Chilmark: Thanks to the Chilmark Chocolate elves

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‘Twas the first night of Hanukkah and all through the house the mice were chomping, latkes baking, dogs snoring, bread rising, holidays cards drying, son flying, lights twinkling, wood stove fire crackling, and life is good. In Chilmark life has been sweet this week with a tin re-filled daily by an elf from Chilmark Chocolates at the Post Office. I heard that the librarians have drawn from a hat for this coveted trip to pick up the mail at the sweet spot. And you were lucky if you managed to squeeze into the parking lot on the last December day that Chilmark Chocolates was open. The chocolate elves deserve a much-needed holiday break.

The Santander Bank runneth over with the glorious colors and shapes of Candy Shweder’s Up-Island Pottery offerings, available through the December 26, and then Aquinnah jeweler Jessica Kramer returns with her raw mineral jewelry through January 2, all under $50.

Don’t forget you can get fresh milk, cheese, meats, and other goodies at Mermaid Farm and The Grey Barn. And the Allen Farm shop is a great place to get holiday gifts, open daily from 11:30 am to 5 pm, orders can be made by phone at 508-645-9064 and check out their goods online at allenfarm.com.

I must apologize to Everett Poole whose Chilmark Chandlery  (508-645-9562) is not only open, but will surprise you with unexpected finds from 3 to 5 pm except Sundays. Next door check out the wonderful world of Scott McDowell’s Copperworks of Martha’s Vineyard, open through January 1, 2015. If you can’t make it down to Menemsha you can go to the-copperworks.com and shop there or call 508-645-2995 — Scott loves special orders.

The Chilmark Library Used Book Sale continues through December 27 at 12 noon and all books are free after 10:30 am on the last day.

The First Congressional Church of West Tisbury’s annual Christmas Pageant is at 5 pm on Wednesday, December 24, at the Ag Hall; all are welcome. Or join the Chilmark Community Church for their 5 pm Christmas Eve candlelight service.

If you like to sing, join Niki Patton on Christmas for caroling at Windemere from 3:15 – 5:15 pm, meet in front, song sheets will be provided, bring an instrument to play. Call 508-693-4307 for questions or more information. I have done this a couple of years with Niki and can say your songs will lift hearts and you will return home lighter.

Saturday, December 27, will be the last indoor Farmer’s Market at the Ag Hall, from 10 am – 1 pm. If you have your young family members visiting drop by Kristin’s Stories & Songs at The Chilmark Library on Saturday at 10:30 am and all ages are welcome to come and build at the West Tisbury Library Lego Club from 2:30 – 4:30 pm.

Sunday, December 28 is the last day to see the MV Teddy Bear Suite at The Harbor View Hotel’s Captain’s Cottages; money raised is donated to the MV Boys and Girls Club and its After School Programs. For more information, go to mvteddybearsuite.com or call 508-627-4567.

All are welcome to celebrate John Early receiving the Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard 2014 Spirit of the Vineyard Award at a 2 pm ceremony at the West Tisbury Library on Sunday, December 28.

Seasonal Greetings to one and all, safe travels to all those heading off Island to visit friends and family, and may everyone’s days be filled with comfort, hope, and joy.