Town Column : Chilmark
By Katie Carroll
Published: October 15, 2009
I trust you all had a wonderful holiday weekend and basked in the extra day of fun. My family had a quick visit from my mom, Diana, and my eight-year-old niece, Piper. Piper arrived all decked out in her leggings patterned with signs of what is to come in a few short weeks - Halloween candy. We also had the pleasure of a Smokin' Bones dinner with the Nixon family, the Brennan family, the Keefe family, the ever popular Johnny Graham, Sarah Doyle and Ava Sterns, and the always dashing Dylan Glenn. Our evening finished up with roasting marshmallows over a cozy fire.
Warren and Nan Doty have organized a musical evening at the Chilmark Community Center this Saturday, Oct. 17. They have a collection of musicians coming from off-Island to visit and jam and, take note: the Iowa State Fiddle Champ will be in the mix. It will be old-time music, folk music, and acoustic music with singing galore. Festivities will start at 7:30 and end by about 10 pm. The plan is for playing/singing from 7:30 to 8:30, a potluck dessert from 8:30 to 9, and then playing again from 9 to 10 pm. They hope to have some "slow jam" sessions where lots of people might play together - a goal is to have at least 20 instruments all playing more or less together. One might think of it as the Chilmark Community Folk Orchestra. All are welcome so please pass the word. Bring your guitar, banjo, harmonica, trumpet, fiddle, flute or kazoo - any instrument you play will do. Refer any questions to Warren and Nan at 508-645-3393.
Also on October 17 is the sixth annual Justin L. Coleman Memorial Hike. Justin died on October 17, 2003 at the age of 27 from head injuries sustained in a car accident in Australia. The event starts at 11:30 am at the Coleman residence at 150 South Road. All levels of walkers are welcome. There are 3 to 10 mile options available so you can choose what your body will happily withstand. Donations are greatly appreciated and there will be a brief discussion about what organizations, such as M.V. Drive for Life and Big Brother Big Sister of Martha's Vineyard, that will be receiving funds raised at this event. The following is mentioned on the Justin Lord Coleman Foundation website: A headline in a Sydney, Australia newspaper said: "Death of President's Aide Saves 4 Aussie Lives." Besides using his two kidneys, heart, and liver to help keep four people alive, Justin also donated his corneas, all the bones in his lower body, and his two Achilles tendons. In all, he improved the lives of about 36 people. Any questions can be directed to Evelyn at 508-645-2261.
Zee and Bill Gamson were kind enough to share the news of their new granddaughter born on October 7 and welcomed by big sister, Reba. Unfortunately, they didn't mention what her name was, so perhaps I'll have that information for you next week.
Birthday wishes need to be extended this week to Ray Kellman, Dick Smith, Roberta Morgan, and I feel like I might be forgetting someone. Happy birthday to you, too.
Andy Goldman shared his letter to the editor with me, which calls a meeting at the Chilmark Community Center on October 20 at 7 pm to discuss alternative energy, the latest State Plan, proposed sites of wind farms and more. Not only will there be lively relevant discussion but refreshments will be served to those hardy enough to attend.
Emily Broderick asked me to share that the Chilmark Community Church offers Sunday school for all ages and denominations from 9 to 10 am. The fall session has just begun and anyone interested in gathering further information, please call Kim Cottrill at 508-645-9545.
Also, please remember, Tuesday Pizza Nights are back in full swing. Enjoy a slice or two starting at 6 pm. Donations are kindly appreciated to offset the cost of the pizza. Please contact Julie Flanders at 508-645-3723 with any questions.
Condolences go out to Craig, Lori, Quinn, Allie, and Grady Keefe. Craig's mother, Kay, recently lost her battle with cancer. Kay was a sweet woman and I am glad that I had the chance to meet her.
This week at the Chilmark School, Imogen Taylor, Quinn Keefe, and Mary McCarthy were all honored as Student of the Week. Their faces, and those of the previous recipients, are captured on film and proudly displayed in the school foyer. Congratulations.
Todd Christy has taken to the streets and has geared up for a fall full of bike racing. This past weekend, the whole Christy family ventured to Providence, R.I. for a race. Dash, El and Wren all planned to take part in their first kids' bike race. Somehow Todd managed to fit five bikes, four wheel sets, and all their gear into their car.
This week on the Derby board I have, once again, seem some Chilmark names which include Tegan Fenner, Johnny Graham, Jeffrey Maida, Chris Mayhew, and Ryan Kurth. Congratulations to Patrick Jenkinson for weighing in the $500 bonito on Saturday the tenth. I'll admit that I am jealous. I have yet to weigh in a fish of my own this year. I have a few more days.
