In 1918, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, an armistice was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I. The following year Nov. 11 was commemorated as Armistice Day. In 1938, Nov. 11 became a federal holiday in the United States and, in 1954, in the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became legally known as Veterans Day. Be sure to acknowledge the day not by simply thinking of it as a day that allows a long weekend but by showing your gratitude to our veterans. Attend a parade, talk to a veteran about their story, fly a flag with pride, write a letter — these are all simple ways to express appreciation to members of our military, past and present.

Congratulations to Wayne Iacono for completing and being recognized for his Boat Crew qualification with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-9. Now that he is Crew-qualified he can assist in, among other things, safety patrols, boat parades and chart update patrols. He, along with other auxiliarists, also work with USCG Station Menemsha in training missions. If you are interested in more information, please email uscgauxmv@gmail.com.

Wanda (Murphy) and Burt Irion ventured to town from their home in Pennsylvania to visit with family and friends. Not only did they catch up with Wanda’s mother, Valerie, but Carl and Sherry (Murphy) Flanders and a whole bunch of other folks who like to chat and reminisce like Paul and Beth Mayhew.

It’s been a big couple of weeks for high schooler, Ava Stearns, daughter of Sarah Doyle and Bret. Ava and her trusty partner, North Run’s Eclipse, had a big win at the 2017 Washington International Horse Show. Ava was a rock star and, yes, she pulled off a memorable win in both the hunter and jumper phases of the competition. Shortly after returning home, Ava took the driving test and, yes folks, she earned her license and is behind the wheel without a parent in the passenger seat. Now Ms. Ava is off to Kentucky for more competition. We are rooting for you.

On the very same day of Ava’s road test, Kelly Klaren, daughter of Jonathan and Kim, walked out of the Registry of Motor Vehicles with her license in hand. What a way to kick off the Halloween festivities. Congratulations to both lovely ladies.

Calling all commercial fishermen, Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust will hold an open meeting at the West Tisbury Library. The board of directors, which includes a number of Chilmarkers — John Keene, Stanley Startzell, Matt Mayhew, Wes Brighton and myself — will be on hand to share information and facilitate conversation about the recently released conch permit lease application, general concerns regarding topics such as wind farms impact and fisherman’s needs. Questions about the meeting can be sent along to mvfishermen@gmail.com. As always, pizza will be served.

A thank you shout out goes to Lev Wlodyka for wrestling a piece of pipe which washed up in the channel. It could have truly been a detrimental navigational hazard but thanks to his quick work, he lashed it to the jetty and shared the information with the right folks. Bret Stearns, Natural Resource officer for the Tribe, a few of his trusty assistants, a couple of young Coast Guardsmen and Dennis Jason, our harbormaster, managed to remove it from the channel. Our mariners thank you.

Sunday is a very big day for the youngest child of Meg and Dan Athearn. Miss Penny will be celebrating her fifth birthday. Five isn’t quite as big a milestone birthday as, say, double digits such as 13, 18 or 21, but it’s pretty darn close. Happy birthday Penelope Louise.

Well wishes and speedy recovery to Robert Elliston who underwent cataract surgery this week. May your eyesight be enlightening.

And to close, here is a note from Jane Slater:

Many Chilmark folk of my era and surrounding will remember Barbara Whidden Day who grew up as a seasonal returning resident of Chilmark. Barbara and her husband Bob, after a continued seasonal residence, retired to West Tisbury where they have lived for many years. Alas, time doesn’t stand still for any of us and it has become necessary for them to live with more supervised care. They have relocated in Sarasota near their son, Matthew and his family. Their address is: The Reverend Robert C. Day and Barbara Day, Bay Village, 8400 Vamo Road, Sarasota, Fl., 34231, Room 267. They will be happy to hear from their many Vineyard friends.

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.