ISLAND HOLIDAYS
Furry favorties for your pet friends see page 8 Island authors books for under the tree see page 16
Kwanzaa traditions for new generations see page 20
THE CROSSROADS GALLERY
Featuring the Inspirational Photography of Michael Blanchard
Jardin Mahoney gift cards can be purchased in-store or
The
Don’t Miss
Vineyard Artisans Festival
Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 am to 4 pm
Historic Grange Hall, West TIsbury
You won’t want to miss this very special holiday fair. Many holiday gifts are available, just right for that special someone who appreciates a true Island gift, and as usual, always hand-made one by one. Indoors, rain or shine. Free parking, free admission, and local food. For more information: vineyardartisans. com/virtual/holiday-show.
Oak Bluffs Tree Lighting and more
Saturday, Nov. 30 (Rain date: Dec. 1)
Healey Square
Celebrate the holiday season with the annual lighting of the decorated tree in Healey Square and much more. Grab some hot chocolate, candy from Enchanted Chocolates, and other refreshments, then put on reindeer antlers and enjoy hearing carols and seeing the town center light up for the holidays.
12 to 4 pm Santa in Healey SquareTake photos with Santa and Island Outfitters’ elves
1 to 3 pm Reindeer Games in Ocean Park with Coach Lisa Knight for children,
Santa sack, races, participation awards. 1 to 4 pm Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides by Sonnyside Rides (Loading Zone in front of Eastaway) $10 per person, Kids under 12 free.
4 to 6 pm break for dinner: Offshore Ale Co., Pawnee House, Sharky’s, Dos Mas, Linda Jean’s, MV Chowder Co, Lookout Tavern
6 pm Caroling in Healey Square
6:35 pm OB Fire Truck with Santa
For more information, visit obamv.com.
Breakfast with Santa
Sunday Dec. 1
9 to 11 am at Linda Jean’s Circuit Ave, Oak Bluffs
Featherstone’s 2024
Annual Holiday Gift Show
Nov. 12 through Dec. 15
Daily 12 to 4 pm
30 Featherstone Lane, Oak Bluffs
A one-stop holiday destination with handmade gifts from Island artists, including paintings, photographs, pottery, crafts, jewelry, clothing, accessories, soaps, dog goods, ornaments, cards, calendars, and stocking stuffers. Closed on
Thanksgiving Day. For details, visit featherstoneart.org.
World Market Holiday Shop
Daily from Tuesday, Nov. 11 through Sunday, Dec. 24
Daily 10 am to 6 pm Capawock Theatre, Vineyard Haven
Enjoy a holiday pop-up shop in a historic theater that has been transformed into a winter wonderland. It features crafts from around the world, including Africa, Haiti, India, and Palestine. The market supports Island empowerment projects that make a difference globally. For more information call: 508-981-2598.
Gatchell Holiday Lights
Starting Thanksgiving night
Daily 5 to 8 pm
148 County Road, Oak Bluffs
For about 45 years, the Gatchell family has decorated their house with a massive Christmas light display, complete with reindeer, snowmen, and more than 20,000 sparkling lights. You are welcome to park your car and get out and walk around. You can also bring nonperishable food items or a monetary donation for the Island Food Pantry.
Island Community Chorus performs its annual holiday concert at the Old Whaling Church.
Aquinnah Artisans Holiday Fair
Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8
10 am to 4 pm
Aquinnah Town Hall
Shop for unique gifts and stocking stuffers, including wampum jewelry, origami cards, Native American crafts, knitted items, candles, fabric items, pottery, including from Heath Widdiss who makes pottery from Gay Head cliffs clay, ocean jewelry, Aquinnah bottled clay, and more. A craft table will also be available for making ornaments and cards. For updates, visit facebook.com/ aquinnahartisans.
Island Community Chorus’ Holiday Concert
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 pm, Sunday, Dec. 8 at 3 pm
Old Whaling Church, Edgartown
The Island Community Chorus, under the direction of William Peek, launches the holiday season with its traditional performances at the Old Whaling Church. The 80-voice choir, and guest musicians, will present a varied repertoire of seasonal songs that range from classical to contemporary. A reception follows in the Baylies Room downstairs. Suggested donation is $20. For details, visit islandcommunitychorus.com.
42nd Annual Christmas in Edgartown
Saturday, Nov. 30 through Dec. Sun. 15
Experience quintessential small-town holiday shopping, with decorated storefront windows, an art and crafts festival, horse-drawn carriage rides, the lighting of the Edgartown Lighthouse, a parade, dog show, store specials, and much more. For the schedule of over 100 events, visit christmasinedgartown.com.
Vineyard Preservation Trust Holiday Events
Saturday, Nov. 30 through Saturday, Dec. 21
There are a number of VPT events coming up this holiday season, including an Elf on the Shelf Scavenger hunt, cocktail party, Dickens Christmas Village, and more. Learn more by visiting: vineyardtrust.org/events.
Elves Faire
Saturday, Dec. 14
10 am to 2 pm
Federated Church, Edgartown
Decorate gingerbread houses, make beeswax candles, and shop for holiday craft kits, children’s books, handmade toys, and other gifts. Also enjoy a warm lunch at the Elves’ Café. All proceeds benefit the Plum Hill School in West Tisbury. For more information, email hello@plumhillschool.com or call 508-696-7701.
Festival Of Wreaths Christmas wreath display and sale
Friday, Dec. 6, 5 to 7 pm
Federated Church, Edgartown Beautiful hand decorated wreaths.
There is No Room in the Inn Crèche Display
Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 am to 5 pm
Federated Church, Edgartown
View over 40 miniature nativity scenes from around the world that range in style from crystal figures to whimsical characters. Children can take home an activity page that can be colored and cut out to make a nativity scene. There will also be a silent auction in the lobby by Habitat for Humanity for items donated to them. For details, visit federatedchurchmv. org or call 508-627-4421.
