Chilmark’s annual spring town meeting drew a crowd on Monday last with approximately 250 voters turning out for a long night of discussion and voting on town government. Our able town moderator, Everett Poole, kept everything going with his patience and his gavel. We are a lucky town to have citizens who are interested and willing to turn out and pay attention to issues.

Now we move on to a busy summer of work and play. Up-Islanders are looking forward to having the Menemsha Market run again by Kevin and Elizabeth Oliver, who ran it for 15 years but took a break while their children were young. They are hoping to be open on Memorial Day weekend. We will miss Debbie Packer and her interesting shop but she will be running a business in Vineyard Haven this summer. Good luck to all!

I spotted a sign in Betsy Larsen’s fish market window that says she is planning to open on May 4.

Stanley Larsen’s Menemsha Fish Market is currently open and should you come to Menemsha for lunch or for the early sunset, there is chowder and fresh fish at his market.

Josh Aronie will continue to offer lunch from his food truck until May 1.

The popular Tavern restaurant will be opening on May 18.

We send condolences this week to the many friends and family of Robert Kinnecom, a former classmate of mine from Tisbury School and a friend who liked to stop by my Menemsha shop every summer and reminisce about the old days. He will be missed by many and memories of him will remain with us.

Cape Light Compact is offering a limited time increase to the recycling rebate for refrigerators and freezers. Please visit capelightcompactg.org for details.

Chilmark artist Heather Sommers is back at her State Road home after some winter traveling in the west.

Betsy Cornwall is in from New York city for some time at her home overlooking Stonewall Beach.

The mid-century modern architecture lecture series continues at the Chilmark library on May 10. Peter McMahon will lecture on Modern Architecture on the Cape and Islands. Surprisingly, Chilmark has a number of special mid-century homes and it is our hope to learn more about them and make plans for preserving them as good examples of the changes in architecture styles of the 20th century.

The semi-annual meeting of the women’s symposium will gather at the Chilmark Community Center on Saturday, April 29, at 9 a.m. They offer talks, discussion groups and refreshments and conclude at noon. Donations are requested to cover costs and women from throughout the Island are welcome to attend. It is a popular event and arriving early ensures convenient parking.

The Dukes Conservation District is offering a lecture and discussion on May 9 entitled What’s The Buzz on Native Bees and how you can put them to work on your crops. Linda Pinta, a farmer and bee keeper, will offer the lecture at the Agricultural Hall from 7 to 9 p.m. All are welcome at no charge.

Dance the Yard is offering a movie, The Blue of Distance, to be shown at the Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 29. Visit their website for more information. The Yard will begin spring and summer programs in May.

Chilmark artist James J. Langlois’s works are on display at the Playhouse Art Space in Vineyard Haven. His show is called Mostly Black and White and will be on display until May 18.

Please find a minute to email me your news, dates of your business openings and any other chat that we all enjoy sharing.

Send Chilmark news to slaterjn@comcast.net.