Noteworthy
Published: December 10, 2009
Guess who came to visit?
On Sunday afternoon, Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer visited Vineyard Haven, where they were greeted by a throng of children and adults. After a parade through town, the children were invited to the Tisbury Fire Station to sit on Santa's lap and tell him their Christmas wishes.
During his Vineyard visit last Sunday, Rudolph made many new friends.
Santa gets a hug after hearing Elizabeth Robinson's Christmas wishes. Photos by Ralph Stewart 
Ethan Mendez (left) as Fritz, and Martene Jamiel as Clara, in Sunday's performance of "Nutcracker Gala" at the Performing Arts Center. Nutcracker Gala a success
The 12th annual Nutcracker Gala attracted large audiences to the high school's Performing Arts Center last weekend. The performance brought with it dancing dolls, nutcrackers, and toy soldiers. It featured the Atlantic Coast Ballet with a cast of 14 professional dancers under the Artistic Direction of Tanya Vincent, and children from the Martha's Vineyard School of Ballet under the artistic direction of Beth Vages. A total of 75 on- and off-Island dancers took the stage.
The dancers performed intricate ballet dance scenes such as the Nutcracker Prince's battle with the Mouse King, the snowflakes, Arabian and Spanish dancers, and of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The performance also brought a ballet boutique during intermission. The annual performance of the classic is a holiday tradition for many families, providing an opportunity to experience the world of ballet and live theater on the Island.
A charming lineup: as Children of the Nutcracker, (from left) Hannah Hagen, Eleanor Hyland, Evelyn Brewer, Alana Nevin, Julia Murray, and Annabelle Shevelin. 
Laura Sargent-Hall and John Hagen dancing the roles of Frau and Herr Silberhaus in Sunday's show.
On their toes: Kasandra Marchant and Sage Ingram.
Leaping into the air, Chase Willman as a Candy Cane, dances with Savannah Scott (left) and Megan Mendez.It's a wonderful show
Tonight, the Vineyard Playhouse begins its seasonal show, "It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play," to run through December 21. Written by Philip Grecian, based on the film by Frank Capra, this Island production is directed by MJ Bruder Munafo, and stars Christopher Kann as George Bailey. Tickets are $15 ($10 for children under 18) and may be purchased in advance online at vineyardplayhouse.org. Call 508-696-6300.
Holiday affair
The Grace Episcopal Church in Vineyard Haven held their annual Holly Day Fair and Luncheon last Saturday, Dec. 5. A benefit for Episcopal Relief and Development, the fair offered children's activities and plenty of food, from mini lobster rolls to a variety of baked goods.
Alex Clark serves lunch last Saturday, Dec. 5. Gerry Averill is shown on the right.
From left, Mara Coleman, Helen Burt, Dottie Duart, and Lisa Darcy check out the table of goods at the Grace Church Holly Day Fair. Photos by Ralph Stewart Two winter walks
Join Tom Clark, collections and grounds manager, for the next winter walk atf Polly Hill Arboretum on Saturday, Dec. 12. The free tour starts at 10 am and runs for about an hour. Call 508-693-9426.
The Vineyard Conservation Society hosts a free Winter Walk on Sunday, Dec. 13, at the Gay Head cliffs and lighthouse led by Isaac Taylor and Brendan O'Neill. Call 508-693-9588 or visit vineyardconservation.org for more information.
From left: Forrest Holmes, Ellie Thomas, Graham Stearns, Gabriel Noble-Shriver, Christian Noble-Shriver, Claire Noble-Shriver, and Chloe Combra help out at the Montessori School holiday bake sale.
Photo by Ralph Stewart
Benefit bake sale
Even during last Sunday's cold December weather, children from the Vineyard Montessori School sold treats outside of Timeless Treasures in Vineyard Haven for their holiday bake sale that benefited the Red Stocking Fund. With the money raised from the bake sale, the students will purchase toys for needy Island children. The bake sale offered treats such as brownies, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, and many more festively decorated sweets.
