Chilmark is a bit soggy this morning as I write midweek. None of the wind and rain of the past few days have left any marks on the landscape. Let’s hope that the national events of the past week do likewise. The mild weather of the winter speaks to the reality of climate change but we still haven’t heard from February.

Things are quiet in town as lots of folks are packing for February vacations — most often spent on other islands— and some of the hardy ones are off skiing.

The town hall is busy with annual budget hearings that have begun and will continue through Feb. 8. If you are interested in attending the hearing for your committee or commission please check the town website or call town hall for the schedule.

The First Congregational Church in West Tisbury will host the Neighborhood Convention meeting on Feb. 7 at 11 a.m. The speaker will be the Rev. Cathlin Baker of the West Tisbury church. All are welcome and asked to bring a bag lunch.

Pathways at 9 State Road will host a birthday celebration for Chilmarker Peter Simon on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. We are asked to come in our finest hippie outfits. Congratulations to Peter.

It was fun to see Rena Fischer out enjoying Chilmark center guided by her devoted grandson, Chris. It was a beautiful day with temperatures in the 50s and a nice way to spend a day in Rena’s 101st year!

I want to send a shout out to all the people who took part in the rallies last Saturday. All of us have to be impressed with the numbers and many locations where people felt moved to demonstrate. I hope we can all respect the quotation I remember from school: I disagree with what you say but will defend to death your right to say it...and hope our rule of law will prevail.

Rebecca Gilbert of Native Earth Teaching Farm is teaching knitting and spinning on Monday afternoons from 1:15 to 3 p.m. Please call her at 508-645-9098 for details.

The Chilmark Church continues to offer suppers on Tuesday evenings beginning at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome.

The Chilmark library continues to hold song and story hours for children at the library on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.

We send condolences to the family of Stanley and Lanette Larsen on the death of Lanette’s mother, Suzanne Smith, who died Jan. 9. Her extended family here and beyond will miss her.

Adult Community Education of Martha’s Vineyard is offering spring classes and there is still time to enroll. Visit acemv.org for schedules.

Please send me any news for next week . . . help me get through these quiet town weeks.

Again, best get well wishes to our neighbors down with the bug that has been hanging around town for too long. Hope to see you all out and about soon.

Send Chilmark news to slaterjn@comcast.net.