MARGARET KNIGHT
508-627-8894
It seems as if the weather gods are trying to transition us into winter but they’re not doing it with much finesse. A week ago we went from 60 degrees to 30 degrees over the course of two days, and since then we’ve gotten a couple of stormy winds that have eaten away at our coastlines. This week I ate the last of my garden’s tomatoes, picked with a little pink tinge to them less than two weeks ago, and it was only a few days ago that the frost killed the summer flowers in my garden.
A sure sign that we’re heading into winter is this weekend’s Christmas in Edgartown. The town is decorated with lights and greens, and is ready to receive guests. This is a perfect time to socialize and support our Island nonprofits and local businesses. And as our former president told us: it’s patriotic to spend money.
Melissa Kagan, in her role as organizer, is working on last-minute details for Plum Hill School’s annual fundraiser, the Elves’ Faire that’s held this Saturday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s located at the Federated Church’s parish hall on Summer street. There will be various craft making projects (for example, gingerbread houses, candle decorating, snow globes, face painting) for the children and parents; a puppet show; great food; and a silent auction with a wide variety of unique items and services. Plum Hill is a part of the Island Waldorf Community.
You can eat pancakes, eggs, sausage and home fries at the Breakfast with Santa, and the proceeds benefit the Jim Lambert Memorial Scholarship Fund for Vineyard students enrolled in post-secondary programs. The breakfast is Sunday, Dec. 13, at the Wharf from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Cost is $4 per child and $8 per adult. Photos with Santa are $5.
There are many other events in Edgartown and the other towns; you can find out about them in the Vineyard Living calendar section of the paper. This time of year is such a mix of spiritual and mercenary traditions. I like the lights and good cheer of the holiday season, and while I’m not opposed to Christmas presents, even before the economy tanked I wasn’t a very good shopper. I like to support the local artisans and businesses but my Puritan ancestors starts to squirm when I go to spend money on things besides food and shelter.
Fortunately, it is still possible to find some holiday events that get people together in a festive manner without money being exchanged. There are a couple coming up at the community center to which everyone on Chappy is invited. The Holiday Tea will be Sunday, Dec. 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. with lots of tea, sandwiches and sweets. The tea is for all ages — we’ll also have hot chocolate — and not just women. On Dec. 24, the annual Christmas Eve dinner will be held starting at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited, including visiting guests. More information on these events in future columns.
Next Wednesday, Dec. 16, Dot and John Dropick will host the bimonthly potluck at the community center. Appetizers will be served at 6 and dinner at 6:30 p.m. Bring a dish for six to share. All are welcome.
The Dropicks have been busy with an 80-page, take-home test as part of the training for their volunteer work figuring income tax returns. This is their sixth year, and Dot, whose life career was in corporate taxes, is in charge of a team of six volunteers. They will be helping people with their 2009 individual tax returns. Sign-up will be through the senior centers; you can look for announcements in the paper.
Luanne Johnson will lead a walk for Sheriff’s Meadow through the Self property on Saturday, Dec. 19. If you’re interested in going, give their office a call to let them know.
Bob and Marvene O’Rourke are excited about the birth of their grandchild, Cassidy Subhashini Prather, who was born on Dec. 1 — her grandfather Bob’s birthday — to their daughter Sara and her husband, Derrick.
On your next visit to the Edgartown library, you can check out the holiday raffles at the front desk. There are three winter baskets of goodies: one for the mystery/adventure lover, one for fans of romances and one for children. Each basket has a blanket to snuggle in, lots of good reading and assorted treats. Raffles are also being held for two original pieces of art: an oil on canvas of a classic Vineyard house by Donna Blackburn, and a contemporary mixed media work by PG Gravelle. The raffles benefit the Edgartown Library Foundation. Tickets are $2 each, six for $10. The winners will be chosen at 4:45 p.m. Saturday , Dec. 12.
On Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m., the Martha’s Vineyard Permaculture Guild will host a Cuban-themed potluck dinner at the Youth Hostel, followed by a screening of the film, The Power of Community — How Cuba Survived Peak Oil. (I’ve seen this film and it’s great. It shows how much that country values its farmers.) Afterwards there will be a discussion, including an opportunity for people’s thoughts on how the Permaculture Guild could contribute to the Island’s sustainability.
This Saturday, the Farmers’ Market will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ag Hall in West Tisbury. Lots of great Island grown produce will be available.
Also, Whippoorwill Farm has locally grown leeks, broccoli, carrots, turnips, potatoes, onions, celeriac, brussels sprouts, lettuce and salad greens. Anyone may come to the farm off the Vineyard Haven-Edgartown Road and pick up a share for $20, no signup or reservation required. The farm stand is open Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon.
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