This week in New York City I was able to attend Island artist Cindy Kane’s opening for her Helmet Project at Sprint Flatiron Prow Art Space on 23rd Street and Fifth Avenue. I originally saw the exhibit at the Carol Craven Gallery in 2008 and am thrilled it is in the crossroads of a half-million people a day in its iconic location. It was exciting to walk through the actual helmets during the opening which was attended by many Islanders including Geraldine Brooks and Tony Horwitz; Kathy Cerick, Charles Fitzgerald and their daughter Liane (who was mentored by Cindy when she was growing up) and friend Conor Estes (MVRHS ’11); filmmaker and journalist Angela Andersen; Jean Hay, Sandy Bernat, Eli Dagastino; and Cindy’s husband Doron Katzman among others. Following the opening, Sandy Bernat, Jean Hay, and I attended The Real Thing starring Chilmark summer resident Maggie Gyllenhaal who is making her Broadway debut in a cast including Ewan McGregor, Cynthia Nixon, and Josh Hamilton. If you have a chance to catch this show in NYC you’ll be glad you did!
Getting ready for Thanksgiving, last-minute shopping, preparing food, but it’s not too late to help the Island Food Pantry which has a good supply of volunteers this year; however, if you have a specific talent or gift you wish to offer or if you really want to be a part of this work for an ongoing commitment, call the Food Pantry coordinator Armen Hanjian at 508-696-8225 or send a donation to The Island Food Pantry, P.O. Box 1874, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.
Once Thanksgiving is over you can enjoy Qigong with Nan Doty on Friday, 9:30–10:30 am, or drop by for Tuesday or Thursday sessions, 8–9 am, all followed by tea at The Chilmark Church in the Community Room at the back. Cost is $10.
On Saturday, November 29, Cathy Garfinkle will offer a Restorative Yoga Workshop at The Yoga Barn from 3 to 5 pm. Cost is $35 of which 20 percent will be donated to the Island Food Pantry. “Using props to fully support your body, your muscles will open and release without expending energy, Cathy says. “These soothing and gentle poses offer the opportunity to savor the simple sweetness of life. You’ll emerge with a sense of deep calm and a warm inner glow.” To register or for more information, contact Cathy at catgee@me.com or call 508-693-1403.
Soup Suppers begin on Tuesday, December 2 at 5:30 pm at The Chilmark Church. All are welcome to come and enjoy some hot soup, salad, bread and dessert. Kids are welcome to run around and adults can enjoy playing Bananagrams.
The Federated Church of Edgartown will hold its Fifth Annual Festival of Wreaths on Thursday, December 4, 2013, 5–7 pm, in the Parish House on 45 South Summer Street, Edgartown. Come and choose among the 75 beautifully crafted and decorated natural wreaths for sale for $45–$65 or just enjoy browsing. Admission is $10 or $5 with a wreath purchase. There are beverages, hors d’hoeuvres, raffles, and other surprises. All proceeds benefit the maintenance of the 1832 Sara Mayhew Parsonage.
Copies of the Accessory Apartment Bylaw Amendment to the Zoning Bylaws are available from Chilmark Town Clerk Jennifer Christy at Town Hall. The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on this matter Monday, December 8, at 4:30 pm.
Hoping everyone can enjoy a break from daily routines and savor gathering with friends and family to share in Thanksgiving! Have a gobble, gobble good day and long weekend.
