Thanksgiving is here. Last year one of my sons helped process turkeys for the GOOD Farm; this year we’re getting another local free-range GOOD Farm turkey. Growing up, Thanksgiving meant a morning visit to my grandmother and uncle, but we always celebrated holidays with my mother’s eighth grade best friend June, renting a car in NYC to drive to Long Island. June had a big family, and was an exceptional cook. I always snuck a few more marshmallows on top of the sweet potatoes, causing some to bubble over the pan’s sides, after explicitly being instructed to be mindful. Then there were the tins of fudge she’d made, with walnuts, marshmallows, and just plain chocolate. Yes, I freely admit to stealing a piece or two before dinner, as June’s house was the only place I ate homemade fudge growing up. My favorite holidays were the years her son went out with an actress whose parents had both been vaudeville performers. They’d sit down at her upright piano after dinner and lead everyone in song.
Get Chilmark Chocolates this week on Tuesday, Nov. 22, and Wednesday, Nov. 23, but they’re closed on Thanksgiving Day.
For some Menemsha lore, head to the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center Wednesday, Nov. 23, for the 7:30 pm showing of a short film by Conor Hagen and Chris Fischer, “Hershel,” about Hershel West, who has worked with the Larsen family for more than 70 years, and still works nearly every day during the high season at Larsen’s Fish Market. The short film follows Hershel, 92 years old, through his routine at the fish market. Original music by Adam Lipsky. Filmmaker Conor Hagen and author and chef Chris Fischer have collaborated on many film projects examining the lives of Islanders, including subjects such as Johnny Hoy and the Allen Farm.
Be sure to head down to Menemsha over the weekend for hot chowder and fresh fish or takeout from the Menemsha Fish Market. Stop by the shops on Basin Road for some great holiday gifts, and you can get hot coffee with your gas at Menemsha Texaco.
Stop by the Martha’s Vineyard Community Horse Center Open House on Friday, Nov. 25, from 10 am to noon to enjoy pony rides, round-pen and obstacle-course demonstrations, and get information about the newly donated community horse center at 55 Misty Meadows Lane, West Tisbury. See mvhorsecenter.org for more info.
Stories and Songs at the Chilmark library continue Saturday and Tuesday mornings from 10:30 to 11:30 am; all are welcome. Or just come cozy up in the library and check out the new books, magazines, and films.
Stop by Native Earth Teaching Farm’s Open House on Saturday, Nov. 26, from 11 am to 4 pm. Enjoy nutcracking, popcorn, holly swags, kid’s crafts, and more! Gifts for the holidays include hand-dyed yarns, rosemary plants, cookbooks, and specials like two for one when you arrange a knitting lesson.
Treat yourself to a Restorative Yoga Workshop with Cat Garfinkle on Saturday, Nov. 26, from 3 to 5:30 pm at the Yoga Barn, and enjoy a gentle and quiet practice that uses props to support your body, helping layers of tension to melt away. You’ll emerge with a renewed sense of deep calm and spaciousness. Please preregister at 508-693-1403 or catgee@me.com. Tickets are $35, with 20 percent of proceeds being donated to the Island Pantry.
The first Chilmark Potluck Jam is happening on Saturday, Nov. 26, starting at 6 pm. Alex Karalekas wrote,”We’ll be gathering back up in Chilmark with food and song again on Saturday, where we will continue raising funds and awareness for the stand being taken in North Dakota.” If you want to be on the roster of performers, message Alex through Facebook.
Solon Oliver is the 2016 Chilmark Ambassador for Project 351, and for his final project he is leading a food drive to benefit the Island Food Pantry. The hope is to replenish the food pantry after Thanksgiving in time for the December holidays. Collection bins will be in the entrances of the Chilmark Town Hall and the West Tisbury School, and are available from Monday, Nov. 28, through Friday, Dec. 9. No out-of-date foods can be accepted.
The MV Times design contest for this year’s issue of Island Holidays, publishing Dec. 8, is still accepting submissions of original artwork or a photograph of something you made (a gingerbread house, a Christmas sweater, an ornament, etc.). If it represents the spirit of the holiday season on Martha’s Vineyard, they want to see it. Wednesday, Nov. 23, is the last day to submit; upload here: bit.ly/IslandHolidays.
Have a happy Thanksgiving and a good week.
