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By Katie Carroll
Published: November 25, 2009

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Hannah Kahl, daughter of Robin Smith, our fabulous Chilmark School K/1 teacher, along with friend Kate Hubbell, have successfully pedaled 3,600 miles through 12 states and a million flat tires later have reached their destination of El Paso, Texas. The pair departed New Hampshire on September 1 and were greeted on November 12 by their friend Lila Fischer of West Tisbury who is currently studying for her midwifery certification in El Paso, where the two cyclists will be volunteering at a homeless center. They found their journey provided them with a renewed view of humanity, thanks to the many generous people along the way who showed them kindness.

Marina Lent, our well-connected Board of Health assistant, sends a shout out to anyone who qualifies, is interested in but has yet to receive the H1N1 shot. In order to be placed on the list, you must fall into one of these categories: pregnant, caregiver of an infant less than six months of age, child between six months and four years, or a child between five and eighteen with a chronic medical condition. Please call Marina with any questions Monday through Friday between 8:30 and 1:30 pm at 508-645-2105.

The Chilmark Public Library Art Show, with works by Joan Lelacheur, Susan Johnson, and Anika Hodson will be up until December 3. Please stop in to view Joan's wampum tiles: jewelry for the home, Susan's landscape oil paintings, and Anika's decorative weavings.

Wendy Weldon will hold her first Open Studio on Thanksgiving weekend. A very talented Vineyard artist, Wendy is selling her paintings, monotypes, and drawings out of her art studio in Chilmark over Thanksgiving weekend, from 10 am to 4 pm on Friday, Nov. 27, and Saturday, Nov. 28, or by appointment. She welcomes visitors and collectors to her studio. This is her first Open Studio Sale since moving back to the Island in 1998. She has beautiful canvases and paintings on paper for sale, spanning many years of creating art. For directions, please email her at wendyweldon@earthlink.net.

Jenny Christy, our new town clerk, is in the office from 8 am to 12 noon Monday through Friday ready to assist all of you that are looking to put venison on your dinner table by way of a valid 2009 hunting license. Hunting deer may be done with a shotgun between November 30 and December 12 and with primitive firearms between December 14 and 31. Please contact the Chilmark Police to make sure you are up to date on all of the rules and regulations.

We, the inhabitants of the Town of Chilmark, are hereby warned and notified of the upcoming Special Town Meeting at the Chilmark Community Center on Monday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 pm. There are nine articles to be acted upon regarding such topics as funds for the Middle Line Road rental units, funds for repairs at the police station and the Community Center, funds for the removal of dead standing trees, and more. The full warrant can be viewed on the town website, at the town hall, or at Menemsha Texaco.

It's that time of year when there is typically a chill in the air and we all think to turn up the heat a bit. You may have a space heater in your basement, workshop, or a room that might be a bit too far away from the furnace to reach with all of its heat-throwing power. This week's fire safety tip is: space heaters need space. Keep portable and space heaters at least three feet from anything that may burn. Never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to sleep. Children and pets should always be kept away from them.

"Chocolate cake, when you bake, how many minutes will you take? One, two, three, four." It's all about something called French Skipping on the playground at the Chilmark School. It's an entertaining combination of jump rope and a hopscotch-type game. Children stand with their legs in a loop of elastic while another child jumps over it. They move the elastic up a few inches at a time until the child can no longer jump over. It is a fun and easy way to get your heart pumping and burn off a little steam. Thanks go out to Anja May, first grader Fynn's mom, for introducing it on the playground.

If you are looking for something to do the day after Turkey Day while your stomach is still digesting that huge meal you ate at Grandma Fran's or Aunt Kendra's, consider being off to see the wizard, the wonderful "The Wizard of Oz" at the Capawock Theatre in Vineyard Haven for a 2 pm showing on Friday the 27th. Admission is one non-perishable canned good for the Island Food Pantry.

I hope your stuffing is tasty and your turkey plump and juicy. I hope your potatoes and gravy have barely a lump. May your pies be garnished with homemade ice cream and your tables surrounded by friends and family. Take a moment to share your gratitude and give thanks for what you have without dwelling on what you don't. Happy Thanksgiving!