Chilmark is very quiet. No fishermen following the tides at all hours, no more lawn mowers to be heard and not much of anything going on to attract a crowd. We will get used to it. The sun is shining again after a dreary week, so things can’t be all bad. The leaves are just beginning to turn and there are some nice surprises of red amidst the general greenery.

Chilmark is saddened at the passing of several well-known and much-respected citizens. We send condolences to the many friends and family of Mary Ann Hoxie, who died on Sept. 18 and was laid to rest at the Abel’s Hill cemetery next to her husband, Russell Hoxie. The family lived in Chilmark for many years, and they were much-loved neighbors and friends to all. She will be missed by her extended family and many friends.

Chilmark is ready for fall. It is hard to believe that the lush green foliage we see all around us will be turning color and blowing away very soon now. A big wind is promised for tomorrow along with rain, and that will start the annual process of change to a drabber landscape.

As I write, Chilmark is sharing another beautiful sunset with what sometimes seems to be most of the civilized world . . . or at least as many of them as can fit into Menemsha. We have had lots of nice sunsets this season and lots of people have been here to appreciate them. This leads me to comment on one visitor who has a different idea than the rest of us on the meaning of crowded.