Busy times for some, feeling loss for some, new belonging for some, and sense of isolation for some — holidays are not always easy. Invite a neighbor over if you know they’re alone, stop by and share an offering of soup or cookies, drop a card off, volunteer to help with an errand, make an effort to reach out; even an offer can mean so much to someone who no longer has family and would never bother anyone. Looking for things to do? Check our local libraries, go ice skating, take a yoga class at the Yoga Barn, go bowling, take a hike, or beach walk. There’s plenty of free activities all week; try something new.
The community of Chilmark has long had a tradition of providing Christmas dinner to the men and women of Coast Guard Station Menemsha, as a show of appreciation for all they do to keep our community safe. This year, the Coast Guard Menemsha personnel have asked that the Chilmark townspeople limit their donations to desserts — baked goods, breads, cookies, fruit — or other items that do not require refrigeration or reheating. If you have any questions, please contact Tom Ruimerman and Janet Weidner at 508-645-7830.
Chilmark Community Church’s traditional candlelight Christmas Eve service begins at 5 pm on Saturday, Dec. 24. All ages are welcome to share in this community gathering with Christmas carols and the passing of light. Remember Tuesdays are free suppers and good conversation from 5:30 to 7 pm in the church community room; all ages are welcome.
Or head to the annual Christmas Pageant at the Ag Hall from 5 to 6 pm on Saturday, Dec. 24, to enjoy a recreation of the Nativity presented by children from all over the Island, with music by Brian Weiland and the Joyful Noise Choir, an Island-wide children’s chorus. Or head to any of the many amazing Christmas Eve candlelight services held in every Island town; some even have an early family service and a late service to choose from, and there’s the services on Christmas day.
You can also head over to Windemere to sing carols and chat with residents beginning at 3 pm on Christmas day; just meet at the main floor reception desk, songs provided. Although I am Jewish, I grew up participating in singing Christmas carols and holy songs, and continue to find any singing beneficial to filling my heart. This year Hanukkah begins on Christmas Day, so anyone can add latkes, potato pancakes of any variety, into the mix of holiday foods.
The Chilmark library continues to host its book sale through the end of the year. The library will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 24, but head back for Drop-In Crafts for families in the meeting room from Tuesday, Dec. 27, to Thursday, Dec. 29. Feel like getting out of the house and playing board games or video games? The library will have an open gaming center set up for the day on Tuesday, Dec. 27, in the meeting room. On Wednesday, Dec. 28, stop by for a family movie showing at 4 pm of “Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens,” free, with popcorn on the house.
Pathways will be closed from Thursday, Dec. 22, until its annual New Year’s Eve Drop-In, from 6:30 to 9 pm. Chilmark Chocolates is now closed until Thursday, Feb. 2 — thanks, everyone, for handling the throng of last-minute chocolate shoppers with grace and patience.
Pam Glavin, widow of Carl Widdis, has again set up a Christmas tree at his gravesite in the Gay Head Cemetery, on Rose Meadow Way off State Road. It will be up through April. Come and put a decoration on the tree in honor of Carl, and write a note with a promise to do a good deed for someone else in Carl’s honor. Their daughter Gimili Gita Glavin’s collaged boxes and jellyfish lamps, along with other Island artist-made gifts, are for sale when Pathways is open.
If you are interested in Martha’s Vineyard’s Partnership for Health’s free one-hour informational introductory session, “My Life My Health,” let them know so they plan a Chilmark session. The free six-week series focuses on how to become a more effective self-manager, and how to partner with your healthcare provider in managing your chronic condition and/or supporting another person who has a chronic condition. Call 508-627-5797, ext. 114, or email ksamways@ihimv.org to sign up for the session or for more information.
Happy Holidays, and have a good week.