In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.” 

Written three centuries ago, this quote, although it was written as a reminder to achieve perfection, has become somewhat of a preface to annual New Year’s resolutions.

This year is in the process of wrapping up with a few noteworthy holiday moments and a few things coming down the pike.

Matt and Molly (Peach) Mayhew have set off on their year-long working adventure to New Zealand. Chilmark is going to be a little less bright without them but I, for one, look forward to enjoying occasional updates from halfway around the globe and, for their family, with each day that passes it’s easier knowing they are one day closer to coming home.

Caleb, Chris and Celia Slater spent a long holiday weekend with Jane at her Basin Road home. Sarah, Aaron, Jack and Scott Bennett added to the excitement at the Slater home. Dog walks, beach walks, dinners, lunches and lots of laughter filled the hours of days spent together.

My folks, Frank Tamoshunas and Diana Lees, both ventured to town for the holidays. My dad cast out and wet a line. Catching would have been an added bonus. My mom chatted it up with a few friends and departed happy after a few torturous moments from my teen who insists, in a lovingly teasing manner, to refer to his octogenarian grandmother as elderly–a term she despises hence his use of it.

The Balaban family–Sophie, Susan and Jason–have brought warmth to their Wayside Farm home from their regular digs in New Jersey. It’s always nice seeing their lights on.

Kari and Brian Cioffi surprised son Bryce with a New York adventure road trip.

The Keene Clan–John, Hillary, Adelaide, Thea, Ella and Lathrop–traveled to Steamboat Springs, Colo. to bring a little Christmas cheer and to celebrate big Hals Noyes’ birthday. I can’t forget to mention celebrating Ann Noyes, even though it wasn’t her birthday week, is always a must when in Steamboat. An abundance of snowy fun was had by all including a little quality time with summer Chilmarkers, the Keefe family: Craig, Lori, Quinn, Allie and Grady.

It sounds like there may have been a new bicycle under the tree for Latham Kurth this year. He celebrated surrounded by his grandparents Anne Kurth, Heather and Vincent Maciel, aunts and uncles–including a doting Krissy who ventured to town–and a silly little sister named Gryphon.

Santa managed to find Mischa and Liam Keene in northern California with their folks, Emily Drazen and Peter. The adorable littles managed to wet their toes in the Pacific and dance on the sandy shores.

A very happy 10th birthday to Miss Emily Boyd, my most favorite new year’s baby. A very happy new year’s birthday tune should be sung to Sarah Andresen and Jenny Christy and to Sarah Nixon, Becky Harrison Parker, Sam Eddy, Steve MacQuiggin, Chris Fischer, Cody Coutinho, Mathea Morais and former Station Menemsha resident Brandon Hirst.

New Year’s resolutions aren’t really a thing for me but for many, the transformation between 2018 and 2019 marks a moment where, over a glass of champagne, folks vow to kick a habit, volunteer more, simplify life, meet goals, get organized, travel and more.

To those people, I send good vibes, well wishes and a cheery extra dose of “you can do it!” The two I choose to shout to extra loudly this year are Wes Brighton and Jeremy Mayhew. Your film is in the home stretch and, although it seems like an overwhelming task, our community is going to appreciate your hard work when you are done. You can do it.

So, as 2018 comes to a close, here are just a few short words–no wordy prose. May your days be content, happy, peaceful, joyous and more. May 2019 let you live life as you’ve never lived it before.

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