Town Column : Chilmark
By Katie Carroll
Published: October 29, 2009
Miss Emily has been visiting us this week from the U.K. as part of the West Tisbury School eighth-grade student exchange. Her presence has allowed us to enjoy some of the things that we often forget to stop and look at.
We indulged in Chilmark Chocolates, which I often give as gifts but rarely think to get for myself. We window-shopped in both Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs. We've had pizza parties, roasted marshmallows, and indulged in s'mores. We've taken scenic drives, gone out to lunch, and run through the corn maze at The FARM Institute. Thanks to the British invasion for getting us out of our plot of land we refer to as our backyard.
This past Sunday, we had a gathering at Bliss Pond Farm. Brian, Kari, and Bryce Cioffi were kind enough to bring their new apple press and a truckload of apples so we could all try our hands at making cider. The three generations of townspeople in attendance all took a turn at cutting, cranking, and pressing the apples. It was a labor-intensive and often sticky task, but the result was delicious. Thank you to the Cioffis, Julie Flanders for sharing the breathtaking scenery the farm provides, and to everyone who contributed to making the day a most pleasurable one.
We now have a couple of "movie stars" hanging with the local riff-raff in Menemsha. Liz Willette and Carl Crocker showed off their gas pumping skills Sunday morning during the filming of the German television movie series "Das Traumschiff." Paul Van Wormer, the U.S. contact for the film, cast, and crew arrived in Menemsha shortly after 6 am, parked their trucks, set up lights and a track for their camera to roll on, shot a few takes, and were rolling out of town by 9 am.
The library is a happening place these days. The Offseason Library Cafe is now open. Coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and cookies are available in the meeting room during regular library hours. It's a great excuse to get out of the house, read the newspaper, use your computer, read a book, or get together with your neighbors, sponsored by the Friends of the Chilmark Library.
The Library's After School Program is back in full swing and is offered Wednesday afternoons from 3 to 4 pm for children in first through fifth grades. Stories are read and followed by a craft project, which relates to the stories. Sometimes they have word searches and mazes. Irene has done a wonderful job taking on this program. Please call her at the library if you have any questions at 508-645-3360.
Also at the library, Tom Dresser will host a talk about his latest book, "In My Life," on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 5:30 pm. Admission to Tom's book talk is free and sponsored by the Friends of the Chilmark Public Library. Please call 508-645-3360 for more information.
There will be an All Saints Day celebration at the Chilmark Community Church on November 1 with Janet Holladay as preacher. At the 9 am worship, all will remember those members of our community who have died over the last year and others who are dear to us. All are welcome.
On November 3 at 5:30, Soup Suppers will resume. Come out of the cold for free hot soup and good company. Also, the church is collecting food and donations for the Island Food Pantry during the weeks of November leading up to Thanksgiving. Please leave canned goods or other food staples in the church vestibule.
Saturday night is Halloween. The firefighter's association will be, once again, hosting its annual Halloween party at the Community Center for all children in town through fifth grade. If you have been before, you know this the perfect location to get your children together to catch a glimpse of friends in costume and parade around for grandparents and other community members that join in this fun family event. The party will kick off at 5:30 pm. Come join us for cider, sweets, and a costume parade. As I mentioned last week, I am looking for volunteers to bring snacks to share. Call or email to let me know what you are willing to bring, please.
Also, the students at the Chilmark School will, once again, be trick or treating with UNICEF boxes in hand. Please consider having a little change ready to donate to this cause. The 4/5 class will tally up all of the donations, so I will try to have a total to share next week. One more thing, if you are interested in having ghosts, lions, and jedis appear at your door on Saturday evening, please let me know so that I may spread the word.
I think Halloween is also birthday to Ed Sussman and Nancy Marvel. Happy days.
