We can all agree winter has arrived, as our temperatures have mostly dropped. College kids are returning home, along with other family members and friends. Activities, decorations, and lights are abundant all over the Island. The Saturday Chilmark Holiday Flea Market, held at the community center, was packed with shoppers enjoying the vendors, yummy lunch, and the wonderful Vineyard Sinfonietta, a dozen adult string and wind players who get together weekly to practice and share their music with the public at libraries, churches, and fairs. Catch them if you can at Howes House on Sundays from 3 to 5 pm when they rehearse — you’ll be happy you did.
On my way to the Farmers Market I drove by a group of people huddled around a flat, glowing fire. I later later learned that it was West Tisbury School students Emma Bena, John Hoff, and Nola Savard, all from Lauren Serpa’s third grade class. For the next few weeks they’ll be working on a project on the 1620s at Mollie Doyle and Thomas Bena’s home; it’s just another reason to love home.
Kate Taylor let us know that she joyfully attended her brother James Taylor’s Kennedy Center Honor from President Obama on Dec. 4. How cool is that? Congratulations to Jesse Keller and Denny Jason, who have finally moved into their Nab’s Corner home, and can celebrate their first holidays and Jesse’s birthday together at home.
Congratulations to Emily Boyd placing third in parallel bars and balance beam at the Lion Challenge Gymnastics Competition, held in late November in Lincoln, R.I. On Sunday, Dec. 4, Emily Boyd, representing the Xcel Silver team younger division in Danvers, placed sixth on bars and balance beam. Way to go, Emily!
Chilmark Community Church Suppers are Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7 pm; meet neighbors and enjoy some company.
Stop by the Grey Barn farmstand for a little holiday cheer this Saturday, Dec. 17, from 2 to 4 pm.
The Chilmark library invites everyone to join them on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 4:30 pm for their Holiday Party, with live music. The library’s annual Book Sale is from Dec.13 to 17 for full-price; Dec. 20 to 23 is half-price, and from Dec. 27 to Jan. 4, books are free. Remember Stories and Songs are Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10:30 am; all are welcome.
This week at Pathways, see Angela Andersen’s documentary made with Claus Kleber for ZDF German Television, “Brave New World,” about how Silicon Valley designs humanity’s future. The movie starts at 7 pm, followed by a Q and A with Andersen. Come hear musicians Alex Karalekas, Isaac Taylor, and Willy Mason on Friday, Dec. 16;, music runs from 7 to 9:30 pm. On Tuesday, Dec. 20, Pathways founder Marianne Goldberg will be honored; people are invited to share a story. And then there will be a short play by humorist Gwyn McAllister, followed by “Brothers,” a video short on peace by Julia MacNelly. (Readers should show up by 5:30 pm.)
Come to the Gay Head Lighthouse on Wednesday, Dec. 21, to light a candle for Marianne from 4 to 5 pm. Enjoy a sunset dance with Jesse Keller and flute by Carole Vandal.
The last winter Farmers Market is on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 10 am to 1 pm at the Ag Hall. Also, it’s the last week Chilmark Chocolates is open: They will close at the end of their business day on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 4:30 pm.
Join the Martha’s Vineyard Family Chorus for its 16th annual Winter Concert: “Songs of Peace, Hope and Light,” on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 5 pm at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center at 130 Center Street, Vineyard Haven. This is a free event, with donations welcome, which go toward Roberta Kirn’s travels for the Song Exchange Project. Learn more at bewellsing.com/.
Santa will visit Chilmark for the annual Christmas Party on Tuesday, Dec. 20, at the community center, arriving at 5:45 pm. We are grateful for the Chilmark Fire Department hosting this event for all town residents from newborn through fifth grade; if you’re new to town, please let Katie Carroll know your children’s ages at squidrow@vineyard.net so they will be included on Santa’s gift list.
Remember you can shop local for gifts at the Pathways Shop, the Allen Farm Store, our farm stands, gift certificates from Menemsha Fish Market or Josh Aronie’s Food Truck, and be sure to check out the Copperworks and Lambert’s Cove Glass stores on Basin Road.
Have a good week.
