Clyde Smith took home top honors at the Chilmark Volunteer Firefighter’s Association annual Halloween festivities at the Community Center. The homemade, brightly decorated, cardboard box and all its accoutrements won for best overall costume. This year’s judges were Emily Broderick, Bradley Carroll, and Margaret Maida, who awarded the rest of the prizes to: Creepiest: Ben Taylor; Most Original: Wren Christy; Cutest: Annalee Hoy; Funniest: Tyler Shipway; Most Likely to be Copied: Noah Glasgow; Best Homemade: Kieran Karabees; Most Witch-like: Imogen Taylor; Grossest: Bella Thorpe; Best Last-minute: Delilah Oliver; Coolest Group Costume: Corrick, Quinlan, Dardy and Sean Slavin.
A rather large posse of banshees, pixies, groovy girls, ghouls, and fiends joined trick-or-treating wonder powers and traipsed through the woods and frolicked among houses in Menemsha. Running wildly, with flashlights, glow sticks, and big bags of candy the troop’s final destination, the Coast Guard Station, was the perfect photo opportunity. Many thanks, not only to the fire department, Chilmark Chocolates for their generous donation of yummy chocolate treats, the Youth Task Force for the goodie bags and glow sticks, but most of all heartfelt thanks go out to all of our friends who open up their houses to our children. Your kindness is certainly appreciated. If you’d like to be on the list of houses accepting knocks at your door next year, let me know. I will gladly spread the word. One major holiday is under our belts, so now it’s time to let the belt out one more hole and make room for the next.
In just a few short weeks we will be sitting down to tables lined with turkey, mashed potatoes, and warm homemade apple pie. Therefore, it is that time of year again when the Chilmark School students will be participating in their annual Turkey Trot and Stone Soup event. Held Tuesday November 22, the Turkey Trot entices Chilmark School alumni to come out with their running shoes on to show their support of current students and take a little stroll down memory lane. Making their way up Middle Road from Beetlebung Corner to the end of Keith field and back in as quick a manner as possible, their time is recorded by Phys Ed whiz Channon Capra. After the Trot, the story of “Stone Soup” is shared along with an edible version prepared by the school. Alumni are welcome to attend the Trot, but Ms. Stevens reminds us all that all former students must be in the care of a parent or chaperone. Give the school a call if you have questions, 508-645-2562.
Big Brother Big Sister of Cape Cod and the Islands emailed me about their program and how there are so many children waiting to be matched with a big volunteer. One of the most active Bigs in our community is Bill Randol, who has been a Big Brother for nine years and has watched his Little make his way through school and now watches him as a senior in high school as he prepares to embark on a college journey. Another active Big Brother is Chris Yeomans, who in conversation often refers to his little brother as just that. He shares stories of many adventures, especially taking him fishing — a passion for both of them. Call their office at 508-696-5497 if you are interested in embarking on a new adventure with a child that will make you feel young again.
Bonnie and Bob George are thrilled to announce the birth of their fifth grandchild and third granddaughter, Nina Gabrielle George. The newest edition to the family resides with her mom and dad, Stefanie and Andrew George, in Takoma Park, Maryland.
The library will host an up-IsIand library public forum on Wednesday, November 9, at 5 pm. Residents of Aquinnah, Chilmark, and West Tisbury are invited to learn about the CLAMS library network. Representatives from CLAMS, the library consortium for 32 libraries on the Cape and Islands, will be on hand to answer questions and talk about the costs and benefits of joining the network.
Also, it is that time of year again when we can all take advantage of the Offseason Library Cafe. Coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and cookies are available in the meeting room during library hours, courtesy of the Friends of the Chilmark Library.
There is still time to get in touch with Coco Adams if you are interested in a spot at this Saturday’s yard sale/ flea market at the Center. For a $15 contribution you can secure a space to sell anything of your liking — jewelry, lures, clothes, toys. You name it, you can sell it. Give her a call at 508-645-3414 for details.
What are your Thanksgiving plans? Please share your stories and traditions. It is always nice to learn something new about our neighbors.
