Rain, floods, snow, and spectacular winter beauty, more snow, more rain, and a blizzard. OK, I’ll stop, but the weather is a challenge for many. If you need help shoveling out and cannot do it yourself, or don’t have extra hands around, try calling Town Hall or even the Library for a suggestion of who can help out. No power, no problem if you keep flashlights, solar lamps like an inflatable Luci lite, candles, and lighters or matches at the ready, and keep some extra water on hand.
Chilmark Chocolates is open Thursday through Sunday from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm to meet your holiday needs. Don’t forget Monday, Feb. 15, is President’s Day, and all schools, libraries, and federal and state offices will be closed, so enjoy the long weekend. Last week our town selectmen gave up on the Carroll property for the new firehouse, so there is no longer a special town meeting on Feb. 29. Thanks to the Yard for another great Public Dancing Allowed night with Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish at the CCC. A great evening, a great crowd, great dancing, and good fun had by all. Don’t forget, there is still takeout in Chilmark: Josh Aronie’s Food Truck is parked at the Home Port lot, Monday to Friday from 11 am to 2 pm, 508-560-5883; and Menemsha Fish Market, 9 am to 6 pm, 508-645-2282.
So this Valentine’s Day, don’t worry about everyone else — make sure you first love yourself.
Local farm update: North Tabor Farm is now carrying fresh eggs and frozen fresh chickens. Mermaid Farm is stocked with milk, lassi, yogurt, meat, cheese, and even some grains. Grey Barn Farmstand is open from 7 am to 5 pm daily, carrying fresh milk, cheese, eggs, and meat. And for Beetlebung Farm Meat, stop by their store across from Up-Island Cronig’s, 22 Cournoyer Road.
If you happen to be in NYC on Thursday, Feb. 11, are looking for a gourmet meal and miss Chilmark, British chef April Bloomfield is teaming up with with our own Chris Fischer of Beetlebung Farm for a Martha’s Vineyard-inspired feast at Liberty Hall in the Ace Hotel. The five-course meal includes Martha’s Vineyard oysters and fried rabbit and venison ragu, all paired with natural and sustainable wines from Scribe winery. The dinner begins at 6:30 pm and costs $150 per person; you can book a reservation at reservations@thebreslin.com.
This week Pathways offers its fourth annual Valentine’s Songs of the Beloved Friday, with performances by Corinne De Langavant, as well as Greta Bro and Luciano Silva performing love songs from around the world. On Tuesday, Feb. 16, poet Lee McCormick will be reading from his forthcoming book, “Shadow Dance.” The doors open at 6:30, with performances beginning at 7 pm. Free.
The Martha’s Vineyard Modern Quilt Guild is meeting on Thursday, Feb. 11, at the West Tisbury Library from 6 to 8 pm. At 7 pm, there is Show & Tell. The rest of the time will be to work independently, get feedback, work together on “figit” quilts, discuss future projects, etc. Stop by. All are welcome. Learn more about this group that started in 2014 at mvmodernquiltguild.org.
Joan LeLacheur has “a flurry of wampum Valentines,” hearts, flowers, shapes, and mosaics at her Open Studio on Saturday, Feb. 13, from 10 am to 5 pm at 42 Old South Road in Aquinnah. If you can’t wait that long, just get in touch, and Joan will meet you with her traveling jewelry show from her pouch. Contact her at Joanlela57@gmail.com or 508-645-9954.
Do you need help understanding your new cell phone, tablet, laptop, iPod or personal tech device? Tech-savvy teens will be at Alex’s Place at the Y to help you on Saturday, Feb. 13, from 11 am to 1 pm. Make an appointment for a 20-minute session by calling 508-696-7171, ext. 128. Yes, this is free.
Fiber Folks gather at the Ag Hall on Sunday, Feb. 14, from 1 to 4 pm. This is a monthly get-together for all handcrafters. Knitters, spinners, quilters, and others. Bring a work in progress. Meet other crafters, second Sunday each month, through May.
Have you outgrown your riding britches? Then bring your gently used riding wear to swap at the Valentine’s Day Trunk/Fashion Show by Vineyard Equestrian at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Horse Center at 3 pm, Misty Meadows, West Tisbury.
Soup Suppers will help you stay warm; come enjoy the company at Chilmark Community Church at 5:30 pm on Tuesdays.
The next free blood-pressure clinic at the Chilmark Library will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 17, from 12:30 to 1:30 pm in the conference room. No appointment is necessary. Don’t forget Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10:30 am, Stories and Songs with Kristin, and Wednesdays, Afterschool Arts, and Crafts with Irene at 3 pm. Call 508-645-3360 for more info.