Once Thanksgiving is over, it’s one long and happy holiday blur, lights strung and night glistening in new colors and shapes, candles in windows as we near our longest day of darkness. Yes, I’ll admit I love to drive after dark and see the transformation of season, seeing all the way through the trees, looking out for deer, red-tail hawks flying so low their tail feathers resemble a paintbrush, vibrant and freshly dipped. I am thankful for the waves of change swept in each season to our shores.
One of my favorite holiday celebrations is Donaroma’s “The Magical Snowflake” on Friday, Dec. 11, from 5 to 7 pm. Enjoy a performance by the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury Bell Ringers, their annual Musical Light Show Spectacular, lavishly decorated greenhouses aglow with holiday decorations, a contemplative labyrinth walk, yummy refreshments, good cheer, and special guest appearances.
Lobster rolls to go: You read that right. Come on by the Chilmark Church, Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 am to 2 pm. The meat will be in containers with rolls on the side; stop by to say hello and purchase holiday greens and crafts.
You better come early to get a seat on Saturday night, Dec. 12, when Alex Karalekas performs and curates his first multiartist event at Pathways Projects, featuring new music and songwriting by Island musicians and songwriters, including Isaac Taylor, Kevin Keady, and Seamus Galligan. Doors open at 6:30, and music starts at 7 pm, Chilmark Tavern. All events are free. Every Tuesday Sian Williams will host the Poetry and Writing Series, where all writing forms and works-in-progress are welcome, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm.
Join the Vineyard Conservation Society’s free walk, Sunday, Dec. 13, from 1 to 3 pm at the Allen Farm on South Road. Enjoy the iconic view over the south shore. The farm has been running hundreds of years, all under Allen family stewardship; today, owners Clarissa Allen and Mitchell Posin carry on that tradition, so please leave your dog at home — even very well-behaved dogs can frighten the animals.
If you love dance, you may want to catch RISE’s Dance Extravaganza on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 1 pm at the PAC, with special guest performances by Christina Belinsky and Jesse Keller. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students, and $5 for children ages 5 and under, and are available in advance at RISE or at the door.
Jennifer Burkin is offering an “Ugly Doll Making” workshop for children 9 and up at the West Tisbury library, Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2 pm. RSVP at 508-693-3366.
If you are looking for quintessential Chilmark cards, as gifts or to send, check out Althea Designs (Althea Freeman-Miller) at Citrine in Vineyard Haven. Althea is one of my favorite Island printmakers, and now has a red and blue print of North Road’s Mobil Gas pump as well as Jay Lagemann’s harpoon hunter and swordfish sculpture overlooking Menemsha Beach.
The Martha’s Vineyard Veterans Outreach Program invites veterans of all ages, groups, and eras, service members, and their families to the first annual All-Island Veterans Dinner at the Vineyard Haven American Legion on Wednesday, Dec. 16, from 6 to 8 pm. Come and enjoy a meal prepared and served by our own MVRHS culinary students. Please RSVP by Dec. 12 to Bill Stafursky at 508-693-7900, ext. 223, or email bstafursky@mvcommunityservices.com.
The Friends of the Chilmark Public Library invite everyone to enjoy their Holiday Party with food and festivities on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 4:30 pm. Come make swags and make fun. Also it’s the first day of the Big Used Book Sale; hardcovers, recorded books, and DVDs $1; paperbacks 25¢. Runs December 16 to 19 at full price, Dec. 21 to 23 at half price, and from Dec. 28 to 31 everything is free. The library is running a Food for Fines drive through December; please do not donate anything past expiration date. And don’t forget Irene Tewksbury’s Afterschool Story and seasonally themed Arts & Crafts for K – fifth graders, every Wednesday from 3 to 4 pm, all of December and January. Questions? Call 508-645-3360.
It’s almost time for Santa and his assistants to come to town, so if you have a child/children from newborn through fifth grade, and are new to town, please contact Katie Carroll at squidrow@vineyard.net or 508-645-2641 so she can add their name(s) to Santa’s list. The Chilmark Volunteer Firefighters party will be held Thursday, Dec. 17, beginning at 5:45 pm, at the Chilmark Community Center. Santa is expected to arrive at 6 pm. Pizza and drinks will be provided, but please bring a side/dessert to share. Any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Katie.