Well, the clocks have rolled back, which brings darkness to our doorstep just a bit earlier each day. According to many, it is the time of year to spend a little more time in the kitchen preparing meals with the family. These days, scallops from the waters of Menemsha Pond are a must, but don’t forget your permit from the town hall.
Is spending time at the stove not your thing? Perhaps pizza doesn’t really float your boat either? How about a hearty bowl of soup with salad, bread, and perhaps a little dessert? Starting November 16, the ever popular pizza night at the Chilmark Church becomes a big bowl of soup. Join the friendly faces of family and neighbors at 5:30 Tuesday nights. All are welcome to come in out of the dark to warm up from the inside out.
I was glad to read the article about the organized detonation of WWII ordnance last Wednesday night. Around 9:20 that evening, after my family had settled in under the covers for a good night’s sleep, the house shook, a loud explosion was heard and the bodies that had been tucked under the covers had leaped out in fear. I thought I was crazy. After we looked around outside and found nothing out of place, I posted the experience on Facebook and quickly received numerous responses. Mathea Moreis was kicking back with her daughter Isabella when they both thought they, too, were on the verge of crazy. Kerry and Stephen Taylor jokingly thought it might have been a low flying turkey a tad early for the Thanksgiving meal. Tim Walsh thought something fell in his attic. Mary Maida convinced Jeffrey to do a walkabout just as we did. Nina Lombardi did the same thing. Nicole Cabot thought it might have been her eight-year-old Violet falling out of bed. Gina Solon, Laura Alexander, Annie Bradshaw, and Laura Bernard — all in West Tisbury — heard the boom, too. Phil Smith even checked the USGS site to verify there were no earthquakes in the area. I think we all shared a collective sigh of relief when the answer was something as simple as explosives on the beach.
Congratulations to the children at the Chilmark School for their outstanding job at the UNICEF Fair. The 4/5 students were busy this past week in class with various math exercises that revolved around one final — seeing how much money they had the satisfaction of sending off to UNICEF. Estimating, rounding numbers, analyzing data, creating graphs, adding, subtracting, and counting change finally got them the number they were looking for. At $801.47, it was the largest amount the school has raised, so thanks to all the friends and neighbors who had change for the students to drop in their little orange collection boxes. Congratulations to Kelly, Liam, Levi, Suzanne, Cabot, Gabe, Gabe, Olin, Rachaya, Coltrane, Maggie, Ned, Hailey, and Greta for hosting such a wonderful fair enjoyed by both Chilmark and West Tisbury students. Nice job Miss Jackie and Ms. Larsen. Thanks to El and Wren Christy whose slightly belated boxes put the final tally over the 800-dollar mark. Jackie would like to shout out a big thanks to all the parent volunteers and the PTO for helping with the event.
The Up-Island Regional girls’ soccer team has its final school match this Saturday when they will square off against Oak Bluffs. The team, which includes Chilmark girls Emma Bunker, Olivia Knight, Adelaide Keene, and Mary McCarthy beat Edgartown this past Saturday in a very close game — the final score rounded out at 4-3.
Pleased to be here to watch the excitement are Ann and Hal Noyes of Steamboat Springs, Colo., grandparents to Adelaide and her siblings Thea, Ella, and Lathrop. When they are not cheering for goals they have had the pleasure of getting to know the goats that recently joined the Keene clan.
Happy birthday to Mariah and Jessica Campbell who turn, gulp, 15 on the 15th. They celebrate along with Judy Mayhew. Celebrating today are Sarah Slater Bennett and my fellow Aquinnah columnist, Molly Purves.
First incorporated as Armistice Day, Veterans Day was changed by Congress to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. On this day, to my fellow townspeople, I thank you.