M.V. Family Chorus’ 22nd
Annual Winter Concert and Community Sing
Sunday, Dec. 22, 4 pm
Hebrew Center, Vineyard Haven
Listen to songs of peace, hope, and light from the Martha’s Vineyard Family Chorus, directed by Roberta Kirn of Be Well Sing. For those who want to join the chorus, there are rehearsals on Wednesdays at the Charter School from 5:30 to 6:45 pm. For details, visit bewellsing.com/events or email roberta@ bewellsing.com. k
JEREMY DRIESEN
Rob Gatchell’s property on County Road is decorated for the season.
DENA PORTER
The Christmas tree lighting in Oak Bluffs.
Holiday festivities
Christmas in Edgartown is a must-see. BY ALLISON ROBERTS
The Vineyard community knows how to celebrate the holidays. We don’t mess around! A must-see is Christmas in Edgartown — a magical experience for folks of all ages. The Vineyard Preservation Trust’s historic buildings add old-world charm to the festivities, which begins around Thanksgiving, and culminates over the 43rd Christmas in Edgartown Weekend. Traditionally one of New England’s most popular holiday weekend festivals, Christmas in Edgartown starts on Thursday, December 12, and runs through December 15. Make sure to check out over 100 events listed on their website at: christmasinedgartown.com.
Main Street Edgartown is beautifully decorated with twinkling lights,
Edgartown Lighthouse decorated for the holdiay season.
wreaths, and Christmas trees. New this year, the Vincent House, which is the Island’s oldest house, located behind the Daniel Fisher House and the Old Whaling Church, will be transformed into a Colonial Christmas with period decorations, hot cider, and treats.
The reading rooms and atrium of Carnegie Heritage Center will be decked out for the season by Thanksgiving weekend and their famous ‘Elf on the Shelf ‘ search party is a family favorite. Starting the same weekend at the Carnegie, the magical miniature Dickens Village will be displayed. “Debbie and Dave Brown are longtime Dickens holiday collectors who are very generous with their time in sharing their magical display which is now a Vineyard holiday tradition,”
Programming Director of the Carnegie Heritage center, Sissy Biggers said. Oh, and if you need stocking stuffers, the Carnegie gift shop has got you covered.
Don’t forget to check out the Village
Green, in the heart of Edgartown, which is lovingly cared for by the Vineyard Preservation Trust. In partnership with the Edgartown Board of Trade, the Village Green becomes the Edgartown Village Holiday Market where you can find all kinds of wonderful gifts. And on Saturday, December 14 from 10 am to 3 pm, in the festively decorated Daniel Fisher House, the annual fundraiser for Hospice & Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard, will take place. You’ll find homemade jewelry, knitted items, paintings, photographs, Christmas ornaments, baked goods and more. Other Edgartown happenings include the wildly popular Holiday Parade and the annual lighting of the Edgartown Lighthouse. Ho ho ho! k
For more information visit: vineyardtrust.org, www.visitedgartown.org/ events, as well as www.facebook.com/ VisitEdgartown/events.
Dickensian Village will be on display at the Carnegie from now through Christmas.
Santa in a vintage fire truck during Christmas in Edgartown.
COURTESY POINT B REALTY
Edgartown shops decorate their windows for the holidays.
“Tis the Season”
for All Things Beautiful
Holiday Gift Show at Featherstone Center for the Arts.
BY ABBY REMER
The annual Holiday Gift Show at the Featherstone Center for the Arts is always a guaranteed treat. This Vineyard tradition has been going strong for 22 years, even during the pandemic when visitors had to sign up for time slots.
Fortunately, those days are behind us, and you can visit from noon to 4 pm daily from November 12 through December 15, except Thanksgiving. There’s something for everyone on your list . . . and a little treasure (or two) for yourself. After all, with so much to choose from, how can you resist the affordable Island-made creations that support local artists, artisans, and Featherstone?
Executive director Ann Smith explains, “Normally, it’s a fundraiser for us in which we change the regular show commission with its 60-40 split with artists to the Holiday Gift Show where it has always been a 50-50 division. We think it’s fabulous that the artists are gifting to Featherstone.”
Walking into the high-vaulted ceilings of the Francine Kelly Gallery is like entering a Santa’s workshop — one filled with virtually every imaginable art or artisan expression possible.
The variety is immense. Over a hundred and ten artists are participating. Handmade creations include paintings, photography, crafts, jewelry, clothing, purses, accessories, soaps, calendars, and all sorts of stocking stuffers.
Particularly popular are ornaments. And Smith shares, “We have a lot of ceramic artists, too. The works include soap dishes, bowls, casserole dishes, candle holders, mugs, platters.”
You will find many knitted items — scarves, hats, and gloves — and lots of holiday cards, which are beautiful and elaborate but also very affordable.
Smith shares, “The gift show is a common tradition at many art centers to support their local artists. It is another way that Featherstone meets its mission, which is to engage, enrich, and connect our community through the power of art and creativity.” k
The Holiday Gift Show at Featherstone Center for the Arts from November 12 through December 15 (closed Thanksgiving Day). Open daily from 12 noon to 4 pm and until 7 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 14, and Dec. 5.
Top, many artists’ works are displayed at the show. Above, the beautiful artwork of Bernica Wilcox. Right top, Wendy Nierenberg’s wine glass lamps. Right bottom, the beautiful work of Choike Morais at Bent Wing Pottery.
Furry favorites
Pet-approved holiday gifts for your four-legged friends. BY
NICOLE JACKSON
From the schedule changes, missed walks, fewer snuggles, and the continuous visits of the UPS driver around the holidays our pets don’t always get the attention they typically do. The Island has a number of spots you might want to stop into to find a special gift for them — to remind them how much you love them.
