JANE N. SLATER

508-645-3378

slaterjn@comcast.net

It is Pearl Harbor Day as I write the Chilmark news and I have felt sad all day. I am sure I am not alone in having a vivid recall of that day 70 years ago. It was here in Chilmark in an old, cold house that I remember my mother standing before my brother and me in the kitchen and telling us about the news that was coming into the room from a radio. It is amazing how some memories are so clear in sound and color; that is the way that day stands out in my mind. Fear is the emotion I remember most clearly. I can still hear my mother reassuring us that it was all happening on the other side of the world and would not affect us. The next day we had a false air raid and had to be evacuated from the Menemsha School. That’s another pretty clear memory! I think I am sad just knowing that we can and will inflict the misery of war on each other again and again.

Let’s move on ...

It is the season to be jolly and shopping never hurt anybody! There are many places in Chilmark to do your holiday shopping and never leave town! Basin Road is a busy place. You can start at Menemsha Texaco with some stocking stuffers and maybe a gift certificate for gas, then move on to the Menemsha Fish Market, where Stanley Larsen can fit you in theme T-shirts, sweatshirts and, of course, fish both fresh and frozen. Scott McDowell is open and working in his studio making handsome copper fish and mermaids for your gift list. Everett Poole at the Chandlery has many salty choices for you, including some handsome pewter serving trays for fish and shellfish.

The Allen Farm is open every day and has many gift ideas, large and small. The Grey Barn must be a great place to shop, as real milk would be a great gift. Mermaid Farm sells amazing feta cheese, among other things. Have I missed anyone? No doubt, but you have time to tell me what you are offering for next week’s column. And remember, all our Chilmark artists can be reached at their studios and will be happy to show you their latest efforts.

Chilmark is sporting many pretty decorations of the season all over town. Deb Hancock has a beautiful display of seasonal lights and more in front of her real estate office. There are two pretty trees aglow on the Menemsha Crossroad and more are lighting up every night. However, you must come down Basin Road just before dark to get the full effect of the tree constructed of lobster pots, with lobster pot buoys as tree decorations and rope as garlands. The tree is even topped with a monster lobster! It is the theme tree of the season — the work of the owner of the Chilmark Chandlery and others — and not to be missed.

Now here are some activities to keep us out and about. The Library will begin its annual book sale on Wednesday, Dec. 14 and the Friends of the Chilmark Library will host the annual holiday party on the same day. The party lasts from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The book sale continues through the weekend.

There will be a flea market and antique sale at the Community Center on Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you are interested in renting space to sell your items, please call Coco Adams at 508-645-3414. Bob Conway, the Chair Doctor, will set up at the show and donate a fully restored antique rocking chair to a young Chilmark family. They need only to come to the sale and approach him. First come, first winner! The chair will be painted to suit the new owner.

Santa comes to the Community Center on Dec. 21 and will visit with all the Chilmark children through fifth grade age. No doubt there will be some grownups there helping Katie Carroll put it all together. If you have questions, please call her.

The Friends of the Chilmark Library will host the Vineyard Haven Band for a concert at the library on Dec. 21 from 6 to 7 p.m. The public is invited at no charge.