I don’t know what to write. I don’t know what to say. There is no way to extirpate grief. Waylon Sauer was only 17. My heart holds Noni, Dan, their children, extended family, friends, and the Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah in the light. The memorial outside 7a is growing, and the services in Aquinnah and the celebration of life at the Ag Hall are set.
Vicky Hanjian opened Thursday at 10:30 am Bible study with love and concern for the loss of this teenager, and a comforting exercise.
I took some notes, but later found these directions on the American Heart Association’s website.
Mindful Moment: 5-finger breathing
- Slowly trace your left hand with your right finger, starting where your hand and wrist meet.
- Breathe in as your right finger traces up, and breathe out as it slides down each finger.
- Then switch hands.
- I breathe in the perfect, deeply loving perspective Mother Mary gives me. I breathe out her love to the world around us.
Priscilla Warner on Instagram generously shares beautiful healing recordings. Last week I sent her a direct message asking for a download of one for healing anger and powerful emotions. She said, “I recorded this on a particularly difficult day for me personally, but these are tough days for so many of us, for so many reasons. And emotions come and go fluidly in the best of times! Lmk what you think ♡ Priscilla” It has become my favorite soundtrack.
Valerie Sonnenthal’s Peaked Hill Studio is offering a Restorative Sound Full Moon Journey on Sunday, Nov. 26 at 4:30 pm. The website is peakedhillstudio.com.
“What I learned from Waylon was that even if you are making tacos for goats, presentation is important. When he was in 4-H with us, he was always helping the younger ones and making us all laugh. Our entire community will be missing you, young fella,” Rebecca Gilbert wrote on her wall.
As the holiday shopping season begins, I want to remind everyone to consider Rebecca’s book, “Weedy Wisdom,” and one of the cards is available at the farmstand, paired with the amazing cards with a leaf portrait of Rebecca made by artist Emily Davis. Together they make a terrific gift. Rebecca also offers Native Earth yarn, dyed from things on the farm.
The farm is hosting Volunteer Wednesdays from 1 to 4 pm. Come help with farm chores and visit with the animals. Homeschoolers, elders, artists — all are welcome.
The Simon Gallery in Chilmark is always open by appointment. Call 508-325-2242.
Weekend walks on Island Folk Pottery’s Trail are a treat, and the studio is open into December.
It is a pleasure to note that the Massachusetts legislature covered the M.V. bus service for Nov. 24 through March 31. No fares, no passes. We can just hop on and go this winter.
I encourage all of my up-Island elder friends to reserve a spot with the Falmouth Shopping Trip on Wednesday, Dec. 6. Space is limited. Call 508-693-2896 to get the full scoop and sign up.
Jennifer Berkun is teaching a free afterschool sewing class for kids 8 and up at the Chilmark library, starting on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 3 pm. In this class, kids will make a stuffed animal or pillow. No sewing experience required. See you at the library! Call Drew at the library to sign up, at 508-645-3360.
The Chilmark library also offers “Toddler Time,” Fridays from 11 to 11:30 am, “Lego Club,” on Tuesdays from 2:45 to 3:45 pm, and “Story Time with Drew” on Saturdays, 11 to 11:30 am.
Join Island artists and musicians on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 5 pm, at the Chilmark Community Church on Menemsha Crossroads for an “Offering of Music and Light” to brighten the darker days. Featuring Sean McMahon, singer and songwriter; Warren Doty and Friends, banjo and guitars; and other guests. Music, candlelighting, followed by a reception. Free. All are welcome!
Chilmark Church Holiday Flea returns to the Community Center! Saturday, Dec. 16,10 am to 4 pm. Vendors, food, fresh greens, baked goods, and a “treasure” table. Help needed with setup, baking, with fresh greens and the day-of sale. Contact Emily Broderick if you’d like to help with baking, greens gathering, and a midweek greens workshop. Contact erbroderick@hotmail.com.
The Chilmark PotLuck Jam season kicks off Saturday, Nov. 25, at 6 pm. Thank you, Alex Karalekas! Bring a dish.
The Cedar Tree Neck Beach cleanup has been rescheduled for Saturday, Nov. 25, 9 to 11 am. Parking is at the lot at the end of Obed Daggett Road. They recommend appropriate hiking footwear (close-toed shoes, or boots). The main beach is about a quarter-mile walk from the parking lot. A volunteer will be there with bags and gloves, and free ice cream tokens for kids!
I am looking forward to Emily Davis’ “Analog Leaf Workshop” at Pathways on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2 to 3:30 pm. That evening, Pathways offers DJ dancing and live drumming at 8 pm.
A week later, Pathways hosts a “Collage Workshop” led by Bruce MacNelly on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Bruce will begin with a talk about his process and unconventional method of working intuitively, which enables him to very quickly make commitments. Followed by a workshop — with all materials provided, or bring an assortment of images or printed matter of interest. There will also be magazines and books provided by Pathways. Attendance is limited to 15.
And on Dec. 3, Rebecca Gilbert brings her famous “Indigo Dyeing Workshop” to Pathways, from 3:30 to 5 pm.
There is a lot going on. Peace be with you.
If you have any Chilmark Town Column suggestions, email Claire Ganz, cganz@live.com.
