Town Column : Chilmark
By Katie Carroll
Published: February 11, 2010
As many of you know, on September 16, 2009, Susan Larsen was diagnosed with breast cancer. May 15 and 16 she will proudly participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Boston as a survivor. She will walk a distance of 39.3 miles and hopes to raise a minimum of $1,800 but strives for more. Please be part of the cure by helping Sue, and all who are impacted by breast cancer, by making a tax-deductible contribution. Just visit the fundraising page at avonwalk.org (then click on the Boston walk and find Sue's name) or contact Sue at 508-645-3805 or sjlarsen@ verizon.net.
Proud mother Emily Broderick updated me on Mike and Mary McConneloug's latest adventures, which took place high in the Andes. The duo participated in the six-day Trans Andes Challenge mountain bike race in Chile. They won their category as a mixed double team. They covered over 250 miles and climbed 30,000+ feet in the rugged terrain near Pucon. Throughout this challenge they resided in a roving tent city which they had to continually pack and unpack. Mike and Mary will reside in Chile for the next month then will travel to northern California to train for the upcoming World Cup series. If you keep your eyes open this spring, you will surely see them on Island highways and byways.
Kristi Kinsman Maynard returned from Kenya three weeks ago. Her goal was to meet and bring hope to refugees, yet she was able to accomplish so much more during her visit. She now has a greater understanding of what Mapendo International does for urban refugees. Kristi feels truly fortunate to have become so connected to such an effective and compassionate group of refugee rescuers.
Please extend your sympathy to Jeff, Emily, and Matthew Day. Jeff's mother, Linnette, passed away on February 1 at her home in Fryeburg, Maine, after a brief battle with cancer.
Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 5:30 pm there will be a Mardi Gras pancake supper at the Chilmark Community Church. It will take the place of the typical winter soup supper. The entire community is welcome. How can you even consider passing up breakfast for dinner? Or, for that matter, how could you consider passing up the sweet goodness of maple syrup?
This week's Friday night movie at the library stars Audrey Hepburn as the chauffeur's daughter who returns from Paris looking a lot better than when she left. She catches the attention of wealthy brothers played by Humphrey Bogart and William Holden. As always, free admission, popcorn and juice will be offered at the 7 pm showing of "Sabrina," courtesy of the Friends of the Chilmark Public Library. Please call 508-645-3360 for more information.
The Chilmark Library has joined the greater population in the cyber networking world of Facebook. The plan is to share updates about library events, read book reviews, and allow friends to join in book discussions.
The U.S. Census takes place every 10 years. This year, Meg Orlando will join the workforce that will set out to compile data. She shares that there will be hundreds of jobs available on the Island and she, like many, has opted to take advantage of the opportunity to earn some extra income. Anyone interested should call 866-861-2010.
This week Kerry Taylor, Tracy Thorpe, and Mary Ambulos will be the parent facilitators during the second week of the Chilmark School's trial snack program. This week's menu consists of Orange Peel Bakery's challah twists, cinnamon buns, apple cake, farmer's rolls, and blueberry muffins. The goal is to alleviate pressure on parents each morning when they stew over what to squeeze into a lunchbox by offering a wholesome snack readily available in the school. Again, thanks to the slightly belated birthday girl, Lindsey Scott, for facilitating this whole process.
The Chilmark Preschool has earned an excellent reputation and has been able to provide a smooth transition for children as they make their way down the hall into their elementary classrooms. When forming the Chilmark Preschool, the lack of a lavatory in the classroom was a primary concern and now after five years the preschool is seeking financial assistance to fulfill the vision in constructing a small bathroom. The Chilmark Preschool Board of Directors are Alicia Knight, Anne Mayhew, Katie Carroll, Sarah Moore, Robin Smith, and Chris Abrams.
It's almost upon us. The Chilmark School's Caribbean Night will take place at the Chilmark Community Center Saturday night from 6:30 to 11 pm. The $15 tickets are available at the school, Menemsha Texaco, and online at ticketsmv.com. Please consider venturing out to this really fun night on the town to benefit our school. There will be a prize for the partygoer with the most Caribbean flair so pull out the bright colors hiding in the back of your closet and get ready to party.
