Chilmark: Final weeks at Chilmark Chocolate

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The Chilmark School made this handmade thank-you note for Morning Glory Farm after a recent trip there. —Valerie Sonnenthal

I hope everyone got to enjoy a peaceful weekend with friends, family, or favorite animals. If you didn’t get to Chilmark Chocolates before Turkey Day you may have waited to pull in, waited for a parking spot, and joined the line outside the door before being able to finally fulfill your chocolate wish list. Remember they’re only open through Dec. 18, Thursdays through Sundays from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm, so do your holiday shopping soon. Also available at Chilmark Chocolates are great gifts including bracelets, angels, hearts, baskets of handmade holiday ornaments, and small quilts, all supporting haitipeacequilts.org.

Though only a handful of Basin Street shops were open in Menemsha over the holiday weekend, they happily saw a steady stream of visitors despite the less than perfect weather prior to a sunny Sunday. The Chilmark Potluck Jam served as a collection center for goods that are being transported this week from our community to Standing Rock. The evening slowly filled every seat with a thankful audience. Next Potluck Jam is Saturday, Jan. 7.

Heartfelt condolences go out to Lucille Plotz and the extended family of Charles Plotz, who died at home in Brooklyn on Nov. 20 and was buried in Abel’s Hill Cemetery on Nov. 23. Charles and Lucille started coming to Menemsha in 1968, and celebrated 71 years of marriage this year. I feel honored having gotten the chance to interview them about being together 70 years. Learn more about both of these treasures of humanity and wonderful mentors throughout both of their lives at bit.ly/theplotzes. There will be a memorial gathering in Brooklyn at a later date. Contributions in Charles’ memory may be made to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225, bbg.org.

Welcome to Ivy Villa, born on Nov. 4 to Jessica and Michael Villa of Chilmark.

Congratulations to Chilmark newlyweds Jillian Buning and Alexander Greeley, who tied the knot at town hall on Oct. 27. All the very best to you both.

Thomas Bena has been up to a lot lately, his life and film always on a new path; keep up with his latest news here: bit.ly/onebighome.

On Friday, Dec. 2, and the first Friday of every month, the Immigration Resource Center will be providing free assistance and representation for all immigration questions from 9 am to 3 pm at the Island Wide Youth Collaborative. For more information or to make an appointment, call 508-693-7900, ext. 400.

Pathways’ official Grand Opening Party is Friday, Dec. 2, from 6:30 to 9 pm with local writers including Chilmark poet Susan Puciul, digital works, music by Andy Herr and Neil Howl from his new CD, artwork on the walls, and cake. Pathways is open daily, except Wednesday and Sunday, from 11 am to 5 pm for your collaborations; Wi-Fi and computer are available. On Tuesday, Dec. 6, Nikki Patton hosts Writers Read from 7 to 9 pm. Want to keep up with goings on? Check pathwaysmv.org.

On Friday, Dec. 2, the Chilmark School will gather to make a Peace Tree from 1 to 2:30 pm, to honor the many cultures and faiths around the world. Each child traces and cuts out his or her hand, four times. The paper hands are put together to make a tree. Then groups of three students choose a symbol of peace from different faiths and cultures around the world. They make their own version of the symbol, put it on the tree, and present its meaning to the whole school. The Peace Tree is one way to celebrate peace, diversity and hope.

Anne Cook’s exhibit of mostly local landscapes and her American Flag painting from her “Freedom of Speech” series (2003-04) runs from Dec. 3 to Jan. 6 at the Chilmark library; please join her for an opening reception on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 2 to 5 pm.

A special town meeting will be held on Monday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 pm at the CCC to vote on eight articles; see bit.ly/chilmarktownwarrant.

There’s still time to become a registered voter by seeing Town Clerk Jennifer Christy at Town Hall between 9 am and noon, or call 508-645-2107.

Community Suppers have begun Tuesdays starting at 5:30 pm at the Chilmark Community Church. All are welcome to enjoy casual dining with new friends and neighbors. Stop by for some fall and winter cheer.

Have a good week.