The dinner table is a meeting place. Sharing a meal combines the simple necessity of fueling the body with providing an opportunity for family members, friends and new acquaintances to gather, talk and hopefully laugh. Winter often lends itself to isolation, so the West Tisbury Church offers a community supper every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. from now through the end of April. The main course is donated weekly by Cronig’s Market; gleaned vegetables are donated and the meal is often rounded out by contributions of sides, desserts and drinks. Folks are not obligated to bring anything but an appetite.

Elexis Wildanger’s home in Oak Bluffs is one of three unrestricted licensed foster homes on the Vineyard. Elexis is passionate about caring for our Osland children in a time of need and asks that we join her at a recruitment event on Saturday, Jan. 12 from noon to 3 p.m. at 3 Poplar Lane in Oak Bluffs. Current foster parents and social workers will be there to answer any questions you may have. An RSVP would be appreciated at 508-760-0275.

For anyone interested in helping our friends and neighbors at Station Menemsha during the government shutdown, monetary donations can be made to the Coast Guard Spouses Association Of Menemsha 20 Edy’s Island Way, Chilmark, MA 02535. These men and women, along with their families, are a neighborly and thoughtful group of humans. Let’s show Longval, Smith, Parent, McKenna, Christopher, Waters-Maciel, Behr, Breau, Galan and more that we are just as remarkable.

The Vineyard’s USCG Auxiliary will offer a boating safety course on Sunday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Station Menemsha. The cost is $50 which covers textbooks and handouts. I highly recommend taking the course if you spend any time on the water.

Abe Pieciak and Brandon Newton are working tirelessly on their new space next to the Chilmark Tavern. What once was a bank will now display a wonderful collection of art when their doors open this spring. Stay tuned in for the big opening announcement.

There’s surely a lot of excitement going on for Maggie Nixon, middle child of Sarah and Bob. In the Green Book, directed by Peter Farrelly, Maggie plays the role of the coat check girl. The film had Golden Globe nominations and thrillingly, some wins.

I had a little sit down with fire chief David Norton the other day. As you may know, volunteerism with the department is down. If you are interested in learning more about how you can serve your community please give him a call at 508-645-2550. Davis is also looking into reestablishing the junior firefighter program for teens in our community. Do you have a teen who might be interested?

Mollie Doyle just might be able to help get your body on track in 2019. She’s leading yoga classes Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Valerie Sonnenthal’s Peaked Hill Studio in Woodland Center Vineyard Haven. Check it out.

Described as an epic race, the TransAndes Challenge has once again drawn Mike Broderick and Mary McConneloug back to Patagonia. It’s a five-day mountain bike race with over 185 miles to cover including over five miles to climb with 300-plus competitors in the mix. The number one Team Pro Mixed is — you guessed it — this amazing couple. May good vibes roll from start to finish. The 11th edition takes place Jan. 16-20 with the first three stages taking place at the Chilean Huilo Huilo Reserve, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Getting antsy about that brush pile growing bigger and bigger in your back yard? Never fear, burn season begins not a moment too soon on Jan. 15. By now you should all know the process. Chief Norton needs to be called after 7 a.m. Try his cell first — 508-627-2760. If you don’t reach him on that number try his home, 508-645-2819 and then the station at 508-645-2550. Atmospheric conditions must be conducive to safe burning so, you must actually speak with the fire chief, make your request and get his verbal permission. Be logical about what and where you plan to burn. Safety first.

This just in. Tiasquam Tomme, the young raw milk cheese, at Middle Road’s Mermaid Farm is in the stand and ready for consumption. Two words: so good.

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.