Town Column : Chilmark
By Katie Carroll
Published: December 31, 2009
2009 has come to its end and tonight we will ring in the New Year and look forward to good things to come. This is the day that we have our last bit of chocolate, smoke that last cigarette, take the last sip of whiskey, take pride in a new exercise regime and vow to make the new year a slimmer, more fit and more prosperous one. I've never been one to make resolutions, but rather I remind myself when this day comes that I can strive to do just a little more to make the lives of those that surround me just a little bit better. For whatever I do, it doesn't matter if there is a thank you involved when you make a kind gesture, but rather the feeling from within is enough.
Did anyone happen to catch a glimpse of the article published in the British Medical Journal? I realize Christmas has passed us by but I must backtrack a little and mention the title "Santa Claus: a public health pariah?" It was written by an Australian public health expert and references the fact that Santa's sedentary image could be damaging millions of lives. He proceeds to offer up some advice for jolly ole Saint Nick and suggests he stop using the sleigh and walk or bike instead, stop eating cookies and opt for healthier snacks instead, stop smoking cigars and pipes, wear a helmet when chimney climbing or roof surfing and more. Good grief.
There's a new baby in town. Tauras Kasiulis Biskis made his grand appearance on Tuesday, Dec. 22, at 1:30 in the afternoon. He weighed in at a hefty 10 pounds, 11 ounces and was 21 inches long. He was welcomed home on Christmas Eve by big brother Kestutis, big sister Grazina and proud parents Tauras and Ellen. May the Biskis family experience happy days and restful nights.
Caleb, Chris, and Celia Slater came from Northbridge to celebrate Christmas with Herb and Jane. The family departed on Monday to prepare for their trip to West Chester, Penn., to spend New Year's celebrations with Chris's brother, Craig Lowe, his wife Donna, and their children, Abigail and Zach. The Slater home was not quiet for long as Aaron and Sarah Bennett arrived yesterday from Attleboro for a week's visit along with their boys, Jack and Scott.
Also home for the holidays are Genevieve, Allison, and Sarah Flanders. Joy and Steve have been "empty nesters" for the past few months as all of their little chickadees have ventured away from home. Sarah is home from her freshman year at College of Charleston; Ali is home from her junior year at Susquehanna University; and Gen is visiting from her job at MIT. The girls did their annual Christmas cookie bake off and, once again, my clan was one of the lucky families to receive a box full of yummy goodness.
Phil Smith did not venture back east for the holidays, but he shouts out a great big "hello" from the wintry state of Alaska. Phil managed to sneak in a visit to Hawaii before returning north to help Santa load up his sleigh.
Summer resident Stella Frank did a lot of jumping this Christmas. She received some kid size pony jumps to exercise herself when she is not riding. Brother Lukas doesn't seem to see the thrill in running and jumping around the back yard but if he were but a few years younger and horse crazy it would all make total sense.
Kristi, Gary, Kinsman, and Clara Maynard traveled to Ville Rivière-Rouge, Quebec, where they spent a day learning to drive dog sled teams. They also skied, enjoyed the outdoor heated pool, dined out and celebrated Kristi's birthday. Thanks to Kristi, I now know that "Hup hup Aller aller" means "run fast, dogs."
David C. Faus, headmaster of Falmouth Academy, announced that 10 Falmouth Academy students from Martha's Vineyard, including Kristi and Gary's son, Kinsman, were named to the FA Headmaster's List for the first trimester of the 2009-2010 academic year.
Sam Carroll has had his artwork on display at Mocha Mott's on Circuit Avenue. It is a collection of portraits and figures that he has painted. Sam, by the way, is celebrating a decade changing birthday today. Happy birthday wishes go out to you, Sam!
The First Congregational Church of West Tisbury is beginning their annual Community Suppers series in January. Suppers are held every Wednesday promptly at 5:30 from January 6 through the end of March, 2010. If you can, please bring a side dish to add to the bounty. For more information, call the church office at 508-693-2842 weekdays from 9 am to 1 pm.
Benjamin Franklin once said, "Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man."
