Our fire chief, Jeremy Bradshaw, is retiring after many years of dedicated service. The appointment of a new fire chief is a pivotal moment for any community, marking a new chapter in our commitment to public safety and emergency preparedness. The role of the fire chief is not merely administrative; it demands a leader who can inspire trust, manage resources effectively and remain deeply connected to the residents and firefighters they serve.

After a committee of volunteers including Matt Poole, Greg Pachico, Joan Malkin, Tucker Drummond and Bradley Carroll collaborated on some questions, the applicants Manny Rose and Marques Rivers, went in front of the select board on Jan. 13 to interview. By this time next week it should be revealed who will be taking over the helm.

Marie Larsen, Jeffrey Maida and Matt Poole have had a very busy week. Not only have they interviewed fire chief candidates, they have cracked open the application packets submitted in response to the Chilmark Community Center RPF. Along with deliberations about who will be Chief Bradshaw’s successor, they have painstakingly spent countless hours going over the RFP process and applications. Simultaneous “big ticket items” in town aren’t the norm so many thanks to our select board for donating so much time to the task.

As for donating time to tasks, Zeb Athearn is keeping himself firmly planted on the mat — the wresting mat that is. At the Vineyard’s first home wrestling match in over 40 years, he managed a quick takedown and pin, earning himself another win. To see wrestling go from zero to sixty this year has truly lit a fire amongst the competitors and the crowd.

Elyce Retmier created a special line of Smax Snax, her homemade all natural horse and dog treats in honor of Roy Scheffer and Tricia Bergeron. All proceeds will be donated in their names to the MV Shellfish Group. Bags of treats are available for pre-order with a $15 price tag.  Elyce will be delivering/shipping them in the next couple of weeks so email her at [email protected]. Or, if you have her number, send her a text. If you miss out on this opportunity to honor Roy and Tricia, she will also be doing a hockey-themed special line in March with proceeds going to the Eric Bergeron McLean Memorial Scholarship fund.

Let’s share some positivity and strength with our Aquinnah neighbor Joan LeLacheur who will be headed to Boston’s Brigham and Women’s on Jan. 21 to undergo brain surgery after two years of health challenges resulting in a recent diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus. Although the gift-giving holidays may be over, it is always the time to care for our neighbors. Please consider making a donation to her GoFundMe campaign: gofundme.com/f/support-joan-lelacheurs-brain-surgery-recovery. It is organized by her daughter Aquinnah Witham. And by all means reach out to Aquinnah directly and offer you errand-running, meal-making, burden-relieving services. You’ve got this, Joan.

After growing up in town with a very green thumb and working for various outfits utilizing it, Kristen Brown has decided to make her talent official. She’s purchased her first dump truck, printed business cards and has blossomed her side hustle into something big and real. Flowers and veggies in beds or pots will flourish under Kristen’s care. You can reach her at 508-939-1432 or [email protected] to hash out your garden vision.

Let’s raise a glass to Cali Giglio. This Chilmark School alum, current College of Charleston student and the lovely daughter of Lauren and Frank has turned 21. Cheers to future years of overall happiness, long lasting friendships, educational excellence and constant reasons to smile. Oh happy day.