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.
Chilmark is thawing in spots, but winter lingers with lots of snow in some places. The bright sunshine makes the winter landscape picture-perfect and I can now see the tips of my daffodils poking through the ground, always a hopeful sight.
The indignity of fire — it struck on a sunny , hot and cheery summer Monday at about 3 p.m. The first warnings were muffled explosions and the sound of running feet on the sandy pavement in front of the shop. I was soon closed up and had joined the runners. We, typical humans, were running toward the fire, not away from it. Fire trucks from all over the Island were arriving one after the other, all so carefully driven and parked in the available spaces in that crowded end of Menemsha near the Home Port.
Chilmark is enduring a spring northeaster as I write, and the clouds have obscured the full moon ... and the wind still blows!
The community center was the meeting place for the annual town meeting that took place on Monday last. Approximately 200 voters turned out and resolved the year’s budget and bylaw problems. The election of town officials took place on Wednesday as I wrote this, so look for results on the front page.
Chilmark is enduring yet another northeaster as I write tonight. The wind is howling and snow is blowing and the power went off for an hour and a half this evening. We enjoyed a dark and mysterious dinner as we tried to find our mouths in the dark . . . the batteries are always dead when you need them. Tomorrow will be white but light! I am sure others besides my guests had to adjust travel plans. They are happy to be extending their midwinter vacation for a few days.
Chilmark is gearing up for the annual town meeting scheduled for April 26. Everyone please note that the starting time is 7 p.m. The special town meeting will be at 7 with the regular town meeting following directly after. The special town meeting will require your votes so you are needed at the earlier hour.