Treats for pups
There are a number of stores which offer homemade dog treats. The two Black Dog bakery locations in Vineyard Haven sell gourmet dog bones that look so good you might think they’re for people. Each colorful Christmas cookie is unique and costs range from $2 to $5 each.
Purple Paws bagged treats are made by the MVRHS Voyager Program. Students make, package, and label the dog treats. They’re $10 per pack and all the proceeds go to Island Autism. You can find them at SBS, order online at sites. google.com/view/purplepaws/home. MV Barkery also sells their cookies for a cause, also benefiting Island Autism. They are for sale at Mocha Mott’s in Vineyard Haven, Alley’s General Store, Juniper Gifts, Tony’s Makret and the Edgartown Visitor Center in flavors Pumpkin Passions. Squibnocket Sockets, and Peanut Butter Cowboys. You’ll
also find them this year at Christmas in Edgartown, with proceeds going to the M.V. Animal Shelter.
For a treat that will really make your dogs’ howl-iday, stop by Reliable Market in Oak Bluffs for a couple of beef bone marrow bones. If you don’t see them packaged in their meat case, ask the friendly butcher (his name is Bob) and they’ll package a couple up for you. Store them in the freezer until you’re ready to share the treat with your dog — they’ll likely love it so much you won’t hear from them for hours.
If you get the chance, take your pooch for a ride in the car to Good Dog Goods at the end of Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs so they can pick out their own holiday gift. The charming shop welcomes you and your four-legged friend to shop together. They have everything from CBD treats ($34.99), to dog play toys in just about every shape you could imagine. Collars, leashes, dog bowls, there are three rooms to explore, and a porch to hang out on after. Most dogs would love to take a ride in the car to go in and check it out.
If you find yourself in a time crunch, pick up a box of doggie ice cream cups from Stop & Shop. They carry Purina Frosty Paws ($5.99), and Ben & Jerry’s Doggie Desserts with peanut butter ($5.99).
Continued on page 10
Left page: Top, colorful leashes and collars at Good Dog Goods in Oak Bluffs. Left, MV Barkery dog treats are handmade with love. Middle, homemade dog biscuits from the Black Dog. Right, Raw bone marrow from Reliable Market.
Right Page: Top, CBD treats for sale at Good Dog Goods. Right, Frozen doggie desserts for sale at the grocery store. Above, Christmas jammies for your pooch for sale at SBS.
PHOTOS: NICOLE JACKSON
Gifts for kittens
The upstairs of Healthy Additions has some cute cat toys, some of the catnip kind as well, if your cat can handle that kind of “strong stuff.” They carry an interesting cat (or dog) treat called Cod Skins ($18.79), which sounds tasty if you were a cat, right? SBS carries water dishes for your cat, and they have one that’s particularly popular that creates flowing water, which is easy to wrap up to put under your tree ($35.99). Don’t forget, as far as most cats are concerned, any of the holiday decorations
you’ve hung around the house qualify as cat toys — including the Christmas tree. And your cat would love to play with that cardboard box before it heads to the recycling bin.
For horses
Horses love treats. From peppermints, candy canes, carrots, and apples to a good, soft groom, they enjoy being spoiled. Smax Snax are homemade treats made specially for horses, although I am sure they could be enjoyed by a dog or a hungry husband. They’re made by Elyce Retmeir using organic oat flour, molasses, and cinnamon as the base with icing
and small sugar toppers to decorate them. She can customize the ingredients for any dietary restrictions, sugar-free training nuggets, supplemental treats such as garlic for fly control, and oils for weight/coat management. For the holidays, she decorates the treats with cute Santa faces, gingerbread men, Christmas lights, or candy canes on them. They can be ordered over the phone, Instagram or email, and offer free delivery. You can buy a bag of 6 ($10) or 12 treats ($20), an advent calendar ($50) or even a gift subscription ($20 month), with the theme changing each month. To place your order, call or text 508-939-0584, on Instagram @smaxsnaxmv, or email smaxsnaxmv@gmail.com.
If you don’t have a horse and are just stopping by the barn to share a little holiday cheer, it’s important to check with their owner if there are any treats they can’t have.
It would be impossible to list all the great gifts for sale on the Island for your dog, cat, horse and more. Toys, jackets, collars, bowls, halters, even sets of puppy Christmas jammies. The spots to shop are the Black Dog, SBS Grain Store, Cronig’s Healthy Additions, and Good Dog Goods. You’ll just have to stop in to see for yourself, you’ll be sure to find that special gift for your favorite animals. k
Prices and availability are subject to change after the publication of this story.
PHOTOS: NICOLE JACKSON
Cod skins, crispy crunchy snacks for your cat found at Healthy Additions.
Just a couple of the cat toys for your kitty friends found at Healthy Additions .
Smax Snax are unique and beautifully made horses treats.
A twin flame is believed to be one soul split into two”
TWIN FLAMES
Sweet Harley was rescued on 11/11/23 by Sharisse from Dirt Road Doggies Rescue as an Emotional Support Animal and renamed Ankara after the Designer’s favorite fabric!
Inspiration
Inspired by the dog rescue process, local fashion designer gives a new voice to fabric scraps using sustainable conscious fashion. These bandannas represent the second chance a rescue dog gets once adopted A portion of the proceeds from your purchase will go towards Dirt Road Doggie Rescue in Atlanta, GA and Sandy Paws Rescue in Martha’s Vineyard.
Showcase your unbreakable bond, or purchase for your favorite Twin Flame duo. Each doggie bandanna comes with a matching bandanna for its owner.
CB STARK COUPON
Holiday Table
What’s on your holiday table? We sent out one of our secret shoppers around the Island to scope out some decorations, food, and holiday themed table toppers to help you build the perfect holiday experience.
