Chilmark voters…all 55 of them…turned out for the special town meeting on Monday evening. In approximately 18 minutes they voted in favor of eight articles with no arguments and only a few questions. Fittingly, we began the meeting with a moment of silence in tribute to our beloved children’s librarian, Kristin Maloney, who left us too soon.

We send condolences to the family and many friends of Dr.. Charles M. Plotz, who died at his home in Brooklyn on Nov. 20 and was buried at Abel’s Hill Cemetery in Chilmark on Nov. 23. Charles and his wife, Lucille, who survives him, were beloved seasonal residents of Menemsha since 1968. They had many friends and were active in many activities, often seen running around town in their recognizable Volkswagen bug! Dr. Plotz had a long and successful career in medicine and education but had time always to enjoy the Chilmark summers. He will be missed by many.

Peter Simon sends word that his publisher/printer will not have his book, Martha’s Vineyard: A Time for All Seasons, ready for Christmas. His talk at the Chilmark Library on Dec. 21 has been cancelled until further notice.

Thomas Bena is happy to tell us that his next stop with his documentary, One Big House, will be at the Hampton’s Take 2 Documentary Film Festival in Sag Harbor, N.Y. We wish him every success. He has more bookings for the film coming up this winter.

The annual Chilmark Christmas party for all town residents from newborn through fifth grade will be on Dec. 20 at 5:45 p.m. at the Chilmark Community Center. The Chilmark Fire Department will host as they do every year. Santa will gift all children of that age group. Please let Katie Carroll know if you are new to town with children in that age group. Her email is Squidrow@Vineyard.net.

Julie Flanders is happy to have her horse Bertie back at Bliss Pond Farm after some veterinary care for a leg injury off-Island.

Simon and Zoe (Pechter) Thompson are happy to announce the arrival of Mae Louise Thompson, who was born Dec. 5. She is six weeks early so is currently at a Boston hospital. However, she is doing well and will soon join her family. She has a big sister, Nell, also waiting to meet her! Cheers to all!

Adam Moore of Sheriff’s Meadow tells us that they have applied for a National Register nomination for the Hancock-Mitchell House at Quansoo. The house is being restored and will soon be ready for viewing. The nomination process is long and detailed. We hope the review will be positive and successful. Chilmark already has one old house on the National Register, the Barn House on South Road.

Remember that lunch is available every weekday in the Home Port parking lot from Josh Aronie’s food truck. If you miss him, he closes at 2 p.m. You can always get chowder from Stanley at the Menemsha Fish Market.

Chilmark Community Church is offering a supper night on Tuesdays beginning at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome at no charge.

Scott McDowell is back from a shopping spree at the flea markets of Pennsylvania. Drop by the Copper Works on Basin Road to see his newest scrimshaw pieces.

Saturday, Dec. 10 is the date of the indoor flea market at the community center, sponsored by the Chilmark Church, with some of the same vendors you enjoyed at the summer markets and more.

We send condolences to the family and many friends and fans of Margaret Whitton, who died this past Sunday at her home in Palm Beach. Fla. Margaret had a successful career as an actress and director. She and her husband, Warren Spector, have been seasonal residents of Chilmark for more than 20 years and have many friends here. They have been very generous to the Island community and it has been much appreciated. We regret Margaret’s early passing and know she will be missed by many across the Vineyard and beyond.

Newly elected State Rep. Dylan Fernandes stopped by the Chilmark Library on Tuesday this week for a visit with residents who were happy to meet him and share concerns and more with him.

The pressure will be increasing in households with children for the next couple of weeks…take a break and catch one of the colorful sunsets in Menemsha and remember to shop locally!

Send Chilmark news to slaterjn@comcast.net.