Fear not, let me assure Jane’s faithful readers that our steadfast columnist is but taking a brief leave of absence from her computer desk. She will return to you in a few short weeks with newsy goodness galore.

As most of you know, I like to reference things that happened at this time some years ago. In March of 1924 a lot of interesting things happened. The first Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix, France. George Gershwin’s Rhapsody In Blue premiered at Carnegie Hall. King Tut’s tomb was opened. Happy Birthday To You was published by Claydon Sunny. This last reference is most noteworthy because it was released just in time for the birth of James Douglas Morgan. On March 30 Mr. Morgan completes rounding the sun 93 times. He has had a fascinating life of fishing, carving, raising children, participating in town affairs and more. Although I see his smiling face when he tools around with his bride Roberta, I look forward to the day when their Harbor Craft Shop is open and I will be able to wander by, stop and chat for a moment or two.

In March of 1947 the U.S. men’s figure skating championship was won by Richard (Dick) Button. XB-45, the first U.S. 4-engine jet bomber, made its first test flight in Muroc, Calif. Our 33rd President, Harry Truman, introduced the Truman doctrine to fight communism. A 180-ton blue whale was caught in the South Atlantic. Among other fascinating moments in 1947, one of the most significant was the birth of our Aquinnah columnist, June Manning. June was wowed by her son Paul and daughter in law Theresa with a surprise gathering of family and friends to celebrate her special day. Most of us know June as one of those amazing people who is always (and I mean always!) giving of herself. It seemed appropriate and fitting to make her the center of attention on her, shhh, 70th birthday.

A newsy tidbit comes from Irene Tewksbury at the Chilmark Library. She shares that Oak Bluffs resident Holly St. John Bergon will lead a discussion on the work of poet Elizabeth Bishop on Wednesday, April 5 at 5:30 p.m. as part of the Islanders Read the Classics series as well as celebrating National Poetry Month. Admission is free for anyone who would like to participate and fear not, you needn’t read the month’s selection ahead of time. But for those who are interested, the monthly selection can be ordered from any of the Island libraries. Call 508-645-3360 for more information.

Silver medal winners.

This Saturday marks the annual Chilmark School PTO fundraiser. Since it is being held on April 1, it seems fitting the theme is A Fools Bash. A nominal $20 donation allows you to gain entry into the community center from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., and the scent of fresh-made desserts will overcome your senses. You will be brought to tears by comedian Rafi and a little pep will be thrown into your step with the rocking tunes of Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish. Don’t forget a checkbook so you can bid on a wide assortment of both live and silent auction items. Tickets are available through all school parents, at Menemsha Texaco, and at the door.

Speaking of the Chilmark School, a group of lucky students facilitated by mom Molly Chvatal had a very exciting overnight at the Museum of Science in Boston. Katherine and Elizabeth Chvatal, Oona and Emme Carroll, Laila Fenner, Laina Benoit, Grazina Biskis, Jean Flanders, and Clara Athearn slept amongst the dinosaurs and under the stars but, from what I hear, didn’t have a Night at the Museum experience quite like Ben Stiller did in his movie role as Museum of Natural History’s night watchman.

Eighth grader Brooks Carroll and fellow classmates Menasha Leport of Aquinnah and Rachel Salop of West Tisbury are currently collecting items for their first official fundraiser through Project 351. The trio is collecting goods including new or gently used clothing and shoes for newborn through eighth grade through April 5. Additionally, they are collecting new socks, underwear and pajamas for the same age group along with coloring supplies, pens, calculators and child-friendly toiletries. Items can be dropped off at the West Tisbury School or Menemsha Texaco.

As most of you know, town meeting will take place on April 24 and one of the items back on the warrant is regarding the sale of malt beverages and wine in restaurants in town. Jenna Petersiel from Chilmark Tavern will be holding an informational session/discussion on Monday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m. at Chilmark Tavern/Pathways Gathering Space about the article. All are welcome to attend.

Tim Carroll, our town’s executive secretary, shares that with the promotion of Jonathan Klaren from Chilmark police sergeant to chief, a vacancy for sergeant has been posted with a deadline of April 3. Chief Klaren’s promotion ceremony held at last weeks selectmen’s meeting was well attended by family, friends and a whole sea of blue uniforms. With nearly 30 years on the job, Jonathan will serve our community with clarity, fairness and honor. Heartfelt congratulations!

Congratulations to Chilmark kids Graham Stearns, Fynn Monahan and Jack Lionette and the Martha’s Vineyard Youth Hockey teams that participated in the CAN/AM Hockey tournament March 23-26 in Lake Placid, N.Y.. Our Vineyard Squirt, Peewee and Bantam teams challenged players from across the United States and Canada in a four-game tournament. The Bantam team won three of the four games, with a tie for second place. The last two games were played on the historic ice of the 1980 Winter Olympics which ended with the Mariners taking home the silver after battling with the Guelph Gryphons of Ontario, Canada. The Vineyard team had the least goals scored against in the tournament which aided in the securing of their second place position. This was a fun and rewarding experience that demonstrated our small Island teams can compete throughout the country.

Sixth grader Cali Giglio hit those little yellow balls perfectly with her racquet and won her 12 and under age group at a tournament this past weekend in Easton. She is really becoming a superstar on the courts.

Sarah Doyle and daughter Ava Stearns have spent the better part of the winter in Wellington, Fla. for the Winter Equestrian Festival held at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Ava has had an overall spectacular show season and recently was named reserve champion in the 10th annual George H. Morris Excellence in Equitation Championship. The event was held in three rounds with each eliminating a group of riders. Ava and her mount Eclipse secured the red ribbon in the final round. The nice thing is Ava truly enjoys what she does and has a whole lot of fun competing, learning and meeting new people.

Say, did you see those snazzy new roadside dispensers at Menemsha Texaco? We are hopeful their simple stainless steel mechanical design free from any digital components will stand up to the harsh elements that swirl around the bight. It amazes me the tiny little nooks and crannies grains of sand can blow into.

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.