Happy Holidays to one and all! The Island has been filled with concerts, singing, artisans sharing their wares, and much celebration. The last Farmers Market has taken place, though Rusty told me when the greenhouses have enough produce, he’ll schedule a winter Farmers Market; otherwise we have to wait until April. I am so grateful we have been able to enjoy the delicious bounty from our extended growing season this year. Enjoy the full moon on Christmas; it won’t happen again until 2034!
It is with a heavy heart I share the tragic news that longtime Chilmark resident and NYC transplant, dancer, choreographer, patron of the arts, Cleaveland House Poet, underwriter for the Summer Poetry Series at Featherstone and Pathways Projects Institute founder Marianne Goldberg has died. A full obituary will appear in the MV Times.
Menemsha has lost two iconic visual landmarks this week, one for good and the other for repair. The Unicorn made its final voyage from Menemsha Harbor to New Bedford, where it will likely be sold for scrap. We send our heartfelt condolences to Greg Mayhew as he begins this new chapter in his life. The Swordfish Harpoon sculpture was dismantled this week by artist/creator Jay Lagemann after standing its ground since 1994 when it was commissioned for Chilmark’s tricentennial. The sculpture has stood fast in the elements, but will be recast in bronze. Mr. Lagemann must raise $50,000, through online donations and a future Kickstarter campaign. We’ll keep you posted when the campaign goes live.
The Used Book Sale continues at the Chilmark Library through the end of the year. I was thrilled to get a pristine Thomas Merton book and a few other choice finds. The library is closed Saturday, Dec. 26, and all books are free as of Monday, Dec. 28 – 31. Come by the Children’s Room for Stories and Songs on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10:30 am.
Join the Christmas Eve Service at Chilmark Community Church, beginning at 5 pm with the golden harp played by Sandra Bittermann Atwood. All ages and faiths are welcome to the beautiful candlelight service that includes stories and carols. If you want to share hot soup and good company, drop by Tuesday’s Soup Suppers at 5:30 pm. Thanks for hosting a fantastic Chilmark Flea at the CCC; great to see so many faces from summer!
Pam Glavin, widow of Carl Widdiss, called to let me know that she will again be putting up a Christmas tree at Carl’s gravesite in the Aquinnah Cemetery by Christmas Eve. Everyone is welcome to stop by and pin on a wish they or someone they know needs granted, a paying-it-forward intention. The tree will stand until the spring.
Wampum artist Joan LeLacheur is traveling with her jewelry in a pouch; give her a call at 508-939-1691 to meet up if you need a great gift.
The Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center is hosting a Kung Pao Shabbat on Dec. 25 with a brief service beginning at 5:30 pm, followed by a Chinese-food Shabbat dinner ordered from Peking Palace in Falmouth, and then Yiddish songs and a reading of an I.B. Singer story. RSVP by noon Dec. 23 at 508-693-0745. Cost is $20.
If you want to get ready for New Year’s Eve, you can head over to the Drop-In Family Craft making crowns and noisemakers anytime between 10:30 am and 3 pm through Dec. 31 at the West Tisbury library children’s room.
On Sunday, Dec. 27, Chilmark Church’s Reverend Armen Hanjian will lead the UU Worship on “Cravings” in Vineyard Haven at 11 am.
Looking for local takeout? Stop by Menemsha Fish Market or the Food Truck, which will be at the Home Port parking lot Monday through Thursday, Dec. 29 to 31.