Zee and Bill Gamson Take on Northern California- sounds like a book title, doesn’t it? Well, it was a real-life, fun-filled adventure for the dynamic couple who have returned to the East Coast after feasting and partying with the best of them. Their trip first took them to their number one top spot — their granddaughters’ house in Oakland is where almost six-year-old Reba and 27-month-old Maddy call home along with the Gamson’s son, Josh, and his husband, Richard Knight. According to Zee, “They were delicious company.” From there, they drove north and inland to Chico to visit Zee’s brother, Harry Keshet, and his wife, Jamie. They made a pit stop on the way at the beautifully planned Sacramento Valley Nature Sanctuary. Then back to the Bay Area for more parties and feasts. They returned to Chilmark to round out the holidays with a lot of catching up to do and dancing their New Year’s Eve away with good friends at Deon’s Latin Dance Party. A stroll along Lucy Vincent with their dog, Rosie, completed the glorious end to 2011.
The Library is back at it with Free Movie Fridays. From January 6 through April 6, starting at 7 pm, the Library will surely be a hot spot to gather with friends to take in a film and indulge in a little popcorn. Tomorrow night will kick off the series with the 1958 film based on the 1955 Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tennessee Williams, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” Starring Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman, this is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Last month I forgot to mention the arrival of twin girls Alice and Bridget. Born to Eileen and John Patete of the boat Panasea that is a frequent Menemsha visitor. They were born on December 7 and are already planning their romp along Dutcher Dock with big brother Rudy and big sister Adeline.
Say, do any of you remember Josh Bartlett? He was stationed in Menemsha for a few years not all that long ago. Well, I guess eight years is a long time for Brooks considering he isn’t quite nine yet. I digress. He is now working out of Station Ketchikan and was shown on the Weather Channel’s series Coast Guard Alaska. I had heard from Dick Vincent that he had spotted Josh on one of the episodes back in mid-December. Bradley and I watched an episode over the weekend and, lo and behold, there was Josh.
Birthdays, birthdays, birthdays. New Year’s Day is not only the start of a new calendar year, but it’s also a special day of celebration for a few, including Emily Boyd, Jennifer Christy, Linda Coutinho, and Sarah Andresen. Also celebrating this week are Sam Eddy, Cody Coutinho, Mathea Morais, Alec Gale, Steve MacQuiggan, Charlie Shipway, and others I am sure. December 31 was the night to party with Sam Carroll.
Love Potion #9, Run around Sue, Blueberry Hill, Teenager in Love, Wake up Little Susie, Unchained Melody. Do these song titles sound familiar? Want to hear them belted out by a local favorite? Chilmark School parents and friends will be hosting a 50s-60s themed fundraiser at the CCC on January 28 to benefit the PTO and Outing Program. Come dance your bobby socks off and roll up the cuffs on your crisp denim jeans to the sounds of Merrily Fenner and friends. A night of live/silent auction, dessert bar, socializing with friends and more all to benefit the unique extras the Chilmark School provided for our children is a worthy cause. Tickets are available in advance for $15 through all school parents, at Menemsha Texaco and TicketsMV.com. Can’t come? Buy a ticket and call it a donation. Or, if you want to contribute something to the auction call me and I will make it happen.
I have had the pleasure of bumping into my dear friend Buddy Mayhew a few times recently. Fondly referred to by many as, Uncle Bud, he is a pleasure to come across at a holiday party, among the fruits and vegetables at Cronig’s Market or standing next to me at the post office as I try to place my hand on my mailbox key that I most certainly tucked in my pocket.
Whether it was that glitzy party, a feel-good potluck with friends, a movie and popcorn on the couch or an early to bed night nestled under a fluffy down comforter, I hope you all enjoyed ringing in the New Year. May the year 2012 bring you happiness, love of life, a sense of adventure, and enlightening experiences surrounded by family and good friends.