PHOTOS BY ASHLEY WHEELER
1. Holly spoons, holiday napkins, and festive salad bowl from Rainy Day. 2. Table set from Morrice Florist. 3. Apple Pie from Pie Chicks. 4. Cutlery + Fun Plate set from Morrice Florist. 5. Decorative Fruit Ceramics from Morrice Florist. 6. Pink Pepper Berries from Morrice Florist. 7. Spinach Ricotta Quiche from Pie Chicks. 8. Tapered candle sticks from Morrice Florist. 9. Colorful plaid napkins and tablecloth from Morrice Florist.
Joys of Holiday cooking
Peppermint Chocolate Pretzel Snaps
BY NICOLE JACKSON
· Hershey’s snack size milk chocolate bars
· Snyder’s Butter Snap pretzels
· Candy canes
Take pretzels and lay them flat on a baking sheet. Break each snack size chocolate bar in half and place each half on a pretzel.
Crush candy canes — this isn’t easy, a good technique is to place them in a bag and whack them with a meat mallet, hammer, or a heavy canned good. Put the baking sheet with the chocolate topped pretzels into the oven on low heat until you see the chocolate just begin to soften and lose its form. When you see the chocolate softening, immediately take the tray out of the oven and sprinkle the peppermint crunch on top before the chocolate hardens. Put them into the fridge for a couple minutes, or let them sit on the counter to harden up and they’re ready to enjoy! k
Super Moist Carrot Cake Crunch
BY SHARISSE SCOTT-RAWLINS
Carrot Cake
3-6 cups grated carrots
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup of white sugar
4 medium eggs
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil (yes, you can use melted butter instead!)
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 tsp. nutmeg
1 cup crushed pecans (optional)
1 cup raisins (optional)
Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting
1 stick butter
1 package cream cheese
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
(Add 1/3 cup of heavy whipping cream for a lighter frosting.)
Preheat the oven to 350°
(Dry Bowl) In a medium bowl, add flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda.
(Wet Bowl) In a separate large bowl, add vegetable oil, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla, and whisk. Add dry ingredients into the “wet” bowl, and also add carrots, (walnuts and/or raisins), and whisk until fully distributed.
Pour the mixture into two greased and floured 9-inch round pans for a layered cake (or you can even make cupcakes!) Bake for 35-45 minutes (shorter time for cupcakes). Let cool completely. Take room temperature butter and cream cheese and put them in a medium bowl. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, whisk until smooth, frost as desired. I like to add crushed pecans around the perimeter for an added crunch! k
COURTESY NICOLE JACKSON
Two Takes Latkes
BY LINDA VADASZ
Jews around the world celebrate Hanukkah by eating foods cooked in oil, including potato pancakes (latkes) and jelly doughnuts (sufganiyot). We celebrate the miracle of the oil that burned for eight nights instead of one during a siege of the Temple in Jerusalem during the 2nd century BCE by a small band of rebels led by Judah Maccabee.
I first learned how to make great potato latkes when I lived in Worcester years ago. My friend Joyce Kressler, who was known to her friends as Mrs. Potato Head, taught me the importance of squeezing out the liquid from the grated potato and onions, and of using an oil that was good at high heat. Joyce does not peel her potatoes, and she uses half matzo meal and half flour in her recipe. In those days, we used peanut oil, but now, with so many of us suffering from nut allergies, the best alternative would be canola oil, according to chef Michael Brisson, owner of l’étoile, one of Martha’s Vineyard’s premier restaurants for exceptional food and drinks.
I asked Michael what type of potato he uses, and he replied that russets are best due to their high starch content. Another question that always arises when making potato pancakes is how much flour to use. Both Michael and I prefer a very crisp latke, which means that we use about a half
cup in a recipe that yields between three and four dozen. In his recipe below, which yields 24 latkes, he recommends between 1/3 to 1 tablespoon of flour.
Many chefs use a small amount of baking powder to lighten the pancakes and make them less dense. Michael has not tried that. He makes them on a built-in griddle on his professional stove but recommends a cast iron skillet if you don’t have one. I always make them in a skillet and then blot them on paper towels before I transfer them to a rimmed baking pan lined with parchment.
We both then keep them warm in a low oven at 250 degrees before serving. If you make them a few hours ahead, leave them on the paper towels and reheat them in a 325 degree oven or toaster oven before serving them as recommended by Michael. Freezing is not recommended.
There are many toppings that are served with potato latkes. The most traditional are sour cream and applesauce. Other options include crème fraiche, yogurt, caviar, and smoked salmon. In addition to the classic potato latkes, my family and friends enjoy my Curried Sweet Potato Latkes. These pancakes have a different consistency than potato latkes, due to the addition of milk in the batter. They also have the rich aroma of Indian spices, including Madras curry powder, ginger, cayenne, and cumin. k
Michael Brisson’s Potato Latkes
Yield: about 24 latkes, approximately 3.inch rounds
Ingredients
6 russet potatoes, peeled and shredded
1/2 large Spanish onion, diced small (or pulsed in a food processor)
2 large eggs
1/3 to 1 Tbsp. flour
1 Tbsp. salt and a touch of white pepper
50 percent canola oil and 50 percent clarified butter, enough to generously coat the bottom of a cast iron skillet
(If you prefer, you can use all canola oil)
Directions
Rinse the shredded ingredients and then squeeze out over a colander in a towel. Add the seasonings and eggs, sprinkle in flour and mix well.
Fry in oil/clarified butter for a few minutes, until golden, then turn them with a spatula, and fry the second side until golden.
Slide them onto paper towels and press gently with a turning spatula to squeeze out the excess shortening.
If using within an hour, put them in a 250 degree oven to keep them warm. If you make them a few hours ahead, leave them on the paper towels and reheat in a 325 degree oven or toaster oven. They are best eaten that day and should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Serve with sour cream and applesauce, or sour cream topped with smoked salmon and caviar. For a special occasion, like New Year’s Eve, serve with champagne.
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL BRISSON
Latkes with sour cream, applesauce, smoked salmon and Caviar.
