“Our rural ancestors, with little blest, Patient of labour when the end was rest, Indulged the day that housed their annual grain, With feasts, and off’rings, and a thankful strain.” – Alexander Pope

I can smell the pies baking — warm cinnamon and apples, pumpkin with a little nutmeg, and the sweetness of gooey pecan. I close my eyes and envision turkeys being basted in a warm oven by the designated chef in the wee hours of the morning before everyone else rolls out of bed. The water is bubbling over on the stove because the pot is filled to the top with potatoes ready for mashing. Rolls are coming out of the oven just golden on top after being created from a family recipe passed down through the generations. Walks are being coordinated with friends and family in preparation for later in the the day when the belt might need to be loosened by a notch. The door opens and closes as relatives appear having driven from across town or flown in from across the country. It is the time of year we gather and give thanks for what we have. Thanksgiving provides an opportunity to reflect as well.

As each year passes and my children get further and further away from their days spent at the Chilmark School. I reflect sweetly on the remarkable elementary environment they were nurtured in. On of my favorite memories, a tradition that carries on today, is the Turkey Trot and Stone Soup. Lacing up sneakers ready to run the Keith Farm stretch of Middle Road and dicing vegetables for a hearty lunchtime meal while a revolving cast of characters ventures in and out of the kitchen with eager anticipation of the festivities to come. Although Ms. Lillian (Kellman) is no longer with us, I can picture her with children gathered at her feet mesmerized by the most detailed rendition of a classic fable. It is a vision that makes me both fondly reflect and eagerly anticipate. My children still think of her

story telling and can share thoughts of her as if they were still sitting at her feet listening this moment. You never know what one might be thankful for on Turkey Trot day. It could be anything from Dr. Weiss and his elaborate turkey costume or former 2/3 teacher, Jack Regan’s squirrel controversy. Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 11 a.m. at Beetlebung Corner marks the time and place for this years annual Turkey Trot. The community is welcome to join in this year’s festivities.

Neal Rantoul and his family — daughter Maru, her partner Nick, their daughter Skye and their dog Kane — will return to the family home on Glacier Glen for Thanksgiving. Typically, their home is put to bed for the season but, this year, they have opted for a Vineyard Thanksgiving. They will travel from Cambridge, turn on the lights and up the heat so that laughter and warmth may envelop their traditional Thanksgiving meal. Preparations for turkey with all of the fixings will be a highlight while in town for the week.

The Chilmark Community Church will offer an open table meal at 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day at 9 Menemsha Crossroad. Rev. Charlotte and Don Wright will wrap their aprons, roll up their sleeves and welcome anyone who needs a hot meal or simply some company. Donations or a dish to share would be appreciated but not necessary. Please give them a ring at 508-645-3100 for more details.

The Oliver clan — Kevin, Liz, Solon, Barrett, Delilah and Hollis — had quite an adventure with Grandpa Buddy this past weekend. It seems that Grandpa won a couple of courtside Celtics tickets so, rather than draw straws about who would get to tag along with him, they decided to go all out and scoop up some, as they say, nosebleed seats and take turns sitting court side. The court side rotations went well for the Oliver clan and the Celtics pulled off a win.

Genc Brinja took advantage of a long weekend and traveled to southern California to visit with some friends. He took in the sights on Catalina Island, toured Beverly Hills and Hollywood, checked out the beach and surf scene in Malibu and window-shopped Rodeo Drive. He marveled at the eclectic crowd of visitors, performance street artists and artisans and some truly talented skateboarders.

Although recreational bay scallop season has been open, commercial season is slated to open Monday, Nov. 20 in Nashaquitsa. There are some eel grass restoration sights so be sure to check with our shellfish constable, Isaiah Scheffer, regarding how to delineate what areas are open and closed. Two struck baskets is the limit.

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.