Congratulations are in order, first to Paul Thurgood, the new chef at Chilmark Tavern. Next, congratulations to the winners of the Chilmark library’s Elisa Brickner Poetry Contest: High school first place, Sam Kass; high school second place, Juliette Jeffers; junior high first place, Amelia Sanchirio; and junior high second place, Anabelle Biggs. You can ask to see the winning poems at the circulation desk. The readings, held on Monday, August 18, were well attended by family and friends, including 2015 winners. And congratulations to musician newlyweds Nina Violet and Justin Taylor, married on Thursday, August 18, at Tea Lane Farm.
There’s no contest, but South Road won for the most Obama thank-you and welcome signs in town; thanks for visiting and leaving quietly. Outside at Home Port the other night baby skunks enjoyed all the droppings from dinners below the picnic tables, bringing kids from inside the restaurant out to watch the feeding frenzy.
Our voices have been heard, and as of August 29 the Chilmark library will be closed Sundays and Mondays. It will open Tuesdays through Saturdays at 10:30 am, closing at 5 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 7 pm on Wednesdays and 1:30 pm on Fridays. I know our librarians will appreciate having two days off in a row.
There’s an organic CSA in Chilmark, Quanaimes Gardens, off Blue Barque Road, and you can still get a five-week membership for $200 and choose your pickup weeks through Oct. 12, or just stop by their farm stand and choose your vegetables à la carte. See qgardenscsa.com or contact jamie@islandgrown.org, or call 508-955-9284.
Dance and yoga classes are ongoing at the Yard. This week see Big Dance Theater’s “Short Form/Take One” on Thursday, August 25, at 8 pm, or Saturday, August 28, at 6:30 pm.
Join Alan Dershowitz as he talks about his newest book, “Electile Dysfunction: A Guide for Unaroused Voters” on Wednesday, August 31, at 5 pm at the Chilmark Public Library. “If you’re frustrated with the choices for president this year, you’re not alone. Eighty-one percent of voters say they’d “feel afraid” if either Trump or Clinton takes office — but what recourse do we have? The American electorate is plagued by a widespread feeling of impotence,” says Amazon.
Come to the Chilmark library on Saturday, August 27, from 3 to 5 pm for the opening of “Journey by Boat,” an exhibition of monoprints and collages by artist Elizabeth Carter of Tisbury and Newton, up through Sept. 14. Carter has taught drawing since 1993 in many artist-in-residence programs throughout Massachusetts and England. She says, “The repeating elements in my work — the ocean, birds, houses, pears, and maps — have resonated for me since childhood. I associate them all with something both familiar and mysterious.”
The Chilmark Flea Market runs from 9 am to 2 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays through Sept. 3. Get more information about individual vendors at bit.ly/chilmarkfleamarket. Also Lobster Rolls to Go runs Tuesdays through Sept. 6 from 4:30 to 7 pm, or while supplies last. If you’re looking for a meditative space, head to the Chilmark Community Church on Sunday from 5 to 5:30 pm for a musical vespers.
The last two Monday Morning Mindfulness Meditations at Menemsha Harbor run from 8:15 to 9:15 am. Tap into healing energy and start your day with spirit, free. More info at 603-502-2019.
You could tell how popular softball at Flanders Field was last Sunday by the spillover of cars onto Pasture Road. A great mix of veterans, younger folks, and burgeoning future stars played two lively, high-spirited games under perfect blue skies. In Game 1, Hans Solmssen and a pitching combo of Sig Van Raan and Syd Wolensky locked in a pitcher’s duel, with Hans’ team prevailing 11-10. Game 2 ensued with an unknown guy who seemed to appear out of the fog outdueling Tony Horowitz 12-11. Larry Weiss and Ed Egar were the hitting stars. Sophie Balaban made her official rookie debut as a short fielder, got on base numerous times, and scored important runs as a pinch runner. Also making an appearance was longtime umpire and artist Irving Petlin. Bill Edison, commissioner emeritus, stopped by but left early because he couldn’t get his pipe lit. Other notable players included Peter Simon, Susan Dickler, and Holley Egar. Sunday, August 28, will be the annual awards ceremony. The three commissioners have conferred with Bill Edison, and everyone looks forward to who will be this year’s recipient of the Howie Hustle award, named for legendary player and catcher Howie Bromberg (still playing on).
Have a good week.