Latkes flipped over on the right. Cooked on the left .
We all have Christmas tribes, people with whom we spend the holiday, maybe family of origin, maybe family of choice. Even before becoming the book monger of Edgartown, I loved giving books to my tribe. And there are so many good ones to give this year.
For movie lovers, “Sonny Boy,” Al Pacino’s memoir,
She was Churchill’s daughterin-law, encouraged by him to court both Charles de Gaulle and Averell Harriman, in charge of lend lease, which helped save Britain. Decades later she became Mrs. Harriman. Spotting Bill Clinton, seeing his potential, she helped him, aided by Harriman money. Clinton made her Ambassador to France.
For those who love books on WWII, there is “When the Sea
mies; enemies might be friends. Louise Penny arrives with “The Grey Wolf,” her latest Inspector Gamache tale.
Nita Prose’s “Maid” series has swept the mystery world the last few years. “The Mistletoe Mystery” is from her this season, a Christmas novella set at the Regency Grand hotel where her character, Molly the maid, works — and solves mysteries. Who can you trust?
For the lover of literature,
Around the Bookstore
Give the gift of books by authors connected to the Island — there are lots to give!
BY MATHEW TOMBERS
is as choppy, uneven, riveting, and fascinating as his performances. For the fisher people in your life, there’s Michael Tougias’s “The Power of Positive Fishing, A Story of Friendship and the Quest for Happiness.” Mary Oliver’s “This Wild and Precious Life” journal, blank pages with prompts from her amazing poems, is a gift for the thoughtful.
Someone’s a history buff? They might want “Kingmaker,” about Pamela Harriman.
Came Alive: An Oral History of D-Day,” a vivid telling of that day, when the ocean did come alive, became red with the blood of those who died, told in the haunting memories of survivors.
Dan Jones is out with a magnificent biography of Henry V — who some think was England’s greatest king — told in unconventional style.
For fans of mystery, David Baldacci, one of the best-selling authors of the genre, has “To Die For.” Friends might be ene-
Haruki Murakami is back, his first novel in six years, with “The City and its Uncertain Walls.” There are those who say Murakami invented 21st century literature.
And who knew there was such a thing as Rooney-mania? Well, there is, in full sail with her “Intermezzo.”
Kristin Hannah is one of the great storytellers of our time. This past summer, a woman who’d been a nurse in Viet Nam, said “The Women” captured their lives.
Hannah has an older book, “Comfort and Joy,” a modern Christmas fairy tale, of finding love when it’s not expected. Perfect for the season!
Noah Trevor’s memoir, “Born a Crime,” has been popular for years, and he’s out with a new book, “Into the Uncut Grass,” widely compared to the wildly popular, “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.” Both are books to touch the soul; a good gift for someone who might be needing a little comfort.
Have a “foodie” in your life? Ottolenghi is out with a new cookbook, “Ottolenghi: Comfort,” a celebration of hearty, comforting food. I’ll be gifting it to several. Know a fan of Ina Garten, “The Barefoot Contessa?” She tells her life’s story in “Be Ready When the Luck Happens.” Stanley Tucci’s “Taste” sold and sold and sold. This fall brings “What I Ate in One Year,” memories, high points, low ones, all held together by food, as often is the case. Looking local? So many local authors!
“Made with Kindness: Tales & Tastes from MV Salads on Martha’s Vineyard,” by Susanna Herlitz-Ferguson is recently out. Dan Martino, local oyster farmer, has written “The Oyster Book,” a deep dive into the oyster’s world, a great gift for the bi-valve lover. Tom and
Joyce Dresser have produced “The Culinary History of Martha’s Vineyard.”
Terri Potts Chattaway has penned a biography of her husband, Emmy winner Jay Chattaway, a composer of jazz and the amazing music of “Star Trek: Next Generation” and all its offshoots.
The great Nancy Slonim Aronie is out with “Seven Secrets to the Perfect Personal Essay,” the perfect gift for someone on your list.
Gregory Mone has been prolific this year, co-authoring, “The Heart and the Chip: Our Bright Future with Robots” for adults and solo penning “The Duke’s Curse,” for middle readers.
Haven’t read Kate Feiffer’s “Morning Pages” yet? Laugh out loud at the deadline challenged heroine caught between a stoner teenage son, a mother moving into dementia, wedged against an ex-husband and his vapid trophy wife.
Carole Hopson in “A Pair of Wings” tells the story of Bessie Coleman, a Black aviatrix at the dawn of aviation, who, in the clouds, found freedom from the forces clawing at her back on the ground.
“Up Island Harbor” launches the next book series from the amazing Jean Stone, who has probably written more books about the Vineyard than anyone.
“James,” by Percival Ev-
erett, is destined to end up in our Classics section someday, a great idea for someone who loved Huck Finn.
“From Here to the Great Unknown,” is the story of Elvis Presley, his ex-wife, daughter, and granddaughter, not a celebrity tell-all, a book about a complicated family.
For children, I’ve become enchanted with “The Christmasaurus,” by Tom Fletcher and Shane Devries. This is a story of a boy who, by mistake, receives a real dinosaur from Santa instead of a stuffed one.
For young adults? How about “The Afterlife of Holly Chase,” by Cynthia Hand. A selfish teenager is warned by the Ghost of Christmas Past to mend her ways; she doesn’t, dies, becomes the Ghost of Christmas Past, not a happy time. But are changes afoot?
Christmas is joyful, complicated; often we’re thrust together with the crazy uncle who should be stashed in the attic, or the uncouth cousin. But they’re family, so we smile, and gift.
To me, there’s no better gift than a book, whether for the crazy uncle, the uncouth cousin, the adored older sibling, or the parents who had more forbearance than we credited them for when we were younger. A book is a gift of thoughts, experiences, lives, and love. k
What’s in a tree?
Memories and preferences abound when we choose our holiday tree.
