Chilmark

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“The May-pole is up, Now give me the cup; I’ll drink to the garlands around it; But first unto those Whose hands did compose The glory of flowers that crown’d it.” – Robert Herrick, The Maypole, 1660

Although May Day is not a widely celebrated tradition in the States, the spirit and customs are a key attribute in the uniqueness of the Chilmark School. May baskets were arranged by the fifth grade from contributions by the entire student body and the traditional Maypole dance was performed by the 4/5 students. As delightful as it was, there was a small hint of sadness as this year was the last year Lee Fierro will work with the students in preparation for their dance. Lee is retiring and will be missed.

The Chilmark School PTO will host a clothing swap this Saturday at the Community Center from 10 am to 1 pm. The Chilmark Preschool’s Spring Festival will also be at Center at that time, so mark your calendar for both events. The Spring Festival will offer games, crafts, raffles and more for a $5 per child admission fee. The clothing swap is a free event which will be outside on the lawn. Bring your outgrown children’s clothing (in good condition with no holes or stains) and shop for the next size. Leftover clothing will be donated to the free clothing program at Grace Church. If you can’t attend but have clothes you want to pass along, just let me know. The rain date for the clothing swap is May 15.

Also happening this Saturday is the sixth annual MV Goes Pink walk from first bridge on Beach Road in Oak Bluffs to the Edgartown Lighthouse and back, rain or shine. Wear as much pink as possible. Go to www.mvgoespink.com for the details, forms, photos from previous walks and other great ways to help out. We have a bunch of Chilmark walkers this year, so if you cannot participate consider sponsoring a walker, making a donation, or purchasing a raffle ticket.

Sue Larsen along with daughters Olivia, Abigail, and Brigida will be walking together as their Mother’s Day celebration. It will be Sue’s last big training milestone before she heads to Boston next week for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Sue has logged over 724.1 training miles and has raised over $11,000. This is a monumental feat and would not have been possible without the generosity of friends, family, and neighbors. It is not too late to be part of the crusade. Log on to www.avonwalk.org/goto/Susan.Larsen and make a difference!

Congratulations to Jonathan Mayhew for being chosen by the people of Chilmark to represent them as selectman. It was a long day at the polls for all those who dedicated their service to the electoral process. Jenny Christy, our town clerk, worked tirelessly to see that rules and regulations were followed perfectly with the support of assistant constable Marshall Carroll, registrars Bette Carroll, Judy Mayhew, and Sam Carroll, and all of the volunteer counters who made the tail end of the evening flow smoothly.

Joan Jenkinson shares an unfortunate story about the pair of swans nesting at West Tisbury’s Mill Pond. Sadly, the female swims alone as her mate was struck by a car on his way across the road the other day. This is a big reminder to pay attention while driving. Spring brings a lot of movement in the world. The animals are restless after a long winter, people are biking, walking, and jogging more, and the kids are out and about nearly everywhere.

Shout a happy birthday to Stephen Taylor, Peter Knight, Lillian Kellman, Lynn Murphy, and my wonderful brother-in-law, Tim Carroll.

Sarah Nixon was in town last week and not only was I happy to have dinner with her but at the same time I was lucky enough to share a seat at the table with their newly hired general manager Dennis Barquinero. He will make Menemsha his home this summer along with his wife and child.

I would like to extend my condolences to the family of Nancy Steves, who died last week after a long illness. I met her years ago when she and Richard were running the Menemsha Inn. I was a new EMT having a hard time finding a residence on Menemsha Inn Road. She took me where I needed to go. I always appreciated her for being neighborly.

The Honk for a Teacher sign is out in recognition of teacher appreciation week. Each time I pass it makes me think about how lucky I am to have such wonderful people sharing of themselves with not only my children but with me. Thanks to you all for your dedication. You are treasured.