May Day — brightly colored ribbons twirling around the May Pole in the hands of the fourth and fifth grade Chilmark School students is a long standing tradition that will take place in front of the Chilmark School at 9 a.m. on May 1.

May Day is that moment when students walk the philosophical bright green path lined with bright flowers, chirping birds and the chatter of squirrels to the gateway of the unofficial start of the summer season. The celebration of May Day is a tradition at the Chilmark School that has stood the test of time. Although it has evolved over the years, May Day continues to be about showing our community pride and spirit. After the children hide from their teachers for the traditional game of “find the children”, the May Pole is the centerpiece of the morning. The students, under the tutelage of Jesse Keller from The Yard, put on a glorious display with fun music, colorful ribbons and flowers, and whole bunch of enthusiasm. The May Pole is typically followed by games organized by the fifth grade students and delivering of May Baskets filled with sweets and flowers.

In years past, the school children used to run across town to hang a basket on a Chilmarker’s door. The children would knock, run and hide awaiting the recipient to emerge and find the playful basket hangers. Eventually the tradition evolved into teachers driving the eldest students around town to hang baskets and later it progressed to parents driving students after school to keep up with tradition. Today, although the hanging of the baskets as a school activity has been reeled in to delivering them within the school there is still a secret group of community members dedicated to hanging brightly colored cone shaped baskets around town. I, for one, appreciate the sentiment of tradition and wholeheartedly enjoy the simplicity of a kind gesture unmarred by the fast paced 21st century.

It’s here. This Saturday, the 41st Women’s Symposium entitled Assumptions will be held at the Chilmark Community Center from 9 a.m. to noon. Speakers, groups and refreshments will fill your morning. For further information please call Bonnie George at 508-645-3214.

Gabe Ambulos road tripped to the land of virtue, liberty and independence for “Get Acquainted Day” at Gettysburg College. It is a springtime celebration when Gettysburg welcomes accepted students and their families. Rumor has it this is where Gabe has committed to spending the next four years. How very exciting. Be sure to ask him about the famous orange dots.

April 26 marks the one-year anniversary of Genc Brinja’s American citizenship. It is so nice to have a person of good moral character, one of the requirements of the naturalization process, as both my neighbor and brother-in-law.

A big pat on the back goes to Falmouth Academy freshman Noah Glasgow, eldest son of Molly and Eric, for his first place award at the South Shore Regional Science Fair held at Bridgewater State University back in March. Noah’s project titled Creamery Sanitation Method Efficacies Relative to Creamery Surfaces earned him the opportunity to bring his entry to the high school level MA State Science & Engineering Fair held at MIT the weekend of May 4 and 5. This event showcases the best of the high school level projects in scientific research and engineering design in Massachusetts. Go Noah!

Five years have passed since Howard B. Hillman, Jr. departed this earth. Although there was never a formal obituary run in the paper, his family decided it was time to share a few thoughts of him. Born in 1961, Howard was known for his warm smile, enveloping bear hugs, great dancing, his love of all things thrilling (driving fast, sky diving, water and downhill skiing), exploring the world and so much more. If you knew Howard please be sure to take a moment to think of him while you watch your next sunset. My love goes out to the extended Hillman family.

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.