I can smell the pies baking — warm cinnamon and apples, pumpkin with a little nutmeg and gooey pecan ready to be topped with a little vanilla ice cream. I close my eyes and envision turkeys being basted in a warm oven by a charming grandmother in the wee hours of the morning before everyone else rolls out of bed. The water is bubbling over on the stove because the pot is filled to the top with potatoes ready for mashing. Rolls are coming out of the oven just golden on top after being created from great, great auntie’s recipe.

Pre-meal walks are being coordinated with friends and family in preparation for later in the day when the belt might need to be loosened. The door opens and closes as relatives appear, having driven from across town or flown in from across the country. Perhaps, if you find a moment in between the preparations, hugs and seaside strolls, you will be sure to have an attitude of gratitude for all things big and small. Take a moment to pay a compliment and remind yourself to use the short but sweet phrase, thank you.

I am thankful to know Anne and Hal Noyes who had an extended visit with grandkids Ella and Lathrop Keene along with their parents Hillary and John. Granddaughter Adelaide was off at Regis University in Denver and Thea was at the Island School on the island of Eleuthera so Ella and Lathrop got to revel in a little extra attention. Adelaide is now home for the Thanksgiving holiday and John and Hillary have paid a visit to Thea. What joy it brings to have parents be able to witness their child immerse themselves in an academic environment that allows them to develop their true sense of self.

I am thankful to hear all the fun details of the class of 1973’s 45th reunion from Barbara Armstrong. It was a fun-filled two-day event with the highlight landing them at the Ocean View for a group meal and a whole lot of reminiscing. Just shy of 40 people were in attendance and a noteworthy percentage have ties to the town. The following people either attended the Chilmark School, now live in Chilmark or manage to check off both boxes: Blue Cullen, David Norton, Wayne Kurth, Marsha Mason, Kendall Harris, Kathy Smith, Robyn Kahl and, of course, Barbara. It wasn’t just the classmates that had an opportunity to partake in the festivities. Two of their former teachers, Doug Herr and Joe Grillo, also embarked on the adventure down memory lane. And, just to put things into perspective, Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree topped the US and UK pop charts that very same year.

I am thankful we have an exceptional new town nurse whom many of you likely already know. Lila Fisher is her name and, if you are interested in the details of our town nursing program, dial up Marina Lent at the board of health office at 508-645-2105. You can also meet Lila at the Personal Emergency Planning Presentation on Tuesday, Nov. 20 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. at the library. She and Medical Reserve Corps member Karen McPhail are ready to give you an overview of what you need to know and how to prepare for an emergency such as a hurricane or winter storm.

I am thankful to know Rev. Charlotte Wright and her husband, Don, will host an open table meal on Thanksgiving Day. All are welcome to attend the 1 p.m. meal for food, friendship and fine company. Donations or a dish to share would be appreciated but not necessary. For details or to request a ride please call 508-645-3100.

I am thankful to know El and Wren Christy, eighth-grade daughters of Todd and Jenny. They, along with their MVRHS cross-country teammates, ran to the first ever high school division championship which will send them to the state finals on Nov. 18. Wear your purple and cheer them on.

I am thankful for all of you who pay me compliments at the post office or at the grocery store or by way of a kind note delivered by snail mail or a few kind words shared by e-mail or text. I appreciate you for sharing stories of yourselves and I am grateful to have an opportunity to talk to so many interesting and insightful people.

May your Thanksgivings bring all of your wanderers from afar back home to your hearth. May you be surrounded by family, friends and good cheer. May you tell stories, sing songs and complain of full bellies. May you take a wander down a path lit by the setting sun. May you enjoy what you have and, perhaps, make your thanks last for more than one day.

Chilmark town news can be sent to squidrow@vineyard.net.