Chilmark Postmaster Leigh Vanderhoop! Yes folks, it’s official, and we can all celebrate having the nicest postal person still serving us and staying put. Congratulations, Leigh, we are so very happy! I hope everyone enjoyed all the weekend holidays and full moon. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that we’ve had our last snow for this season.
I was so sorry to learn about the death of Stanley Larsen’s 3½-year-old dog from the tick-borne illness anaplasmosis. The ticks are out, so be sure to learn more about ticks and your pets from your vet, or check online. Dogsandticks.com explains things simply, or check petsandparasites.org.
Massachusetts has a new headlight law that became effective April 7, and it is a surchargeable violation which could affect your insurance rates. Please know that you now need to have headlights on any time conditions require use of your windshield wipers.
The last day to visit Gay Head Light before its relocation will be Saturday, April 11, from 2 to 5 pm, when lighthouse keepers Joan LeLacheur and Richard Skidmore host a final farewell.
Pathways Living Room Studios will host Fae Konte-Gibbs’s “Words & Pictures Workshop,” from breath to meditation, to journaling and drawing. Each participant brings home continuing inspiration for the creative process; it’s from 1 to 4 pm on Saturday, April 11. Ages 14 and up, limited to 12; a sliding fee of $10 to $25 per person includes all art materials and refreshments. Reserve your spot by phoning 508-645-9098.
Saturday night’s musical offerings include the Siren and the Waves featuring Melanie Sroka-Chaunce with Robert Chaunce, Andy Herr, and Matty Ro, as well as Kim Hilliard, at Pathways beginning at 7 pm: good dancing and free admission.
Come and listen to ACE writers from Nancy Aronie’s “Writing From the Heart” workshops reading along with Nancy on Sunday, April 12, from 4 to 5:30 pm at the Ritz in Oak Bluffs; $5 suggested donation.
Kristin Maloney continues to offer Stories and Songs on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10:30 am at the Chilmark library.
Don’t forget Tuesday-evening Pizza Nights at the Chilmark Community Church are ongoing through June 9, from 6 to 7:30 pm. Everyone is welcome.
April 10 is the deadline to enter if you’re up for the challenge of the Kale Soup Throwdown on Sunday, April 19, from 5 to 7 pm at the P.A. Club in Oak Bluffs. Admission will be $10 for adults, $5 for children 5 to 10 years of age; children under 5 and soupmakers will be admitted free. It should be a delicious evening of entertainment, a silent auction, and a 50-50 raffle. For an entry form or further information, please contact Debby Lobb Athearn at 508-693-9627 or on the Facebook page for Islanders Talk. Entrance fee $10; to enter, bring at least four gallons and your own heat source (Sterno and bricks or a hotplate and extension cord). Soup categories include Best Kale Soup, Best Alternate Kale Soup (vegan, gluten-free, etc.), Is It Kale Soup?, and a professional category; there will also be an award for the best display. Please bring your own ladle and hot cups to pass out your soup.
I am thrilled the remainder of Basil Welch’s photo trove and collection have been donated to the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. If you want to see what has already been digitized, go to http://bit.ly/1DYYpj8. There are only 11 images of Chilmark so far, out of the 1,170 images that have been made available.
Mark your calendars for the Chilmark annual Town Meeting on Monday, April 27, 7:30 pm at the Chilmark Community Center. The Town Election will be held Wednesday, April 29, from noon to 8 pm at the CCC.