Town Column : Chilmark
By Katie Carroll
Published: February 25, 2010
"February seems to be the longest month of the year. It never fails, spring will soon be here. The snow will be gone for it's been too long. It's time for daffodils to grace our hills and the pinkletinks no longer need 40 winks. The sun takes longer to set, so it must be time to mend the net. Fishermen will soon splash the pots and bring home lots as long as they have tied good knots. Spring brings bugs and bees and blossoms on the trees!" - Bradley Carroll
Jenny Christy, our informative and well-organized town clerk, reminds all Chilmark Town Employees, Elected Officials, Committee and Board Members and Volunteers that the State Ethics Commission Online Training must be completed before April 2, 2010. The training will take only a half hour so please log on to mass.gov/ethics to complete the course. Jenny will need a copy of your certificate of completion. Please call her at 508.645.2107 if you have any questions. I still need to complete mine so putting this information in my column somehow makes me want to comply more quickly. Thank you for the incentive, Jenny.
Bill Rossi has submitted his nomination papers for the seat to soon be vacated by Selectman Riggs Parker. After serving two terms, Riggs has chosen not to run for reelection. The deadline to submit nomination papers to the Jenny is March 24.
A friendly reminder comes from Irene at the library regarding tomorrow night's Friday Night Movie. 2001: A Space Odyssey will be the last in this winter's series sponsored by the Friends of the Chilmark Public Library.
This 1968 Academy Award winning adaptation by Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke is most likely the best science-fiction film of all time about exploration of the unknown. As always, admission is free along with popcorn and juice. The show starts at 7 pm.
Chilmark Library is pleased to announce an Art Show by Chilmark School students. Check out these charming drawings, pastel landscapes, monoprints, collages, and more. This is the emerging artist show you do not want to miss! This show is up until the end of March.
The Chilmark School held its annual Spelling Bee last week. Congratulations to fifth grader Mary McCarthy on her win. It apparently took 12 grueling rounds to determine who would be this year's representative at the All Island Bee to be held at the MVPAC on a date still to be determined. Coltrane Leport was the runner-up and will stand and, as the alternate, will be ready to spell at a moment's notice. Nice job to all of the student participants.
Just one month ago, Ozzie and Rena Fischer celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Today is yet another day of honor in Chilmark. It is Eric and Marguerite Cottle's turn to celebrate their 70th year of marriage. Although Mr. Cottle is presently residing at the Henrietta Brewer House in Vineyard Haven, I am certain that the day will be held in high honor. Eric and Marguerite continue their longstanding tradition of full-sized candy bars at Halloween. I can only begin to imagine what other longstanding traditions a couple may establish after 70 years together. We are very fortunate to have so many remarkable town elders to set fine examples for the rest of us. If you are interested in dropping a note in the mail to Mr. Cottle, and yes, he will always be Mr. Cottle to me, the address at the Brewer House is Box 2460, Off Causeway Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.
Congratulations to Kathy Bega who traveled to Costa Rica to complete her 200-hour course in yoga instruction. Kathy completed and passed the course with flying colors, I am sure. She is now a certified instructor so keep your ears open about upcoming summer classes.
Susan Larsen is still training hard in preparation for her May Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. This past week she has set out to circumnavigate the Island by foot in a lighthouse to lighthouse pedestrian tour. She has managed to walk from the Gay Head Light to the Edgartown Light (21.5 miles in 6.5 hours); from Edgartown Light to West Chop Light via East Chop Light (12 miles in 3.5 hours) and from the Gay Head Light to West Chop (20.5 miles in 6 hours). Her lighthouse tour has "lit the way" to a cure for breast cancer. Again, I remind you that she needs not only your financial support via sponsorship for the walk but moral support is also key to her fulfilling her goal. Keep up the good work, Sue. We are all proud of you.
