Town Column : Chilmark

By Jacqueline Sexton
Published: April 17, 2008

The April tide of early seasonal residents seems to have ebbed this year. Usually, new faces and old familiar ones can be spotted in the first weeks of April, right on time for daffodils and green grass. But this year the roads are eerily empty; even year-rounders are scarce, except for those who are gearing up their summer projects, from artists to shop owners.

In years past, telephone calls for Amanda heralded the imminent onslaught of The Season. We have no Amanda here, but our telephone numbers must be as close to identical as possible, even though we have never found out who she is. Phone mix-ups in general were also a sign that the population was on the rise - like the year our line inconceivably got crossed with the Steamship Authority's, and the phone rang non-stop all day long.

Maybe everyone is conserving energy and staying home instead of driving around? Or maybe the gloomy chilly weather has discouraged both visitors and locals. We'll see, soon enough.

Meanwhile, we're occupied with details of town meeting, elections and other local affairs.

The Charter Study Commission will hold a public hearing for up-Islanders at the library on Wednesday, April 23 at 7 pm. The purpose of the hearing is to assess reactions to the tentative decisions the commission has reached during its 15 months of study. Topics for discussion include: Should we keep county government? Should the county manager be a professional, or one of the county commissioners? How many county commissioners should there be? Should they be elected at large or from districts and how long should their terms be? If we keep the commission, are there ways to make it more accountable and more effective?

This will be the last opportunity for residents to have a say on how county government goes on the ballot for the November elections.

Looking ahead, the 21st Women's Symposium will meet at the community center on Saturday, May 3 from 9 am until 12 noon. There will be speakers, followed by small group discussions, and refreshments will be served. The topic this year is "Faking It." There is no charge, but donations to cover expenses are always appreciated.

The gung-ho Martha's Vineyard Women's Network has announced that its next breakfast meeting will be Tuesday, April 29, from 7:30 to 9 am at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown. Register between 7 and 7:30 am. The topic is Customer Service and Sales Techniques. Bonnie Marcus is the moderator.