With warmth in the air a camp out was in order. Keith Healy and Solon Oliver organized a camp out at Camp Duarte for their Cub Scout den, which included Barrett Oliver. Not only did they plan the menu, but they shopped and cooked the food — mostly. This was the last big hurrah before the boys crossover from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts in January. The camp out was totally their idea. According to Liz, Solon’s mom, it’s hard to get Solon to initiate brushing his teeth or anything for that matter, so when they threw this curveball in the parents’ direction they decided they had better embrace it. Kevin always goes with the boys on any of their Cub Scout adventures but, this time, Liz opted to tag along. Liz, perhaps, enjoyed the adventure more than anyone else. The outdoor mama was treated to Mermaid Farm hot dogs for dinner and sausages for breakfast masterfully grilled by Barrett. Sounds like a real pleasure of a weekend.
The MVHC End of Year Awards were distributed over this past weekend. A few Chilmark faces received plaques, ribbons, trophies and a pile of goodies. Bob and Irene Hungerford were awarded the Horse Council Leadership Award. Additionally, Jackson, Bob and Irene’s horse, ridden by Tracey Olsen, achieved the dressage high point award. Clara Maynard was the older junior horsemanship exam award winner and also received a ribbon in the best turn out category. Imogen Taylor was walk/trot/canter reserve champion. Bella Thorpe was this year’s junior introductory dressage reserve champion and recipient of the young junior horsemanship award. Katie Goldsmith was the walk/trot reserve champion. And GG DeBlase was walk/trot champion. This is but a sampling of awards. Congratulations to all.
Our Aquinnah neighbor and artist friend Lisa Vanderhoop will have her work proudly on display at the Sail MV Art Show from Saturday, Dec. 8, through the 22nd. Show hours are Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and weekends from 12 noon to 4 pm. Sail MV is located on Main Street in Vineyard Haven.
Consider stopping by the Grey Barn farm stand for another neat spot to shop. The farm stand is open every day from 7 am until 7 pm. Molly, Eric, Noah, and Jakie Glasgow along with all of their farm staff sell cheese, raw milk, pork, beef, and eggs. Their dairy herd is milked twice a day. Stop at 7:30 am or 5:30 to check out the process through the viewing window. The Glasgows have teamed up with Todd Christy of Chilmark Coffee Company. You can find a great selection of his locally roasted organic fair-trade beans in his signature brown bags. Also, check out Todd’s website, chilmarkcoffeecompany.com. His beans, also available in cool reusable tins, would make a great holiday gift for that coffee lover in your life.
The Chilmark School hosted its first 2012-2013 community lunch this past Friday. Supported by Chilmark School PTO and funded by the PTO and generous donors, the series has been a super way for the kids to participate in the whole farm to table experience. Many thanks to Chef Robert Lionette, sous chef Kendra Buresch, and a whole host of parent volunteers for making this meal another success. Each meal is embraced by the community and plays host to a few special guests. This past week special guests included Warren Doty, Lillian Kellman, the sweet faces of the Chilmark Preschool, and more.
Speaking of the Preschool, they are in the final moments of their maple syrup fundraiser. Through the helping hands of the ArtCliff Diner, they are offering grade A syrup from Sweet Brook Farm in Williamstown in 8-, 16- and 32-ounce bottles for $10, $20, and $35, respectively. It is available to order through all Preschool parents or contact Rebekah Thomson at rebekahjthomson@gmail.com to order by December 11. This, too, would be a great holiday gift and also shows your support of our picture perfect local preschool.
Don’t forget the Library’s big used book sale is happening as we speak. Hardcovers, paperbacks, DVDs and books on tape are available at rock bottom prices. Stop in during regular library hours to scope it out. Or, time your stop with the holiday concert on December 12 at 6:15 pm, when the Vineyard Haven Brass Band, with local celebrities the Dunkls, will be sure to delight.
John and Jan Wightman will have their holiday gift show on display at the Chilmark branch of Sovereign Bank beginning December 8. The show, which will run for the next couple of weeks, will feature Island images such as glass cutting boards, decorative ceramic tiles, pendants, and more.
Shopping locally sure sounds like fun this year. Seems I have some very talented friends and neighbors. I haven’t even mentioned all of them yet. Don’t forget Scott McDowell’s CopperWorks. He will be highlighted next week once I know what he brings back from his Pennsylvania antiquing adventure. Until then…
