Despite the strong winds and heavy rain on Sunday night we enjoyed a delightful party in Chilmark — the Times Christmas Party. We had parked in the woods by the side of the road and came out to discover that we could not escape from the mud. The car could not even rock but a few inches each way. Several others tried to help and were well-coated in mud from their attempts. I had reached the point of trying to figure out how to tell AAA where we were and wondering how they would find us in the rain and in the dark.
Chas Deary, Johnny Roriz, and Jack Shea came to the rescue. They quickly determined that they could provide the only reasonable escape. With a chain and four-wheel-drive truck they saved us. They also were quickly covered in sloppy mud from head to toe but managed to get us out of the mud and onto the road. You cannot know what a major event it was for us. Thank you hardly seems enough. We have all heard about angels in disguise. And you three definitely qualify.
Tonight is the beautiful concert to benefit Hospice. Our Lady Star of the Sea is a lovely church and especially so at Christmas.
Today the shops in town will be open until 8 pm, featuring cider and cookies as well as live music downtown.
Joe Massua says the counter at the Vineyard Haven Post Office will be open early for your convenience this holiday. On Saturday the hours are 9:30 am to 3 pm. Then on Monday and Tuesday you can get stamps for your last-minute cards from 7 am to 5 pm. Thanks, Joe, I think early is much better than later.
Saturday from noon to 4 pm the Louisa Gould Gallery offers a festive Holiday Open House. See the Small Wonders, works by your favorite artists: Doug Kent, John Holladay, Louisa Gould, Charles Fran Kenney, Laura Roberts, Kathryn Wronski, Maya Farber and Leslie Kenney. Francesca Kennedy has new jewelry, featuring designer earrings and necklaces. All this and free gift-wrapping.
The last day for the Featherstone Show is Sunday. Gifts from $5 to $250 will benefit Featherstone and local artists. The Knitting for Others Group has items for sale and the proceeds go to the Food Pantry.
The Vineyard Playhouse offers holiday delights for all ages. Christopher Brophy is back as Crumpet the Elf in the “Santaland Diaries.” Shows are tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 pm and then on Sunday at 4. (You should know that this show is rated PG13.)
Saturday features Tish Hinojosa in “Texas for a Christmas Night” with a family matinee at 4 pm and an evening concert at 8 pm. This takes place at the Spoon in the Moon Coffeehouse at the Playhouse.
On Tuesday, see Patricia Neal in “The Fountainhead” at the Vineyard Haven Library at 7 pm. Gary Cooper co-stars in this drama based on the best-selling book by Ayn Rand. It is always a treat to see Patricia Neal on the screen. A well-loved and respected actress and long-time resident of the Island, she was always an appreciative member of the audience at the Jabberwocky performances.
Children ages 5 and up can see a movie with popcorn at the library next Thursday — toys, friends, and a good story at 1 and 3 pm.
Then the week after Christmas will be Shakespeare for the Masses — quick and painless and free — at 7 pm at the Playhouse on Wednesday and Thursday night. “Measure for Measure,” a lively staged reading edited by Nicole Galland and Chelsea McCarthy, will be performed by a rollicking troupe of Playhouse Players.
Adults are welcome to take advantage of the Tisbury Travel Club trip to Boston on Monday, January 10. The Art of the Americas Wing offers a totally new way of looking at art and has just opened in the Museum of Fine Arts. You will have four hours at the museum. Admission includes access to the original museum exhibits. Leave the driving and parking to the professional drivers and enjoy a day in Boston. Leave on the 8:15 am boat and return at 5 pm. Cost is $42. Call the senior center to sign up at 508-696-4205.
Congratulations to Jill and Fred LaPiana who celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary on Wednesday.
A big bunch of 30 belated birthday balloon wishes goes out to Kayla Pachico who celebrated last Monday. Happy birthday to Lyrae Littlefield and Kate Malkie tomorrow. On Monday we remember Patty Radway. Vera Shorter parties on Wednesday.
Heard on Main Street: Be naughty. Save Santa the trip.
