show were for 2016 but managed to narrow it down to: best animal, Billy Confolone (Dalmatian); cutest, Hailey Mayhew (Pippi Longstocking); best insect, Kiala Weiner (butterfly); greatest magician, Kestutis Biskis; best dragon, Sawyer Briggs; most outer space, Clara Athearn and Laina Benoit (conjoined aliens); best homemade, Ella Keene (Rubik’s Cube); best pumpkin, Ernestine Mancho; and best witch, Emily Houser. A few special prizes were awarded as well. Tauras Biskis received the Chilmark Firefighter Award. The creepiest costume award went for the fifth year in a row to Hunter Broderick, who handmade his face mask which was reminiscent of that in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The best costume award was a group effort. That went to the Nasa Space Team, Quinlan and Corrick Slavin and cousin Gustave Manchon. This trio had a space shuttle and all. In addition to the members of the fire department, a heartfelt thank you goes out to all of you who turned your lights on and opened your doors to our towns adorable, creepy, howling ghouls and ghosts.”

Thanks go to those who joined Katie in providing Chilmark children with a wonderful trick or treat evening.

Chilmark gathered on Saturday afternoon to say farewell to our beloved neighbor, friend and Chilmark children’s librarian, Kristin Maloney. We hope the large turnout and sincere tributes were some comfort to her grieving family and friends. A sense of her presence will remain in Chilmark and at the library for all of us who knew and loved her.

The Martha’s Vineyard Horse Council presented the Fall Fuzzy Horse Show at the Agricultural Hall last Saturday. Some of the horses and riders were in Halloween costumes, to the amusement of all. A number of Island horse farms were represented, among them were Pond View, Arrowhead, Woodbe, Tashmoo and Netherfield. Did you know that horse coats get fuzzy in the fall when their winter coats grow? I did not know this but now do!

This is a last reminder of the Women’s Symposium fall meeting on Nov. 5 at the community center from 9 a.m. to noon. The subject will be forgiveness and there will be speakers, discussions and refreshments.

Julie Flanders entertained three friends from her college days at Bates. Those attending the mini-reunion were Eva Hamore, Kathy Greenfield, and Christy Bunn.

Talk continues about the restoration of old houses in Chilmark. The historical commission is happy to note that at the present time there are a number of old Chilmark houses being restored. The Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation is restoring the Mayhew-Mitchell house at Quansoo. The Terry Meinelt family is restoring the Mayhew-Meinelt house on South Road, originally built in 1732 by the same family that owns it today. The Harris house and brick barn on North Road are being restored and there are plans to begin work on the Hilliard Mayhew-Vytlacil house at Squibnocket. The Hammett farmhouse on North Road is also being saved.

We send condolences to the family and many friends of Richard (Dick) Leeson of Chilmark and South Dartmouth, who died Oct. 24. He was a renowned fisherman and outdoorsman who won the Derby and fished many of them with success. He had many friends here among the fishermen who knew him and his boat, Kittiwake IV. He is survived by a large and loving family who will miss him and his exuberant love of life.

The Vineyard Montessori School is hosting a fourth annual Truckin’ MV event on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the high school. There will be refreshments available. It is an interactive family-friendly event that allows children to see, touch and explore their favorite big vehicles.

Send Chilmark news to slaterjn@comcast.net.