Chilmark enjoyed a holiday of perfect proportions with long sunny days and lovely sunsets. Many families and friends gathered for ceremonies honoring the memories of our cherished servicemen followed by picnics, reunions and celebrations of togetherness. The Chilmark Community Church conducted a blessing of the Menemsha fleet on Sunday morning complete with a bagpiper and an accordionist. It was an impressive service and one that many hope will become a tradition at our harbor.
Chilmark is enjoying spring! There are crocuses in full bloom at Abel’s Hill Cemetery and lots of green in swamps and on sunny hillsides. I am sure we all enjoyed the milder temperatures and got some outside work done.
The Menemsha Café reopened, serving lunches, this week. They will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the time being. We are happy to have a place to eat out in Chilmark again!
Chilmark was saddened this week to learn of the death on Tuesday of Rusty Walton, a longtime public servant who served on many boards at the Chilmark town hall. He was the Chilmark conservation officer and was held in high regard for his knowledge and interest in conservation and the environment. He will be missed by many in Chilmark and beyond.
Chilmark is enduring one more snow storm; as the wind whips giant snowflakes past my steamed up window I tell myself — and you — that this will be the last snowstorm of the season and my daffodils will be allowed to come up after this! Don’t you wish?
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.
Santa arrived at the Chilmark Community Center on time on Wednesday last and was well received. A very large crowd of Chilmark folk was on hand to greet him as he gave out cheer and gifts to the Chilmark young.
Next door at the Chilmark Library a fair crowd was entertained by the Vineyard Haven Brass Band, who played Christmas carols both old and new in a most enjoyable concert sponsored by the Friends of the Chilmark Library.
Chilmark enjoyed another mild week with not much hint of the winter that is surely coming. Dredging is happening in Menemsha Basin and that is the biggest visual excitement for the daytime hours. The evening ride around town is becoming more and more interesting as more people plug in holiday light displays. This week the fire station in the town center took on a definitely festive air.