BY ALLISON ROBERTS
II grew up in Upstate New York, and I can remember going out with my family to cut down our Christmas trees. My dad would grab an old rusty hand saw that lived in our garage and off we’d go. It snowed a lot back then and my brothers and I would weave in and out of rows of pine trees as snow dropped from their limbs and piled onto our heads. In my 30s, I did something I never thought I’d do: I bought a fake tree. I felt a little embarrassed by this
heart — to cut down a tree by myself.
On the Vineyard, we don’t have a huge selection of native pine trees to choose from. “There are red cedars and pitch pines,” Tim Boland, executive director of Polly Hill Arboretum, said. “White pine is also an option. It’s naturalized, which means it was introduced here and spreads, though it’s not invasive, but local native options are limited.” In Boland’s opinion, balsam firs are the best trees for Christmas. “They last for a long time before they drop their needles. They also have a really nice scent — sort of orange and eucalyptus.”
The real vs. fake Christmas tree debate is ongoing. Every year I read (and hear) impassioned comments from both sides. Some people are die-hard real Christmas tree people, while others believe that reusing a fake tree every year is more environmentally sound. According to onetreeplanted.org, it’s more sustainable to cut down a real tree each year. That’s because most small-scale Christmas tree farms are sustainable, leaving certain sections open for harvesting every year, while keeping other areas closed to give younger trees a chance to grow. The other side argues that buying a real tree and then throwing it away simply adds to our landfills, where a fake tree can be reused for decades. There is another
“One thing people could consider doing, is buying a small potted tree or an American holly bush, and decorating those,” Boland said. “Then after the season, they can plant them.”
Planting in the winter may sound strange, but it’s possible. “What you can do is cover the planting site with a board and straw to keep the ground from freezing,” Boland suggested. “Though it hasn’t gotten that cold here in years, so you can probably
get away with planting in January. Just remember to water it four to five times a winter, because evergreen trees are always leaking moisture through their needles.”
If you still want that big old tree to put in your living room, you’re in luck. “There are a lot of places you can buy Christmas trees on the Island. Middletown Nursery carries them — most of the nurseries on the Island carry them,” Boland said. “If you do buy a live tree, though, don’t just toss it, because you can use it for mulch or as erosion barriers on hillsides.”
I was happy to hear Boland’s suggestions because I remember feeling sad when Christmas was over, not just because of the massive adrenaline dump, but also because my street looked like a Christmas tree burial ground. At the end of nearly every driveway, a dead Christmas tree, with tinsel still wound around some of its branches, could be seen lying in a heap with its needles scattered across the sidewalk. Looking back, I wish my dad had taken that rusty ax of ours and chopped up our tree to use as mulch for our meager suburban tomato plants.
“All of the refuse districts have compost piles where you can dispose of your Christmas trees,” Signe Benjamin, membership and programs director of Vineyard Conservation Society, said.
“Any tree waste should always go into compost. The other option is to maybe not buy a Christmas tree.”
I know. I know. It’s hard to let some traditions go, but no one is saying you have to. The consensus seems to be that if you’re going to buy a real tree, just remember to find ways to reuse it if you can. Aside from making mulch, there are a number of other creative ways to repurpose your Christmas tree. You can make a bird sanctuary with the boughs, insulate your beloved perennials, make arts and crafts from the trunk, and so much more. k
The YMCA is equipped with plenty of weights.
With open pool hours and to water aerobics there are plenty of chances to get in the pool.
Spin, swim & skate at the YMCA
PHOTOS: ASHLEY TILTON
There is plenty to do to keep you active at the YMCA Martha’s Vineyard this winter.
BY ABBY REMER
Wal k into the YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard, and you will get that warm sense of home. The light-filled modern facility welcomes novice and premiere athletes alike seven days a week, year-round.
Day passes, and short-term and long-term memberships provide access to everything the Y offers, making this an ideal spot to get your exercise over your holiday vacation or for those New Year’s resolutions!
The fitness room is filled with stateof-the-art equipment and helpful, certified staff who are also available for personal training sessions. You will find a full roster of fitness classes for all levels from early morning to evening. The over-70 results focused group offerings each week vary in style and technique
and cover all the core fitness areas, including strength training, stretching and flexibility, cardio, and more.
One of the offerings in the cycling studio is Cycle Rhythm Ride, in which you climb, jog, sprint, and ride to the beat for 45 minutes using hand weights and choreographed bike moves to intensify the ride.
Cardio classes have intriguing names such as Absolution, Steam, Kick Express, Boot Camp, Body Pump, and Tabata-X.
Among its many yoga choices is Yin yoga — a slow-paced class that targets deep connective tissue, including fascia, ligaments, joints, and bones.
Healthy Agers offerings include Better For You, which helps participants safely transition from physical therapy or cardio rehab to the YMCA facility. As the name suggests, Sit 2B Fit is done
primarily in a seated position to offer safety and success for participants with low physical function.
Monday through Friday, you can dip into the pool for aqua aerobics, a low-impact workout that increases cardiovascular output and muscle tone. During recreational swim time, you can bring the whole family to splash around and enjoy the 30-foot water slide.
Should you prefer your recreation on top of the water, there are public skate sessions at the MV Ice Arena.
Whether you or your family are on Martha’s Vineyard for a day, week, during the summer season, or yearround, there is plenty to choose from to keep you fit and happy. k
For more information, visit ymcamv.org or call (508) 696-7171.
The YMCA Martha’s Vineyard welcomes you.
Kwanzaa principles intertwined in the designers Juneteenth showcase for the community.
A new Generation of Kwanzaa Traditions
Young celebrants of Kwanzaa are making traditions their own.
