The all-points bulletin broadcast last week has been cancelled. Abducted last week: One “Honk for a teacher” sign, last seen firmly planted in the ground at Beetlebung Corner, has been safely returned to its home at the Keene family compound. The sign’s owners, John, Hillary, Adelaide, Thea, Ella, and Lathrop, graciously created the wonderful piece of art in honor of our educators during Teacher Appreciation week. It spent a week living on that lovely little plot of land in the center of town, but mysteriously went missing in the early morning hours of Monday, May 10. After the APB was put out regarding the whereabouts of this handcrafted sign it took over a week to discover its hiding place. Fortunately, the abductor has returned the sign unscathed and it will reside with its rightful owners until it ventures out to the little plot of land next spring.
In other news from the Chilmark School, the 2010 Hiking Trails Challenge was a success, raising $825. Our students challenged themselves to hike the Land Bank trails of Chilmark and Aquinnah during the months of March and April to raise money for our school garden. They organized their families for the hikes and participated in a fun, non-competitive event. Their efforts raised money to support their own outdoor classroom where they are growing corn, beans, peas, lettuce, sunflowers, potatoes, strawberries, leeks, calendula, a three-sisters Native American garden, and a Colonial herb garden.
Today is Volunteer Appreciation Day at the Chilmark School. Right about now, those who donate their time and energy to help make the school the wonderful place that it is, are dining together on a fantastic spread of delicacies. The volunteers will be treated to the Student Strings Concert immediately following the luncheon. Thank you to the countless folks who donate time and talent.
Not only did Todd Christy have an amazing trip to the Pacific Northwest last week with daughters El and Wren but Jenny had some excitement with Dash. They visited New York City, the Big Apple, and wandered through museums and galleries taking in the remarkable pieces of art and history. Although the weather was a little on the cool side, they had a first-rate adventure.
Marianne Neill will be showing her recent gouache paintings at the Chilmark Library beginning May 22, 2010 until June 11, 2010. (I looked this up. In short, gouache is an opaque watercolor prepared with gum.) The opening reception will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2010, from 3:00 to 5:00. Everyone is welcome to view Marianne’s work which will be accessible during regular library hours.
Celia, Caleb, and Chris Slater were here this past weekend visiting parents, Jane and Herb Slater. It was a weekend full of boating chores. The No Problem is in the water ready for another season. The lobster pots are in, too, and soon will be pulled, filled with food for the dinner table. The triple Cs are back home in Northbridge, busy with school and work and, most assuredly, are plotting their next trip to Menemsha.
Proud mother, Jackie Mendez-Diez shares that her son, Stefan, received his PhD from the University of Maryland. The title of his dissertation was “K-THEORETIC ASPECTS OF STRING THEORY DUALITIES.” Stefan sent Jackie a copy of his thesis and, in her words, she understood exactly zero with the exception of the page of acknowledgments and that he dedicated his paper to her father, Maurice Holtzman. Congratulations on a huge accomplishment.
This past weekend, Clara Maynard journeyed to the New England Dressage Association Spring Dressage Show at the Marshfield Fairgrounds. Clara received two first place ribbons on her new mare, Dia, who at the age of six began showing just this winter.
Also in Maynard family news, Kristi shares that Violet, currently on a mooring in Menemsha Harbor, will soon make her annual move to Vineyard Haven Harbor.
Buckle up for safety’s sake. Beginning May 24, the Chilmark Police will take part in a nationwide mobilization known as “Click it or Ticket”. This special two week crackdown is designed to increase seatbelt use and decrease motor vehicle fatalities. Between May 24 and June 7, Chilmark Police Chief, Brian Cioffi, is teaming up with Menemsha Texaco to offer a special reward to child passengers who are found to be properly seat belted and using age appropriate child restraining devices. A Chilmark Police Officer will give properly buckled child passengers a coupon which can be redeemed at Menemsha Texaco for a Popsicle. If you have questions please contact the Chilmark Police at (508) 645-3310.
Stay tuned next week for a recap of Susan Larsen’s momentous journey through the street of Boston and points south. She walked for a purpose. Sue walked to make a change. Sue walked for future generations. Thank you, Sue.
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