We didn’t grow up on the same street or even in the same town. We didn’t run with the same crowd, but we did cross paths on regular intervals over the past couple of decades. Geordie Gude had this incredible ability to light up any room he entered or porch he chose to stand on. The tap of his foot when he played the harmonica was always smile producing. His good natured way about him was contagious, and his kindness knew no bounds. The Earth will be a quieter and less musical place without him in it. Geordie’s friendship, music, laughter and spirit will continue on in the stories we tell, songs we sing and music we share. My condolences go out to his family and friends, especially his kids and sweetheart Melissa Knowles.

Lynne McCormack shares that the Chilmark Library book sale kicks off on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Secondhand hardcover, paperbacks and DVDs will be available to peruse and purchase for the next few weeks. There are always some really fun titles to add to your home library.

Linda Thompson shares news of the library holiday party, which takes place Wednesday, Dec. 11 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to kick your holiday spirit into high(er) gear with friends, refreshments and music. Not only will you find the building brimming with good cheer, but you can construct a festive door swag to adorn your home. What fun.

The Chilmark Church will host its holiday flea market at the CCC on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. 3 p.m. Lunch, bakes goods, seasonal items (including handmade centerpieces of freshly cut greens), trinkets and attic treasures will all be sure to catch your eye. Among the many other opportunities to shop local, this is a fun one to add to the list.

Before running off to a long weekend of off-Island travel, receiving guests, family dinners, woodland strolls, beach walks and holiday movies, kiddos at the Chilmark School had some traditions to tend to. School began last week with preparing the vegetables brought in by students for stone soup. Although the days of Lillian Kellman, storyteller extraordinaire, have passed, the tradition continues. This year, reading specialist Lynn Van Auken takes the helm of stone soup. Nelia Decker had the pleasure of reading aloud to the school community.

If you are unfamiliar with the folk story, here is the gist of it. Travelers enter a village carrying nothing but a pot. The villagers are unwilling to share any food with them despite their hunger. The travelers fill the pot with water, a large stone and begin to heat it over a fire. The villagers are curious. The travelers explain they are making stone soup, which tastes delightful but is missing a few tasty items to really finish it off. The villagers begin to contribute seasoning, carrots, onions and so forth. They all sit down to a glorious meal, inevitably prepared by all. By working together, with everyone pitching in just a little to the greater good, a seemingly impossible task is achieved.

While the soup was simmering, the entire school, preschool, many friends, neighbors and alumni walked, trotted and, perhaps, even galloped their way down Middle Road from Beetlebung Corner to the end of Keith’s field and back. Instilling the notion of healthy bodies, healthy minds and good clean fun is what it’s all about. From what I’ve heard, the 2/3 students came out in front at this mildly competitive run. Third graders Cormac Moriarty and Willow Bishop were the first to cross the line.

Just like they have for many years now, Phil Smith and Mary Jo Joiner made the trek from their home on Browns Lake on Alaska’s Kenai peninsula. After weeks of travel from hither and yon, a pitstop on MV is just what the doctor ordered. I haven’t had the opportunity to cross paths with Mary Jo since her cup is overflowing with familial stuff, but Phil popped in for a visit. The man does not change is what I say when I see him for his annual visit. This year, I have nothing different to report.