MARGARET KNIGHT

508-627-8894

(margaret02539@yahoo.com)

During this time of year that seems the darkest, especially with all the gray days, the holiday lights come on all over the Island to cheer us up. Dick and Judy Dimond have their decorations up again on Sampson avenue. People are gathering indoors to eat, drink and be merry — in celebration of much that has to do with light and life.

I have candles on my kitchen windowsill that I like to burn when it’s dark outside, which is most of the time I’m in there these days. I think the candlelight activates some old remnant of childhood anticipation about the magic of Christmas which cheers me up.

Although it gets dark not much later than 4 p.m., in fact the sun is already starting to set later — a minute at a time, not every day, but those minutes will add up eventually. Winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night, is Dec. 22 this year. Unfortunately, the sun continues to rise later — eight minutes more by the end of the month. Even though the total length of the day increases after the solstice, it’s not until Jan. 10 that the sun start to ease its rising time back toward a reasonable hour.

The annual holiday tea last Sunday at the Chappaquiddick Community Center was a festive affair. This caffeine-and-sugar-enhanced social event brought Chappaquiddickers together to enjoy tea, treats and talk. The community center looked beautiful with wreaths, decorated tree, candles lit, and all the silver and china of an elegant tea party.

Tea drinkers came early and stayed for the duration, chatting as they sat around tables set up in front of the blazing fire. Varian Cassat traveled from her new home in Vineyard Haven with her good friend Margie Haven, frequent guest to Chappy gatherings. Annie Heywood showed off her elegant white fur-trimmed cape she bought on her trip to Paris last spring. Karen and Frank Gazarian were there with the 2008 Chappy calendars, of which there are still some available (508-627-6993). Thanks to the many people who made the delicious food and helped set up and clean up, including Rae and Oliver Filley.

At the last Wednesday potluck, host Edwin Seabury provided a impressive array of delicious appetizers. Edwin’s friend from town and frequent potluck attendee, Larry Snider, and Annie Heywood helped out with hosting duties. The next potluck will be after the new year. Mary Spencer is searching for a good film to show at an ethnically themed dinner and movie evening.

The next community center event is the holiday party on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. More details will follow in next week’s column. This party is for everyone on Chappy, including guests, and will include a complete dinner. The party is the continuation of a tradition started by Joe and Mary Cressy many years ago when they served a meal at their house. Later, they moved it to the community center when their living room became so crowded you could barely move, as more people moved here year-round.

If you can catch the last performance of Miracles of Christmas, it’s definitely worth seeing — and hearing. Chappy-grown Abigail Southard, trained as an opera singer, has an incredible voice. Liz Villard did a great job of putting together this show of Christmas plays and carols which also features other Chappy talent. The last show is tonight at 7:30 at St. Andrew’s Church in Edgartown.

Liz reports that beginning Dec. 22, her daughter, Ensign Anna-Liza Villard-Howe, will be home on leave for two weeks from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ship, Rainier. The Rainier is designed and outfitted primarily for conducting hydrographic surveys in support of nautical charting, and sails off the Pacific coast and waters off Alaska.

Hatsy Potter wrote to say an otter has been seen near the Edgartown ferry slip. She saw it once at low tide catching fish in front of the Daggett House sea wall, and ferry captain Walter Streeter said he’s seen it several times and thinks it lives close by.

Dave Belcher has announced the decision to leave his job with The Trustees of Reservation after 19 years as of this coming May. His wife Cathy moved to Florida to help out her mother which is why Dave has decided to retire somewhat earlier than he expected. He’d not yet sure what he’ll be doing in Florida but figures he’ll be able to find a job easily.

As Terry Forde, president of the Chappaquiddick Island Association, said, “No question about it — he will be missed. He was so knowledgeable about Cape Pogue, Wasque and Norton Point and was always able to answer questions or get the information needed. David worked well with the Chappy community — not always an easy task.”