The Winter Solstice is in ten days but Old Man Winter is definitely making his presence known. I have a sinking feeling based on the wind chill factor the past two weeks that we are in for a rough, cold winter. I’m taking solace in the fact that the holidays are such a happy, cheerful time on the Island, no matter what the weather. There are so many holiday parties and lights and decorations everywhere that even a trip to Alley’s in West Tisbury feels festive. Hanukkah starts on Tuesday, so there will be even more lights everywhere. I think I like the holiday lights more than I like getting presents, and I love getting presents.
Jessica Cramer’s jewelry is on exhibit and for sale at Santander Bank in Chilmark, if you would like to do a little local shopping for Christmas. Remember Chilmark Chocolates is only open until December 19 this year and then closed until the end of January.
There will be a big 1980s Dance Party at Dreamland this Saturday night as the Charter School hosts their annual Rock Auction at 6:30 pm. There are many great auction items including: a plane ride from Katama field with Capt. Livingston Taylor, a new freezer full of local meat and seafood, an authentic clambake for 12 at Hancock Beach and lots more. D.J. Jay Araujo will be spinning hits from the 80s. Attendees are encouraged to dine downstairs at the MV Chowder Co. prior to the party. Tickets are $20 at the door.
At the library this week, stop in on Thursdays at 3 pm for story time, and this Saturday from 12 noon to 3 pm, Barbara can help you make a driftwood menorah. On Saturday, December 20, in addition to the make-your-own-wrapping-paper craft, there will be a cookie exchange; bring some cookies you made and get some cookies others made. Plus this is an opportunity to show off your ugly Christmas sweater (not that any of us have them, of course).
The town Christmas party will be Tuesday, December 23, at the Old Town Hall. If you can help in any way with decorating, cleanup, present wrapping etc. please let me know. This is a potluck dinner for the whole town, so please bring a dish to share. Santa will be there giving out gifts (just to the kids, sorry) so this is a great time to catch up with your neighbors while the kids run around and lose their minds.
There were two items of very sad news this past week. Robbie Manning, son of Jyl Manning and nephew of June Manning, died, far too young at the age of 31. And Jean Entine’s daughter Jennifer Entine Matz lost her battle with cancer last week at the age of 45. Deaths are always hard but the fact that both of these two beloved souls were so young is especially heartbreaking, not to mention the fact that this is a particularly difficult time of year to lose someone. My heart goes out to the Manning sisters and to Robbie’s children and to Jean Entine and Jennifer’s two children.
Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate it (remember to get gelt for your kids and grandkids at Chilmark Chocolates).
