Chilmark is aglow this week! The fall foliage is at its best these days. The rain and wind today does not bode well for any lengthy display. I hope you down-Island folks had a chance to take your annual foliage ride up-Island earlier this week to enjoy our fall colors! It has been really pretty and colorful all week.
Chilmark is moving through the August heat and sharing it with a large number of visitors and vacationers. Sometimes we feel as if we are wading through summer, as the humidity has been so high; however, it doesn’t hinder the outdoor activities all around town. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves and, for that, we are happy.
Chilmark is a busy place this season of the year. Town hall is buzzing with activities, many surrounding the emergency work on the docks and many projects that had to wait for the summer to end. If you are new in town or are wondering how to fill the off-season hours, you might like to check out the opportunities for volunteer service to Chilmark. Congratulations to Cathy Thompson, who was appointed to complete the late Rusty Walton’s term on the planning board.
Chilmark moves on to August and more summer fun in the sun! The weather in July was a vacationer’s dream but a bit much for the rest of us. Now let’s see what August can do! Some homes and the town hall suffered from lightning strikes last week as the storms swept through, but no dangerous fires were started; only electrical and electronic equipment needed replacing, but that was enough to create confusion is some circles.
Congratulations to Eric and Marguerite Cottle, who celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Feb. 25. They are Chilmarkers with deep roots in Chilmark history. For years they were active in the community and they have many friends who send them many happy wishes.
Chilmark rolls on. Plans are in the works to repair the Menemsha docks burned last week and there are many signs of cleanup and progress. The cars have been removed, by barge and crane, from the fill dock where they were marooned as a result of the fire. Burned materials and boats have been removed, and it all shows signs of progress toward a speedy repair. Everyone seems upbeat and helpful.
Chilmark welcomes the flowering trees of spring. A ride around town includes views of pink, red and white flowering trees and shrubs . . . all a joy to the winter eye, used to seeing only gray and brown. It is a great way to wake up the spirit and prepare for the excitements of the coming season. And we’d better wake up or we will be losing ground in our gardening and outdoor chores. The warm temperatures and the recent rains have moved spring along quickly.
