Old buildings are witnesses to the aesthetic and cultural history of a town, helping to give people a sense of place and connection to the past. They, among other things, maintain community character, show the strength and creativity of our forefathers and remind us to embrace the simplicity of the past because not every town needs urban renewal changing its face.

More than 50 years ago, when Congress passed the National Historic Preservation Act. President John F. Kennedy’s speechwriter Sidney Hyman said, “A nation can be a victim of amnesia. It can lose the memories of what it was, and thereby lose the sense of what it is or wants to be.” The National Historic Preservation Act was an expression of our national will to embrace the past and affirm its bearing on our present and our future.

Are you interested in being a keeper of the past? The Chilmark historic commission is looking for a new member. The commission meets approximately eight times a year to; provide advisory opinions to alterations to historic structures, review proposed demolition of historic structures, oversee restoration of roadside stonewalls, maintain a collection of Chilmark pictures and memorabilia, and hear public comments/requests involving Chilmark’s history. If you are a resident of Chilmark and are interested in becoming a member, please contact Alison Kisselgof at 508-560-4089 for more information.

Welcome home to Soo Whiting, who is back at her farmhouse nestled in the fields of the south side. Florida calls her away for the winter but one can’t get enough of New England sea breezes filled with the glorious birds of summer. I’m not a birder but I proudly reported my scarlet tanager siting to her last week.

On Wednesday, May 24, Captain Clinton Prindle, commander of Sector Southeastern New England, made his way to the Station to preside over the promotion of senior chief boatswains mate Steven White to the rank of chief warrant officer. A reception was held after the ceremony so folks had an opportunity to honor, shake hands and pat the back of the person who oversees the operations and crew of USCG Station Menemsha.

The Chilmark Community Church will hold its Sunday, May 28 service on Squid Row for the annual blessing of the fleet. Minister Charlotte Wright will preside over the gathering that will focus on both hoping for a bountiful fishing season and keeping all boaters safe on the water. The blessing of the fleet is a longstanding tradition at which all are welcome to attend.

In recent years, the tail end of the school year is an exciting time for the Chilmark School 4/5. Adventure is part of their daily mantra and this week island hopping was on their agenda. After a little dockside talk about safety and expectations, the students with their chaperones — including leader of the pack Jackie Guzalak — boarded the motor vessel Richard S. Edwards and set off for a day on Penikese Island. Penny, Willie, Lorenzo, Tillie, Luca, Finn, Maeve, Josephine, Elizabeth, Hudson, Pablo, Charlotte, Violet, Liam, Alex, Stella and Bowen for their STEAM-focused curriculum set in the great outdoors.

In my yard, I have a little patch of pinkish lily of the valley. Many years ago, Eric Cottle found me at work and gave me a cardboard box from which the most delightful smell was billowing in the breeze. I opened the box and smiled. Lily of the valley, Eric Cottle and Memorial Day will always be synonymous in my mind.