Fourth place is where the Up-Island police departments ended up with their amazingly executed “cruiser” serving booth for last weekend’s Wing Fest at Sharky’s. The lights and sirens were blaring thanks to Doug Bardwell’s hours devoted to the authenticity of the project. Brian Cioffi was the master of the sauce along with Rhandi Belain, Ryan Ruley, Sean Slavin, Liz Elwell, and Matt Gebo rounding out the core team. The team thanks their significant others, family, and friends for lending their support during the crazy week of creation. Plans are already underway for next year.
The town of Chilmark has lost two of its elders this past week. At the age of 97, Claus Buchthal of Prospect HIll died from complications relating to a brain tumor. If I remember correctly, Claus underwent an experimental heart valve transplant about a year and a half ago. He was a fascinating man full of stories and full of life.
Ethel Whitman celebrated her 93rd birthday about a month ago. but, sadly, she is with us no longer. A memorial to celebrate the fun-loving bridge player will take place Saturday at noon at the Chilmark Church with a reception to immediately follow in the Parish Hall. Ethel’s daughter Jane will have some light refreshments to offer as family and friends reminisce and share stories of her mother. All are, of course, welcome.
Although it is still in the planning stages and the date hasn’t been firmed up yet, the Chilmark School PTO has started collecting donations for the auction to be held at its third annual Caribbean Night fundraiser with that funky band, the Smokin’ Flamingoes. Stay tuned for a save-that-date newsflash. If you are interested in contributing an item or services to the auction, you can contact me or Hillary Noyes-Keene at 508-645-3431.
The school has, once again, started up its snack program with Juli Vanderhoop’s Orange Peel Bakery. The children are given the opportunity to buy a healthy and freshly baked snack twice a week. On the table this week are apple cake and banana bread. It’s a nice alternative to what mom might pack day in and day out.
The Chilmark Preschool took a walking field trip on one of those brutally cold days a short while back. They started out across the tundra, also known as the ball field by the school, and made their way to the Crossroad Fire Station where they were greeted by Chief David Norton and firefighter Liz Gude. They got to see the ins and outs of the fire truck, had a few safety lessons, and were given an opportunity to ask questions. Most four- and five-year-olds have lots of questions. Thanks to Laurisa Rich, one of the famed preschool teachers, for sharing this information with me and us.
Josh and Lindsey Scott, along with their kids Tristan and Charlotte, have lamb shoulder for sale from their Pasture Hill Farm. Call them at 508-645-3037 if you are interested in putting some local meat on your dinner table.
Josh Aronie’s customers at the Menemsha Cafe wouldn’t hear of it when he tried shortening up his hours to spend more time with baby Eli, who is growing inches and pounds by the day. The off-season scale-back struck a compromise between chef and customers, so you can find Josh there, ready to serve, from 8 am until 2 pm on weekdays. He is also serving a Friday supper from 5 to 8 pm and Saturdays he is there from 10 am until 3 pm. Call 508-645-9902 if you’d like to place an advance order.
Thanks to Hellie Neumann who offered free acupuncture to all veterans and active duty military personnel on November 11. It was a very thoughtful and unique way of giving back to those who have given of themselves for all of us. She will continue in December with free clinics for vets, active duty, fire fighters, and police officers. Hellie can also be found at Vineyard Complementary Medicine in West Tisbury. You can call or walk in for an appointment.
Next week finds us feasting, so I will leave you with this:
Our rural ancestors, with little blest,Patient of labour when the end was rest,Indulged the day that housed their annual grain,With feasts, and off’rings, and a thankful strain.~Alexander Pope
