I’m writing this on the Saturday before Christmas; I’m excited because our extended family arrives today. Our son and his family are coming from Switzerland, and our oldest daughter and her family are coming from San Francisco. Their arrival will make 15 of us sitting around the table and heading out about the Island for a week of fun and family. I’m counting my blessings.
Due to the timing, I can’t report on the Aquinnah Town Holiday Potluck Party, but during the week I watched several elves scurrying about purchasing turkeys and hams, wrapping gifts for the children, and decorating our town hall in preparation. Rumor has it that Santa himself will appear, as he always does. I can’t wait.
Meanwhile, starting Jan. 8, the Up-Island Council on Aging, in collaboration with the VTA and Healthy Aging MV, will be offering free transportation for up-Island older adults so they can attend the weekly Thursday lunches at Howes House. They also have teamed up with the Barn Bowl & Bistro for an every-Monday bowling and lunch opportunity for up-Island residents aged 55-plus. You can enjoy a round of bowling and a delicious lunch for $10, just by letting them know that you are with the Up-Island Council on Aging when you get there.
The Chilmark Preschool has announced that it is opening the waitlist for the brand-new toddler program coming for the 2026–27 school year in their new building. Interested applicants can go to their website at www.chilmarkpreschool.com to fill out an application and add their child’s name to the list. The program is desperately needed, and the new building promises to be a great addition to the Chilmark School campus.
They are still raising funds for the construction, and if you can help with a donation, you can go to the same website and make it happen.
It’s hard to believe that 2025 has gone by so quickly. I swear Charley and I fill up our weekly pillboxes every three days. At least that it is how it feels. This oddly speeding time is true despite the daily drag of the morning news. The time disconnect is also due to the slowing, soothing comfort of the long-lasting marriage I have been graced with, and the time-stopping moments of joy that our bird feeder, beach, lighthouse, and loving community bring to us every day.
Many birthdays to note: Naushon Vanderhoop celebrates on Dec. 26, Miles Vanderhoop on Dec. 27, Olive and Violet McPhail on Dec. 30, and on Jan. 8, Ms. Blanche turns 100 (if you want to send her a card, send it to 443 Lighthouse Road).
In the 1920s, Antonio Gramsci wrote, “The old world is dying, and the new world struggles to be born: now is the time of monsters.” He was right then, and I think it is correct again. I see much in the news that is monstrous. But I also continue to see so much new energy, so much hard work by so many to regenerate the very earth itself, and to make peace through understanding and collaboration between people. I wish, with all my heart, that somehow our human world finds its way to one of kindness, and I wish you all well in our new year.
