Chilmark is a unique town. I have been thinking about the upcoming town meetings and the Chilmark voters who will turn out. They are a serious bunch who see red flags when certain words and phrases come into the discussions. I am thinking of a few that always meet the red flag of hesitation. “All the other towns do it,” or “they do it that way down-Island,” and “how about this,” and “it won’t cost a lot more.” I am sure you can all add to this list! Anyway, let’s start getting ready for our special town meeting coming up in October and learn what will be on the warrant.

Chilmark’s old houses are getting some respect these days. Last week a good number of interested people joined Adam Moore of Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation for a tour of the Mayhew Hancock Mitchell house at Quansoo sponsored by the Chilmark Historical Commission. The house is undergoing extensive restoration and is currently under an enormous tent that allows work to go on in all weather.

Chilmark will have to speak for itself this week. Who can keep track of all that is going on in the epicenter of the news world? We are enjoying the vacation visit of the President and his family; we are excited by the brief visits to Chilmark by a former president, a candidate (almost) for president and who knows who else! It would boggle even a professional columnist! I will take a moment to send birthday wishes to Vernon Jordan who has come to Chilmark for his summer vacations for many years and manages to keep a very low profile. Those of us privileged to know and respect him try to protect that privacy but the birthday bash held for his 80th birthday was spectacular and we are happy that he was so honored. Cheers to you, Vernon.