Noteworthy events

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For a good cause

Anna Edey of the Persian Tribal Rug Gallery in Vineyard Haven is helping organizations such as the African Artists Community Development Project (AACDP) raise money for the nonprofits. Ms. Edey is donating 20 percent of her sales of the handmade natural-dyed rugs from Iran to the Good Vineyard Cause of Your Choice.

Ms. Edey writes, “These rugs are made by nomadic people living in yurts (no electricity, running water, TV) in remote mountain regions in Persia (now Iran). The whole extended family participates in the rug-making process: Herding the sheep; shearing, washing, carding, spinning the wool; collecting the roots, leaves, bark, flowers, nuts, berries, and clay for dying the wool. And, contrary to popular belief, in Iran, child/slave labor for rug-making is against the law. (I buy no rugs made in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Nepal or Tibet because of reports of rampant slave labor.)

Rugs range in size from 2 to 4 feet to 10 to 13 feet, and in colors from reds and blues to soft pastels. The benefit sale continues until Dec. 22, and the gallery is open from 3 to 5 pm on Thursdays through Saturdays, and by appointment by calling 508-693-3341 or 774-563-0898.

Bells on Main Street

The West Tisbury Handbell Choir of the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury will ring in the season from 12 noon to 1 pm this Saturday, Dec. 18, in front of the Capawock Theatre on Main Street, Vineyard Haven.

Kwanzaa’s coming

The Martha’s Vineyard NAACP hosts a Kwanzaa celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 29, at the Trinity United Methodist parish hall in the Campgrounds, Oak Bluffs. Started in 1966 by an African-American professor to give Black Americans their own way to celebrate their African roots, family life, and the community, Kwanzaa celebrations continue today. From 4 to 6 pm, enjoy a potluck, music, games, and other activities for all ages. There is a $5 suggested donation per person, or free if you bring a potluck dish to share. For more information, call 508-627-8850 or 508-696-5785.