JANE N. SLATER

508-645-3378

([email protected])

Chilmark dodged the bullet, as we say, and Hurricane Earl went home another way. We were spared the winds and the salt spray that always kills the fall vegetation and spoils the colorful fall display of changing leaves. The townsfolk spent a busy week preparing for possibilities that didn’t happen and, for that, we are grateful. It is nice to see boats back in the harbor and things returned to what is considered normal for this year in our harbor.

My dependable Chilmark weatherman, Bob Conway, reported that we had 4 inches of rain and gusts up to 31 miles an hour on Sept. 4 thanks to Hurricane Earl.

The word is that the Coast Guard will begin to clear away the debris and rubble from the fire this week. No other plans are yet in place. The town repairs to the docks are underway, and workers are taking advantage of the good weather.

We send condolences to the family and many friends and students of Ann Allen Elbow. My Island seems smaller without Ann, who knew so much about the history of the Island and its inhabitants and shared what she knew so willingly. She was a gifted researcher and teacher. We will all miss her and value what she taught us.

There are many things to do around town and lots of activities down-Island so please make note of the events listed here.

The Yard will present performances at 4 and 8 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, at the Yard theatre at Beetlebung Corner. They are presenting a program of dance by Mary Paula Hunter and a company of young dancers from Providence called Jump. Please call 508-645-9662 for details.

The annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby will begin its monthlong competition on Sept. 12. This is the 65th Derby and the fish know it! The challenges get harder but the enthusiasm never wanes. Happy fishing to all!

The Chilmark library will offer an author talk by Annie Cohen-Solal on Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the library. She will read from her new book, Leo and His Circle, about New York art dealer, Leo Castelli. Ms. Cohen-Solal is a well-known and successful writer, historian and biographer.

Please make sure your September calendar has the 27th saved for the special town meeting to be held at the Community Center beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The Chilmark Church will offer their tasty lobster rolls for sale on this coming Tuesday for the last time this season. They are on sale from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Church.

There will be a graveside service of remembrance at Abel’s Hill Cemetery for Grambs Miller Aronson on Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. All those who wish to come are invited to attend.

We are happy to report that Elmore Bud Mayhew is at home and recovering from his recent fall. We are hoping to see him out and about soon.

Bill and Betsy Ramsey were at their Larsen Lane home for the hurricane/holiday weekend. Betsy’s dad, Bill Gilmour of Wayland, accompanied them.

Bill Vincent was at the family home on South Road for a week’s vacation.

Someone sent me a notice of an upcoming meeting of the Women’s Club of Martha’s Vineyard, an organization that was founded 112 years ago. That started me remembering the Chilmark Women’s Club and the many activities they held in town in the years before and just after World War II. I even have a year of their minutes donated to the Historical Commission by Bob Vincent some years ago, dating to when his mother was president in the early 1940s. I recall that the club donated the swing set to the Menemsha School and it is still there, in what is now the police station. They also ran holiday parties for the children of the town and did many other charitable things for the town. Now I am wondering who else can recall some of the activities of the Chilmark Women’s Club? The Women’s Club of Martha’s Vineyard will meet on Sept. 20 in Edgartown and please call 508-627-4861 for details.

Here is the listing I promised you of the fall hours of operation and the closing dates of the businesses in Chilmark. The Chilmark Store is currently open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the Deli closing at 3 p.m. and the store is closed on Sunday. The Menemsha Market will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and will close when things get quiet in late September. Their end of season sale is underway now.

The Menemsha Fish Market will be open daily until dark and Stanley is hoping to remain open until New Year’s. Betsy will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will close the second weekend after Columbus Day.

The Bite will close on Tuesdays but be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. otherwise and, weather permitting, remain open into the fall.

The Galley will be open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday with 11 a.m. to sunset for Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Sundays.

The Menemsha Café will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily until mid-January.

The Chilmark Tavern will serve dinner from 5:30 daily except Wednesday through Columbus Day.

The Allan Farm shop will be open from noon to 5 p.m. daily.

Oversouth Antiques will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday through Columbus Day. Harbor Crafts Shop will keep similar hours.

If I have missed anyone, please call and we will tell folks next week what your hours will be.