The other day I drove down to blustery Menemsha to get gas. It was nearly closing time, and no one was visible. I popped my head inside the store and called out, ”H-ell-o, hello.” No one answered. I figured they couldn’t be far since everything was open, so I headed back and began pumping gas. After a few minutes a tall woman emerged and apologized for not realizing I was there as she had gone dockside to tidy up before closing. It was a pleasure to meet Deanna Withers, who followed her best friends to the Island. Originally from Colorado Springs, she has been back on Island for two years now. I had to ask if she was named for anyone special; when she answered “yes,” I wondered if it was Deanna Durbin, which shocked her since younger people haven’t a clue.
Although I have not been able to participate except for one time with the MV Gleaners, I did volunteer to roast vegetables for their Island Grown Gleanings Annual Appreciation Party. When I dropped by the two large serving dishes of roasted root vegetables, I passed Debbie Athearn following the youngest walking member of her family and had a chance to say hello to Philipe Morin, Betty Burton, and Uma Datta. Gleaning is a great way to stay in shape while making new friends and helping a great Island cause, but Island Grown Initiative does many things; learn how you can become involved at islandgrown.org.
We’ve had much-needed rain, enjoyed the full moon, and more rain and cold. Holiday lights and cheer greet us in the early dark of evening. There are so many activities going on for the holidays, but you may enjoy the Annual MVRHS Minnesingers Holiday Concerts at The Old Whaling Church on Friday, December 12, at 8 pm; tickets $15 or the Family Concert on Saturday, December 13 at 4 pm; tickets $10, children 12 and under free. Look out for Chilmarker Delilah Meegan; she has a beautiful voice which you can check out on Youtube.
Aquinnah designer Jessica Kramer has a show of her fantastic jewelry, affordable and interesting, at Santander Bank through December 12. Next up is a show of Anne Reveruzzi’s photographs, another lady of Aquinnah, December 12–26.
If you do not want to stray far from home come on over to the Chilmark Community Church for their Holiday Flea Market and enjoy lobster rolls and Christmas specials from 10 am – 2 pm on Saturday, December 13.
If you’re looking for Santa, an elf told me he’ll be arriving at the CCC on Wednesday, December 17, at 5:45 pm. If you are bringing your child for the first time, please let Katie Carroll add their name to Santa’s List. Drop her a line at squidrow@vineyard.net. Be sure to thank the Chilmark Volunteer Firefighter’s Association for securing Santa’s safe arrival.
If you need a little help decorating, stop by the Chilmark Public Library for their Holiday Party where they will supply the greens, wire, ribbons and pruners so you can head home with your holiday swags, and don’t forget to enjoy the food and drink on Thursday, December 18, 4:30–6 pm.
I was very sorry to learn about Herbert Slater’s death and that I never had the chance to know him. Sending Jane Slater, the love of his life, much strength of heart as she adjusts with the support and love of her extended family and community to this great loss.
And don’t forget to get your chocolate shopping done at Chilmark Chocolates before they close for the year on December 18, though you do have a few extra shopping days as they have added Tuesday, December 16 and Wednesdays, December 10 and 17. They will open again on Saturday, January 31, 2015.