Tisbury

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Best wishes for a rapid recovery go to Barbara Peckham. We hope your pains and bruises are quickly disappearing.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving was advertised as a special day to shop at small businesses. This brought many visitors and locals to the wonderful stores in our town. Those of you who were off-Island will have to make up for lost time. Check out our local shops now. The only way to keep businesses on the Island is to make use of what they offer. You should remember that every dollar spent on the Island goes through the hands of three other Islanders.

Children in the Arts will present the Nutcracker Gala on Saturday at 4 pm and Sunday at 2 pm at the MVRHS Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $15 with a family price available only on the day of the event. For more information, call 508-939-0074.

Our own town claims some of the top performers in The Nutcracker Gala this weekend. Megan Mendez dances as Clara while Landon Cormie and Dylan Biggs share the spotlight on alternate days as Fritz. Also dancing are Ashley Biggs, Anabelle Biggs, Emmanuelle Woodford, Mary Afton Crandall, Charlotte Sebastian, and Ella Ehram. Adult performers include Christopher Mendez, Piper Murphy, and P. J.Woodford.

One of the treats of the season is the church fair. Keep an eye on our events listings so you don’t miss any of them. Each has its own flavor, but all include homemade goodies, knitted specialties, clever ornaments, and, usually, tea and sandwiches as well.

The fair opens at Grace Church this Saturday at 10:30 am. There is a children’s shopping room, where kids can buy inexpensive gifts for family and friends and have them gift wrapped. Lunch is served from 11 am to 1 pm and features mini lobster rolls and homemade soup. A silent auction offers the special and unusual.

You can shop Peacecraft and Featherstone for local crafts. You’d be surprised at how pretty a little gold crab looks on your tree.

Holiday gifts made by local artists are at the Vineyard Holiday Gift Shop on Spring Street near the corner of Main. This shop is open every day, from 10 am to 6 pm. See handsome leather goods, pretty patchwork and bags, even your favorite vinyl record made into a serving bowl or earring tree. Calendars and catnip fish, including striped bass and bluefish, will benefit Felix Neck. Stop by to see what is offered. You will be glad you did.

The Community Chorus, including 120 of your friends and neighbors, is also performing this weekend. There are two performances at the Whaling Church: Saturday night at 7:30 and Sunday afternoon at 3 pm. Buy your tickets at the door.

How about a movie? See “Water for Elephants” at the library on Tuesday evening at 7. This period romance is a story about a veterinary student who abandons his studies after his parents are killed and joins a traveling circus as a vet. Free, with popcorn and cider.

Next Wednesday you are invited to the holiday celebration at our library from 5 to 7 pm, upstairs. Join neighbors and friends for wonderful music and a cup of punch and even a few cookies. Children will enjoy activities and treats in the Children’s room from 5 to 6 pm. The Tashmoo Trio — Christine McLean, Penny Huff, and Chris Seidel — will begin playing blues, acoustic rock, and pop at 6 pm.

Christmas in Edgartown starts a week from tomorrow with the lighting of the Edgartown Light. Be at the lighthouse from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. You’re invited to this and all kinds of events on Saturday, including author talks on the hour at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum.

Mark your calendar for the Winter Solstice: Ellie Bates, William Waterway, Michael West, Fan Ogilvie, and Barbara Peckham plan to gather to celebrate the Winter Solstice in poetry and song on Wednesday, Dec. 21. You are invited to share the warmth of words and music in the winter night from 7 to 9 at the Vineyard Haven Library. Last I heard, Dan Waters may be doing a musical interlude, too. Come to listen and share.

Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out today to Porter Fraser and David Grey. Sunday belongs to Sarah Wajda. Jessie Chandler parties on Wednesday.

Heard on Main Street: Remember that Santa comes by ferry because it’s deer week on the Island. He can find some nice sleigh bells at The Beach House on Main Street.