Chilmark: Library announces poetry contest winners

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The season is winding down, nights have an added chill as the temperature drops, the Ag Fair has packed up, the last Chilmark Flea Market is Saturday, August 30, 10 am–2 pm, summer neighbors and vacationing friends are headed back to more hectic lives and Labor Day is around the corner. Parents and kids are preparing for the first day of school, Thursday, September 4, and we wish all the incoming kindergartners and returning Chilmark students a great beginning to their new school year. The Chilmark School art show is up through August 29 at the Santander Bank. I had hoped to get there for the opening but got tied up with family and then we had to get on the road to take my younger son to Oberlin.

I hear from the Chilmark Library that the Elisa Brickner Memorial Poetry Contest winners reading “went really well, people called to say it was touching and moving and wonderful!” In case you missed them the Junior High winners are Sam Kass of Michigan, Julia Kane of Vineyard Haven, and Meredith Carlomagno of West Tisbury; the High School winners are Hannah Soros of New York, Shoshana Boardman of Arlington, and Aliza Astrow of New York. Congratulations to all! You can stop by and read the poems in an album displayed at the front desk before it is moved to its home in the Poetry Corner; you can share the poems online at the library website. Next year the library plans a 20th anniversary publication of 20 years of Elisa Brickner winning poems in one book.

I look forward to checking out the DVD of art historian Henry Adams “Thomas Hart Benton on Martha’s Vineyard” presentation sponsored by the Chilmark Historical Commission and the Friends of the Chilmark Public Library that took place August 13 to an overflowing crowd. It had been a rainy day and when we got to the library at 5:15 pm there wasn’t even standing room in the hall outside the lecture room. We did try to listen through the doors from the children’s area, but without the added slideshow opted to wait for the DVD. I’ll let you know when the library adds it to its collection. Remember library hours change on September 2; Tuesdays the library now closes at 1:30 pm and they are closed on Fridays.

If you are up Island don’t miss fellow Cleaveland House Poet Brooks Robards and artist Hermine Hull discussing their exquisite new book “On Island,” which features their poems and paintings inspired by walks together, 5 pm, Thursday, August 28, at the Aquinnah Library. I have already sent this book as an inspiration to a number of good friends. Also if you are looking for programs for kids Aquinnah Library hosts MAD Libs Tuesdays at 3 pm, story and crafts for younger children on Thursdays, 3–4 pm, and drop-in story reading 2–3:30 pm on Saturdays, plus on rainy days there’s always Legos on the Rug. For info, call 508-645-2314.

The Yard will debut a new full-length work choreographed by Alison Manning and Jesse Keller on Friday, August 29, at 8 pm and Saturday, August 30, at 11 am, includes works by Yard interns and Island-based improvisational dance company What’s Written Within plus other guest performers. I have seen portions of Alison and Jesse’s full-length piece as it has been created over the past couple of years and look forward to seeing this completed work by the talented staff at The Yard. For info, call 508-645-9662 or visit dancetheyard.org. Also you can still attend yoga classes daily through Sunday, September 7.

Siggy Vanraan, an inspiration to all Sunday softball players, overcame an injury to pitch the final game. A cheerleader for Flanders Field softball over many years, Siggy was awarded the Most Valuable Person trophy at Sunday’s game. Congratulations Siggy: keep up the good work and we look forward to seeing you next year!