Last year when John Kosboski sold his house, packed his belongings and hopped a jet plane bound for Hawaii, I never thought it would be the last time I saw him. He was, as the proverb goes, like a bad penny, always turning up when you weren’t quite prepared. He was mischievous, cranky, argumentative and nit-picky. But he had, like that other catch phrase, a silver lining. He was thoughtful, a strong conversationalist and would certainly give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. John Kosboski’s body may no longer be with us but memories of his vibrant character are so deeply engrained that each time we look at a Chevy SS, an image of Hawaii, a copy of his favorite read, Scientific American, or a 20-ounce can of diet Arizona iced tea we will either fondly chuckle or damningly curse our dearly missed Koz, or Kos, depending on how you choose to spell it. Fair winds dear friend.

Many thanks to all who contributed to the Project 351 Cradles to Crayons drive facilitated by Brooks Carroll, Menasha Leport and Rachel Salop. Thirteen overflowing bags of clothing and child-friendly items were contributed to the cause.

This Sunday, April 16, folks will have an opportunity to attend one, two or both Easter services hosted by the Chilmark Church. There will be a 6:15 a.m. sunrise service at Squibnocket Beach lead by Pastors Vicky and Armen Hanjian. After the service, all are invited back to the Crossroads Church for a 7 a.m. breakfast, where quiche is on the menu along with a few other items. If you are interested in bringing a dish please reach out to Vicky at 508-696-8225. The second service will be held at the church at 9 a.m. Guitarist Eric Johnson will be on hand along with an opportunity for your child(ren) to attend Sunday School. An egg hunt, at which all children are welcome, will wrap up the festivities.

The Chilmark Board of Health is seeking an ecologically-grounded townsperson to act as Chilmark representative on a newly forming Tick-borne Disease Resistant Mouse Project steering committee. Briefly summarized, the project aims to reduce the incidents of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections on Martha’s Vineyard by introducing disease-resistant white-footed mice so that the native mouse population will develop disease resistant antibodies and, in time, drastically reduce the spread of tick-borne disease to humans. Practically speaking, the committee members will receive regular project updates via email and will meet occasionally. For more information, please contact Marina at the Chilmark Board of Health, 508-645-2105. Coincidentally, one of the key players in this project is friend and neighbor Joanna Buchthal of Prospect Hill.

The Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust facilitated, for the first time ever, an Island commercial fisherman safety and survival training courtesy of the Fishing Partnership. The two-day training held at the USCG Station Menemsha had approximately 35 attendees despite the wind-driven torrential rain. Instructors guided Chilmarkers Matt Mayhew, Wesley Brighton, Wayne and Vinny Iacono, Annette Cingle, harbor master Dennis Jason, and more through numerous lifesaving drills. The group donned survival suits, opened life rafts, shot flairs, extinguished fires and executed repairs on a mock sinking vessel. After a better than expected turn out, the group hopes to host the course annually.

Alan, resident Chinese goose at North Tabor Farm, has gone walkabout. The tall, lanky fellow is typically spotted in the Miller/Dix front yard but recently there have been sightings on Middle Line Road, Pasture Road, the Dump and who knows where else. Please, keep a sharp look out and report all sightings to Rebecca or Matthew at 508-645-3311.

The West Tisbury School production of Cinderella was an extraordinary success. Many Chilmark kiddos took to the stage including El and Wren Christy, Fynn Monahan, Cali Giglio, Jakie Glasgow and Jack Lionette.

Sally Cook, one of our dedicated cemetery commissioners, asked me to send out a quick plea to anyone interested in serving on the committee. Wesley Cottle, a dedicated member of the board, has decided not to seek reelection. The town certainly thanks him for his service but we find ourselves with a void. The chairman of the committee, John Flender 508-645-2526, would be happy to discuss what it entails, or simply call the town hall for more information.

The opening for Austin Pasture resident James Langlois’ art exhibit entitled Mostly Black and White is scheduled for Saturday, April 22 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse Art Space. According to Wendy Weldon, his show will run from April 21 through May 18.

Welcome home to Judy and Ted Mayhew and Emmett and Kathie Carroll. This dynamic foursome has returned from a long winter’s escape to the Florida Keys They have returned just in time to be greeted by the sound of the pinkletinks and the fragrant aroma of the daffodils.

Great news hot off the presses! Liz and Kevin Oliver will be back at the helm of Menemsha Market for the 2017 season Debbie Packer has turned over her keys to the reliable Oliver couple and we all know they are capable of running it as a fine-tuned machine. Their season opening will be sooner rather than later so be sure to keep an eye open. What a treat to have them back at the Crick.

In celebration, or perhaps just coincidentally, the Oliver clan—Kevin, Liz, Solon, Barrett, Delilah and Hollis — headed off the rock Monday to enjoy a Celtics game. There is nothing quite like family fun.

Be sure to stop by the North Tabor Farm Stand. Their hens are laying up a storm so eggs Benedict, quiche, fried, scrambled, and over easy should be on your spring time menu. Enjoy they local bounty while it’s flush.

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.