JANE N. SLATER

508-645-3378

(slaterjn@comcast.net)

Chilmark took a holiday hit of blizzard proportions over the weekend. However, we seem not much the worse for the rough treatment. The snows came and went, pretty, deep and harmless for some moments and then just ugly, icy, windy and cold for most of the time. The strong winds did their usual damage to trees, Christmas wreaths, outdoor furniture and a porta-jon in my neighborhood. The power was off for several hours on Sunday and that created confusion in many homes and we all scrambled for emergency light and heat. In our house it wasn’t restored until the early hours of Monday. As usual, most businesses stayed open and people managed to get the chores done. Trips to the boat were required even when they weren’t sure the boats were sailing, but it all adds to the memories of what will be recalled, in July, as a wonderful Chilmark winter adventure!

We send best wishes for the return of good health to Peter Teel of Menemsha and to Richard Steves of South Road. Let’s hope the New Year will bring renewed health to them.

Karen Flynn did some quick calling and tells us that she was happy to learn that the Holtham and Bradlee families who were in Kingfield, Maine, were not among those injured in that town when a ski lift malfunctioned. Our Chilmark friends were safe and warm.

The Chilmark Community Church continues their Tuesday night suppers at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome.

The West Tisbury Congregational Church is offering community suppers beginning January 5 at 5:30 p.m. and continuing every Wednesday until March 30. Side dishes will be gratefully accepted but not required.

Adult and Community Education of Martha’s Vineyard is ready to begin the winter–spring classes on Jan. 10. In-person registration is Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 4 and 5. Please go online to acemv.org for details.

The Chilmark Library will host a program on Thursday, Jan. 6 at 5 p.m. Luanne Johnson will discuss tracking winter otters on our Island. The public is welcome free of charge.

The Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival presents Family. Film. Feast on Jan. 8 at the Chilmark Community Center beginning at 5 p.m. They will offer a family selection of movies, good music and good food by Slow Food, Martha’s Vineyard.

Chilmark artist Jay Lagemann is producing another season of Jay’s View on MVTV. The first show on Jan. 5 at 8 p.m. will feature the Chilmark School’s annual Turkey Trot on Middle Road.

The Chilmark Library is offering free Friday movies at 7 p.m. every week in January. To Catch a Thief is the first film scheduled for Jan. 7. All are welcome. The library is also offering Chowder and a Movie at noon on every other Wednesday in January and February. The theme this year is based on The Book. The first film is The House of Mirth on Jan. 12. All are welcome to come by for hot chowder and a good movie.

Nan Doty will lead a four-week workshop series of qigong as based on the book The Healer Within by Roger Jahnke. These workshops will teach qigong for vitality. The sessions are one-hour starting at 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday in January. Participants are encouraged to attend all four sessions. It is not required to read the book first.

Off to take the next load to the boat . . . I hope you all have a cheery New Year’s weekend and that we all start 2011 by at least being able to spell it . . . what a big number! Cheers to all!