The Aquinnah Artisans Holiday Sale that was held over the weekend was so delightful. Gabriella Camilleri, our town clerk, organized it, and there were many wonderful things to buy: wampum jewelry, handmade clothes, pottery, cards, honey, ornaments, and on and on. I knew it was a success when I walked in and didn’t even recognize half of the customers there. People traveled from down-Island to come, that’s how good it was. Thank you to Gabriella and to all who participated;please do it every year (and bring the food truck back too).
There are many great events coming up at the Aquinnah library in the next two weeks. Today, Thursday, Dec. 13, there will be a Holiday Party complete with wrapping paper making, from 3 to 6 pm. Come in for some holiday cheer and refreshments. There will be a special Storytime with Eileen Sullivan this Saturday at 10:30 am; she will read her newly published book called “Namaste,” featuring Peter Pinkletink. The kids’ craft will be making a Rudolph ornament on Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm. Adults can make a craft on Saturday during the same; come in and make a lotion bar (they make great gifts). The library will be closed on Christmas Day, Tuesday, Dec. 25, but will have a movie night for kids the Thursday of school vacation week.
This Friday, Dec. 14, at Pathways will be “We Dance.” The evening will start with dance performances by Jesse Keller, Corinne de Langavant, and Christina Montoya and Madison Pittman. After the performances, DJ Ricky Prime will spin dance music and you can hit the floor. Doors open at 6:30, and the program begins at 7 pm. Every Saturday at 3 pm there is a Qi Gong class for families guided by Allison Cameron Parry. There is a suggested donation of $15 per family. This class is open to all ages. Pathways will host a “Piano Musical Dedication” at Featherstone Center for the Arts (note different location!) on Wednesday, Dec. 19, from 4 to 6 pm. There will be performances by Kemp Harris, Jeremy Berlin, Eric Johnson, and John Alaimo. Stop by Pathways Living Room Studios and Holiday Gift Shop, which is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm every day except Wednesdays and Sundays. Go to pathwaysmv.org for information on all their events.
This Thursday, Dec. 13, the All-Island Band Concert will be held at the MVRHS Performing Arts Center from 7 to 8 pm. Come support these amazing musicians and get in the mood for the holidays with some live music.
The West Tisbury School sixth grade class will be holding a holiday bake sale this Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 4 pm at Middletown Nursery. The nursery will donate 25 percent of all tree and wreath sales to the sixth grade class.
The Chilmark Holiday Flea Market will be held this Saturday, Dec. 15, from 10 am to 3 pm at the Chilmark Community Center. This is the holiday edition of the Summer Flea Market. There will be many handmade items for sale from Vineyard artisans and craftsmen. There will be chowder, sandwiches, and baked goods for sale as well. This event is presented by the Chilmark Community Church.
The final “Offering of Music and Light” at the Chilmark Community Church will be on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 5 pm. Island artists and musicians will perform to brighten the dark night. There will also be candlelighting and refreshments. The church is located at 9 Menemsha Crossroads in Chilmark.
Did you know that November was National Novel Writing Month, and that many people commit to, and actually do, write a novel in one month? Well, many students at the West Tisbury School took up the challenge, including Laina Benoit from Aquinnah. She met her goal and wrote at least 100 words a day for all of November. Congratulations, Laina, keep on writing. I will gladly purchase your first novel or collection of short stories.
Congratulations to Diotima and Chip Vanderhoop, who have a new grandbaby! Janis Vogel had a daughter last weekend named Zima, which is Croatian for winter. That’s all the details I have now, but will report back when I get more.
The Aquinnah Holiday Party will be on Sunday, Dec. 23, from 5 to 8 pm at the Old Town Hall. Special guest Santa Claus will arrive on his “sleigh” around 6 pm. Please bring a dish to share, and some holiday cheer — no Grinches allowed.