BY SHARISSE SCOTT-RAWLINS
Iwatched my grandmother’s reflection in the bathroom mirror as she put the finishing touches on her Karamu dinner best. A black blazer with hints of red and green that represented our African American/Black Liberation flag. Flags.com states that, “Today, the Pan African flag is a widely used symbol of Black solidarity and unity. Each color has a specific meaning: Red is for the bloodshed in the quest for Black liberation, black is for the people the flag is meant to represent, and green is for the vegetation and natural resources of the African continent.” Wearing these colors is a symbolic gesture, showing your pride without having to say a word.
I could hear my little brother in the next room inquiring of our grandfather Keith, his namesake, about why we had to get “all dressed up” for the Kwanzaa celebration we were attending that evening. I remember my grandfather expressing the importance of paying respect to celebrate our culture, honor our ancestors, and reinforce cultural identity.
The glossy pages slid between our fingertips as we read through the two Kwanzaa books our grandparents introduced us to that year. We intriguingly read along. My grandmother, Elizabeth, who was a college Dean and professor in education, had an entire lesson planned out for us to understand the importance of Kwanzaa
and meaningful ways to celebrate.
Here are the two books we read throughout the week:
The Complete Kwanzaa: Celebrating Our Cultural Harvest by Dorothy Winbush Riley Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story by Angela Shelf Medearis Dictionary.com defines the word Kwanzaa as, “The name for this holiday originally comes from the Swahili word kwanza, which translates to ‘first, firstly,’ and is a reference to the Swahili saying matunda ya kwanza, or ‘first fruits of the harvest.’” Karenga used African harvest celebrations to create Kwanzaa because the communal aspects that lead to a successful harvest are also aspects that build and maintain strong communities.
As young children, my brother and I did not realize just how important the significance of Kwanzaa was, but our grandparents, both working in higher education and community leaders themselves, made sure to instill the knowledge of the tradition in our minds, bodies and spirits from a young age. That evening was the sixth day of Kwanzaa, December 31, when we had a Karamu, otherwise known as a communal feast, with other families from the Island community. As we all sat around the table together there was a diverse representation of ethnicities present
from African American, Wampanoag Natives, Caucasian, Jamaican, Brazilian and so many more!
In an article titled “Kwanzaa: The Food and Traditions,” Food Network shares, “The menu can range broadly depending on family traditions, from classic African American soul food to dishes from every point of the African diaspora. The most important thing is that the meal is shared, as Kwanzaa is at its heart, a holiday about community.” As we indulged in our Kwanzaa foods potluck style, I remember feeling the warmth of the community around me and pride filling my spirit.
This memory is from the first introduction to Kwanzaa my brother and I had. Like many African American families of the 20th century, our family mainly celebrated Christmas each year. However, I never forgot the importance of celebrating Kwanzaa, Juneteenth, and many other holidays included in our pride for our history and heritage. I instilled these values into my life and fashion brand, celebrating each of the 7 principles through my fashion showcases. Now in 2024, with our grandparents watching over us in heaven, my brother and I have decided to start our own family traditions that include taking a deeper look into the Kwanzaa tradition and initiating ways to celebrate together for years to come.
Kwanzaa being a Pan African holiday, means that it can be observed by not just African Americans, but by all Black people in the diaspora. This can be a pivotal part of unifying the diaspora and spreading awareness to not only the celebration, but our cultures, histories, and heritages as we learn about where and who we come from. Unlike Christmas, Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday. It is also not a celebration that focuses on individuals going out and purchasing decorative lights, Christmas trees, gifts, and other items to make the celebration more special. But it is the rich values of each of the seven days of Kwanzaa that make the celebration so groundbreaking. Kwanzaa can also be observed by other races and ethnicities who wish to learn more about the African American culture, regardless of their religion, race, or ethnicity.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture share the seven principles of Kwanzaa:
1. Umoja (Unity)
2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
5. Nia (Purpose)
6. Kuumba (Creativity)
7. Imani (Faith)
Continued on page 22
Sharisse Scott-Rawlins and brother Keith Scott-Rawlins celebrating their roots in designers fashion brand.
As my brother and I unboxed our brand new kinorah this year, with intentions set on reimagining and initiating our own traditions this holiday season, our spirits swelled with pride knowing our grandparents and ancestors would be so proud. As the youngest generation, it is crucial to take the teachings we learned and ignite them forward in order to keep the legacies and traditions alive for generations to come.
Kwanzaa is celebrated for seven days, from December 26 to January 1. Throughout the week of Kwanzaa, each of the seven principles outlined are celebrated on their own perspective days. It is known as a time of family and celebration, but it is also a time of learning. Each day we will light a candle to highlight the principle of that day and partake in various activities to breathe life into the essence of that day’s philosophy.
After doing an ample amount of research, my brother and I were able to create our very own 2024 Kwanzaa Itinerary full of initiatives we are excited to uphold for years to come!
On each of the seven days, we have vowed to put the phones and outside noise away for at least an hour, and to spend time journaling about our thoughts on each of the perspective principles. These journals will serve as a safe space for each of us to be as vulnerable and honest as possible with ourselves in hopes of elevating and going into the new year as the best versions of ourselves. We will also have “songs of reflection” playing throughout the days to set the energy and tone for the day. We found these songs outlined on the National Museum of African American History and Culture website, under the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.
If you wish to celebrate with loved ones who will not be close by for the holiday, remember where there’s a will, there’s a way — Facetime or Zoom. Call them into the celebration and have them participate virtually! As we get closer to the time to celebrate be sure to check in with the Martha’s Vineyard Times calendar to find out where you can join in on the celebrations right here on the Island! w
I have shared my favorite initiative from each day along with a song of the day to help us all embody the essence of the 7 principles.
Day One, Unity:
Candle: Black
Discussion Questions:
Share your favorite memory of 2024 you shared with each person. Share a goal you would like to achieve with each person in 2025. Is there anything anyone can do to better speak your personal love language to strengthen your relationship?