Holiday sweets and treats
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary offers gingerbread workshops beginning Saturday, Dec. 12, at 9 am, 10:30 am, 11 am and the last at 1 pm. Sugary decorations will be supplied. There is a $15 fee per household (two people) for members, and $25 for nonmembers. Pre-registration is required.
Naturalist Susie Bowman guides visitors through the grounds Sunday, December 13, from 1 to 2:30 pm. A $3 fee per member, or $6 for non-members. Call 508-627-4850.
Che's Lounge reopens
After a brief hiatus, Che's Lounge has reopened on Main Street in Vineyard Haven. Offering hot teas, cappuccinos, and a cozy and convivial atmosphere, owner PJ Woodford is booking local musicians and other performers. The schedule includes an open mic tonight, live music on Friday and Saturday, and DJ Birdland on Sunday. Performances begin at 7:30 pm. Modest cover charge. Call 774-521-8898.
ACE MV resumes classes
The Adult and Community Education Program (ACE MV) offers winter courses, seven for graduate and undergraduate credit from Northeastern University. Classes include dancing, home landscaping, music such as guitar and piano, history, simple cooking on a shoestring, and understanding Medicare, among many more. For a full list, visit acemv.org.
There is also a 10 percent discount for Gift of Learning gift certificates through December 15.
Registration is on Tuesday, January 5, and Wednesday, January 6, from 5:30 to 7 pm, at the high school. For more information, contact Lynn Ditchfield at lynn@acemv.org or 508-693-1033 ext. 240.
All aboard the Polar Express
Next Thursday, Dec. 17, the Capawock Theatre hosts a free screening of "The Polar Express," at 4:30 pm. Part of the Tisbury Business Association's Friends and Family Night. Bring one non-perishable food item to benefit the Island Food Pantry.
Holiday hope
Hospice of M.V. hosts a talk for those who have lost loved ones this Tuesday, December 15, at the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury Parish Hall. "Hope for the Holidays" will meet at 10:30 am and 5:30 pm. Call Hospice to join either group at 508-693-0189.
To the top
David Perzanowski, pharmacist and co-owner of Vineyard Scripts pharmacy on Beach Road, plans to strap on a headlamp and snowshoes on Saturday to ascend 3,267 vertical feet over 2.5 miles from the base to the summit of Aspen Mountain in Aspen, Colo.
As a participant in the December 12 Summit for Life nighttime race, Mr. Perzanowski is raising funds to promote education and awareness about organ and tissue donation, which he has experienced firsthand as a two-time liver transplant recipient.
Donations may be made online at his web page at my.summitforlife.org/pub/sponsor or sent to the Chris Klug Foundation, Attn. Missy Klug, 182 Riverdown Dr., Aspen, CO 81611.
Book sale
The Friends of the Chilmark Library host a used book sale from December 16 through December 30, during regular library hours. Until December 19, hardcovers are $1 and paperbacks are $.25. From December 21 through 23, hardcovers are two for $1 and paperbacks are two for $.25. From the 26th through 30th, all books are free. Call 508-645-3360.
Family to family
Vineyard Committee on Hunger (VCOH) is working on holiday baskets for Islanders in need. For a $25 donation, Reliable Market will put together a meal that includes turkey with all the trimmings, and fresh fruit and vegetables.
This past Thanksgiving, VCOH planned to serve 120 families, but on distribution day found 180 baskets were needed. They served more than 400 people. To donate, send a check to VCOH, P.O. Box 1874, Vineyard Haven 02568. For more information, contact Betty Burton: burtonsundman@ hotmail.com or 508-693-5339.
Santa's calling
Would your child like a phone call from Santa? The Friends of the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging are arranging phone calls from the North Pole, December 14 through December 18, from 4 to 7 pm. Calls are $5 per child. Call Rose to sign-up at 508-693-4509 ext. 3.
Center soiree
Hear the Minnesingers and story teller Susan Klein on Sunday, December 13, at the Tisbury Senior Center's open house. Enjoy the revelry, door prizes, and refreshments from 2 to 4 pm. Call 508-696-4205.
