Chilmark greets us with wind and rain this morning and promises to turn into a winter northeaster tomorrow. There is never a dull weather moment in New England. And, unfortunately, our national news has pretty much the same element of surprise these days. When is the best time to watch the news? Watch in the morning and the day is tinged, watch at night and sleep is elusive Oh, well, my solution is to watch the weather report and get on with my Chilmark life!

Tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 11, is the date of two events scheduled by the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group to take place at the Harbor View hotel in Edgartown. There will be a presentation at 4 p.m. with free admission called Managing and Farming the Waters of Martha’s Vineyard. A dinner, Romancing the Oyster, will begin at 6 p.m. at the cost of $15.

The MV Museum’s opening of the weathervane exhibit last week was well attended, and I am happy to tell you that Jim Morgan, creator of many of those on display, was in attendance and enjoyed answering questions and telling stories about his creations. The show is well worth the trip to Edgartown. Check the museum for hours, 508-627-4441.

Mark your calendars for the next musical potluck at the Chilmark Community Center, scheduled for Feb. 20.

Chilmark is currently applying for a federal grant for the upcoming costs of the changes to Squibnocket beach. The grants are offered by NOAA.

Our town clerk reminds us that if you are running for election or re-election to any of the town jobs you need to pick up nomination papers and collect the required 25 signatures in order to be on the ballot in April.

The preliminary screening committee to find a new police chief for Chilmark has scheduled meetings with the selectmen for Feb. 13, 15 and if necessary, 16. And, the cemetery commission is interviewing for a superintendent. Tom Bena, Chilmark filmmaker, now has his documentary, One Big Home, showing every other Sunday at the Edgartown Cinemas. Chilmark sends condolences to the extended family and many friends of Tip Kenyon, who died on Jan. 22 in Wayland. He and his late wife, Kit, were popular Chilmark residents, summer and then year-round, for many years. They were both active in town affairs and events and have been missed. A memorial service will be held at the Central Presbyterian Church in Summit, N.J. on Feb. 11.

Chilmark artist Wendy Weldon invites us to a show at the West Tisbury Library. It is called a monoprint/monotype show and features two Chilmark artists, Wendy Weldon and Marjorie Mason. The show will run through Feb. 28.

Pathways continues to offer many interesting events in the arts at the Chilmark Tavern in midtown Chilmark. Please see their website for up to date events, pathwaysmv.org. This is a very impersonal column. At this time of year, we see each other at the post office or not. We are used to it but it must seem strange to you who read the column in the real world. I did meet Kevin Boreri, who is originally from Newport, R.I., at the post office this week. He is a single parent, renting on Hammett Lane and coaching assorted sports. He was proud to tell me his daughter is a student at Dartmouth College.

A year ago I was in Melbourne, Australia, on this date. Just remembering how much the same only different life in other places seems.

The Gazette wishes Chilmark columnist Jane Slater a very happy birthday on Feb. 15.

Send Chilmark news to slaterjn@comcast.net.