Song of the Day: “Worth His Weight in Gold (Rally Round)”, Steel Pulse
Day Two, Self-Determination:
Candle: Red
Discussion Question:
2025 Personal Goals
Activity: Building Self Confidence; Write down 3 things you admire about each person and exchange index cards with one another.
Song of the Day: “I am the Black Gold of the Sun”, Rotary Connection & Minnie Riperton
Day Three, Collective Work and Responsibility:
Candle: Green
Activity: Choose a group task with a common goal and delegate responsibilities based on each person’s strengths.
Song of the Day: “Optimistic, Sounds of Blackness”
Day Four, Cooperative Economics:
Candle: Red
Activity: Gift Exchange; But no regular gift exchange this will be… each person will create a handmade gift for the person they choose from the hat. There isn’t any right or wrong gift in this exchange, the more creative and thoughtful the better to provoke a lasting impression!
Song of the Day: “We’re a Winner,” Curtis Mayfield
Day Five, Purpose:
Candle: Green
Discussion Question: What is your life purpose?
Song of the Day: “Higher Ground”, Stevie Wonder
Day Six, Creativity: Candle: Red
Activities: Present a creative project. Whether it is a song, poem, dance, painting, special recipe, etc, show off your creativity in hopes to inspire one another going into the new year. Karamu Feast
Song of the Day: “Africa”, John Coltrane
Day Seven, Faith: Candle: Green
Activity: Quiet Reflection and Meditation
Song of the Day: “Keep Your Head to the Sky”, Earth, Wind, and Fire
Sharisse holding the Pan African flag with pride.
PHOTOS COURTESY SHARISSE SCOTT-RAWLINS
Hanukkah feels like the most family-focused of the Jewish holidays I celebrate. So despite technically being a “minor” holiday (unmentioned in the Torah), it’s highly anticipated. For one of our eight nights a year of Hanukkah, my paternal grandparents will host my father’s side of the family,and a table of holiday foods awaits. The Hanukkah activities spur conversation, and more than Pesach or Rosh Hashanah the point is being together, talking a lot and leaving with something. But because of Hanukkah’s length, most nights aren’t get-togethers. I remember the other nights allowing more space to consider the holiday’s basic elements.
At my grandparents’, food is eaten, and gamified, immediately. This is with the dreidel, a top with a Hebrew letter on each side, and gelt, foil-wrapped chocolate coins. The game’s rules are simple, though may vary depending on who you ask.
Dreidel as a game is roughly 200 years old, though it began in some form in the 16th century as “totum.” Before Jewish adaptation it was an English and Irish Christmas game.
And for a 2,000-year-old holiday, Hanukkah still gives a good amount of attention to novelty. My family might spin a crafted silver dreidel that seems like it’s been used for generations, or a bright plastic toy out of a 20-pack. When I consulted my parents on this piece, they also noted that the gelt we use mimics U.S. coinage. The biggest piece is a chocolate Kennedy half dollar. “He was a nice Jewish man,” offered my mother.
Hanukkah offers many other salty-sweet
"Sufganiyot," or doughnut, is a jelly-filled Hanukkah treat.
NOAM FURER
the shamash (“attendant”) candle. The shamash is lit first, and is used to light the others in order. Blessings accompany the lighting, with an additional prayer on night one. Those new to the holiday can do their best to sing along.
Hanukkah traditions at my house
Each player gets 10 gelt and contributes one to a pool in the middle. Going forward, when the pool reaches one or zero pieces, everybody pitches in one. Players then take turns spinning the dreidel. If the letter gimel comes up after spinning, you take the pool. For letter hei, you take half the pool. If an odd number of gelt is in the pool for hei, round up to the nearest whole number. For the letter nun, nothing happens. For letter shin, you lose a coin to the pool. The winner is the last player left with gelt. When playing with children, of course let them have some anyway.
What is different and the same through my eight nights. DANIEL GREENMAN
foods, like matzo ball soup with vegetables in a chicken broth. Challah looks excellent and is. Latkes are best with applesauce.
Hanukkah gifts, though a highlight for many, have only been a tradition for about 150 years. My family gives larger gifts on night one, or when everyone gets together.
But aside the from gifts, games and food is Hanukkah’s historical justification. Like multiple Jewish holidays, it commemorates persecution and perseverance. As the story goes, the Jewish Maccabees freed Judea from Syrian-Greek occupiers in the second century BCE. As the Maccabees reclaimed Jerusalem and their temple, they had to build a new menorah, which is a branched candelabrum used in Jewish rituals. Just a day’s worth of oil was available, but they were able to light the menorah for eight days, hence Hanukkah’s eight nights. On each of the eight nights, we light a corresponding amount of candles in the menorah, along with
When it’s just my nuclear family there, on most nights of Hanukkah, I remember the menorah receiving a different kind of attention. The gifts given then are littler things that my parents saw; candy, or something they thought would entertain us. And I would thank them earnestly for these gifts, then quickly eat or Mad Libs them.
But I remember on those nights focusing more on the menorah, for us a multigenerational object, and the several years of rainbow wax accumulated on it. The menorah is the holiday’s ultimate symbol, despite enjoyment of gifts or food. Its candles are not to be put out, but are to burn out on their own. It is a literally slow-burning reminder of a moment successfully passed down within the family.
Note: Though Hanukkah is this article’s focus, it is worth noting that I celebrate Christmas with my mother’s side. Her late mother was Jewish as well. Sometimes, Hanukkah, operating on the Jewish lunar calendar, shifts within the Gregorian calendar and falls near Christmas.
In how I celebrate both holidays, there are key similarities — excitement, gifts, candy, and a tree-like icon. Hanukkah may be lacking in TV specials.
As much as I remember celebrations with my father’s side, I recall my maternal grandmother lighting her menorah just as well. When she clicked a lighter and led the blessings, I saw her sealing in wax her 80th-plus Hanukkah. k
My brother and I celebrating in ‘06.
