Chilmark enjoyed a true winter this past week. On Sunday we were watching skaters on the local ponds and we saw one intrepid winter sports enthusiast trying to sail his iceboat on Squibnocket Pond. But today, mid week, the weather is very warm and mild.

Chilmark is getting a real taste of winter as I write on a sunny but very cold day mid-week. I woke up to 14 degrees in my part of Menemsha. There are about five inches of snow blowing around from one driveway to another. Our roads are clear and wide, thanks to the efforts of Keith Emin, Chilmark Highway Superintendent, and those who work with him.

Chilmark is a very quiet place this week . . . unless you count the coughing and sneezing. Almost every family has someone down with a flu-like bug. Some have the real thing but it is hard to care which is which when you are suffering.

Chilmark has been enjoying the January thaw or whatever is causing the warm-up. Grass is still green in yards and fields and the willows are already looking yellow at the tops. We have been told officially that this past year was the warmest ever so now what happens? We have to wait and see...and there are snowdrops blooming in West Tisbury as I write.

Chilmark begins another year. The town seems to take the advance of years without much trauma. It survived 2012’s abuse of a hurricane, northeasters, the end of world threats, cliffhangers and big houses and promises to be here to do it all again. As the times change the town itself seems to remain more the same than different. The harbor gets a new dock that will look mostly like the old one, the scallops still come out of the pond, some years in a goodly supply, some not. The houses get bigger but dirt roads still lead to most of them. Three selectmen still run the town, as they have for over 100 years. And, every year, the ocean takes some of the south side away and adds some to the north shore.

Chilmark welcomed Santa on Tuesday last with rain and wind, however the festive holiday was little dampened by the weather and homes were lit and warmed with many family reunions and celebrations.

As I write, the sun is shining brightly promising, I hope, a cheery new year in the offing. At least, now is the time to anticipate the future with some cheer and hope. I learned long ago not to make any New Year’s resolutions but there is always room for hope!

Chilmark welcomed Santa to town on Wednesday last . . . a warm and mild day for December, but filled with the wonderful joy of young children and their enthusiastic parents — the way it should be for all our towns. We send many messages of condolence to all the grieving people of Connecticut and across the land. We all hope that through this we can make it a better world for us all.

Chilmark is lit! Many holiday lights are glowing at night all around town. A ride on any of our roads will get you into the holiday spirit. Of special notice is the U.S. Coast Guard station on the hill in Menemsha. It is most cheerful, as are all the displays. The lobsterpot tree in front of the Chandelry on Basin Road is worth the ride up-Island . . . don’t miss it!

Chilmark is a busy place and most of the activity has nothing to do with seasonal holidays. Many of our friends and neighbors are hard at work on committees and commissions that are meeting nightly at the town hall to deal with town business. This is the month when the deadlines for real estate taxes, warrant articles, financial reports, budgets and end of year reports are due from the sub-structure of the town government.

Chilmark is enduring a gray day as I write midweek. One gray day this week was brightened by the abundant birthday wishes sent Louis Larsen’s way by his loving family and friends. Cheers to you, Louie, and may the coming year have many early summer mornings at the Fish Market for you…and some Florida sunshine too!