Breaking news! This just in! Newsflash! Exclusive! These are some of the many catchphrases one can use to enhance a headline or grab your attention when something truly exciting is going to follow. In this particular instance, one of our community members has joined the 21st century. Yes, folks, Steve McGhee has taken that momentous leap and purchased a smartphone. I would say something of this magnitude is worthy of proclamation. Although I don’t recommend constant attention be paid to the glowing screen, I do acknowledge how very handy having the power of the internet at your fingertips can be.

Welcome back to the joys of fresh air and sunlight—although there hasn’t been a lot of it—to Spider Andresen who managed to find himself laid up for a couple of weeks. It’s so nice to have his smile, laughter and need for technological support back in the mix.

Congratulations to Ben Poole, youngest child of Patty and Matt, who was named to the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division 3 Men’s All-East Region Third Team. Ben is a senior at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. According to the Skidmore athletics release, it’s the first all-region nod for the three-time All-Liberty League honoree. Ben helped the Thoroughbreds to seven shutouts while playing every minute as a center back. He has been a soccer whiz since his mini-kicker days.

Irene at the library has some fun craft projects lined up and is in need of contributions of baby food jars and those fun little circular boxes that brie and camembert cheeses often are stored in. If you have any of these items lined up for the trash or recycling, divert them to the library pronto. She and the crafters will be appreciative.

The second in the trio of Offerings of Music and Light is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 9 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Chilmark Church. Lia Littlefield Kahler has worked tirelessly to line up a wonderful group of musicians, singers, dancers and readers including, to name a few, Philip Dietterich, Jesse Keller, Warren Doty, Kate Taylor, Susan Klein, Dana Edelman, Jan Heyer, Ed Merck and Lia herself. This free event gives folks an opportunity to brighten December’s darker days. Candle lighting and refreshments will round out the joy-filled evening. The third in the series will be Dec. 16.

Perhaps, make an evening of it and circle the Bight to check out some lights. Deb Hancock has kicked the Christmas spirit into high gear with her beautifully decorated real estate office and the bottom of North Road. Festive lights are also hanging at the Copperworks and the Texaco.

Next Saturday is the day many of you have been waiting for. The Chilmark Holiday Flea Market at the CCC will surely draw a crowd during the hours between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Yummy food including chowder, sandwiches and desserts will make it a perfect pitstop for lunch. The church table covered in seasonal items including handmade centerpieces: it’s special when you know Kim, Kathie, Emily and more made them. Freshly cut greens will surely catch your eye along with jewelry, candles, pottery, art and more created by local artisans. If you haven’t started your Christmas shopping, this might be just the place to jump-start the process.

Caleb Slater spent a week at his mother Jane’s Basin Road home. He split the week between wearing his blaze-orange deer hunting and staffing the state forest weigh station on Fire Road 56. Chris joined the fun for the weekend and the two enjoyed breakfast at the Black Dog before returning to everyday life.

Coast Guard sector Cmdr. Capt. Chris Glander visited station Menemsha for his first official unit visit. While in town, Dallas Ricker received a nomination as station Menemsha’s Sailor of the Quarter and was awarded the Commandant’s Letter of Commendation Ribbon. He’s made significant, lasting improvements to the interior of the station and is a vital member of the team. And, if that wasn’t exciting enough, Santa allowed his reindeer to rest up for their Christmas adventure so swooped in to see the station kids by helicopter.

Although she was born three months ago, on Sept. 8, Sophie Ginsburg hasn’t had the official town column welcome until now. Welcome, Sophie, The adorable little peanut is soaking up the love of her folks, Moxie and David, at their Loon Farm home.

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