Noteworthy
Published: December 24, 2009
Big Brothers Big Sisters celebrate
On Monday night, Big Brothers Big Sisters hosted their annual holiday party at the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School. Santa visited the celebration, presents were exchanged, and nonstop smiles told a story: a fun time was had by all.
Santa greets littler sister Aidee Espino and her big sister Jo Maxwell at Monday's holiday party. Photos by Ralph Stewart 
Little siblings, from left, are Simone Davis, Tabitha Oliver, Tau Rios-Dryfoos, Neveah Browne, Braden Sayles, Danny Mullen, and Cory Medeiros.
Little sister Simone Davis hugs Santa's helper Morgan Hauck.
Sweet gingerbread houses of every description were entered in Waterside Market's first gingerbread house contest. Photo by Ralph Stewart Good enough to eat
Waterside Market in Vineyard Haven was filled with the sight of festive colors, candy, and other sweets in the form of gingerbread houses over the last several days. The market was the scene of a contest for best Island-made gingerbread house, and contestants whipped up impressive entries with candy canes, cinnamon dots, and icing. There was a variety of candy houses, scenes with a gingerbread and gumdrop train curving around a frosted mountain, an iced lighthouse, a rainbow colored candy cottage, and an M&Ms decorated Boston Bruins house. The contest ended yesterday, but all the entries will be on display through Thursday, Dec. 31.
Holiday library hours
Due to the holidays, all Island libraries are closed on December 25 and January 1. Here are additional changes to the libraries' hours this coming week.
Edgartown: Dec. 24 - Closing at 2 pm; Dec. 25 & 26 - Closed; Dec. 31 - Closing at 5 pm; Jan. 1 - Closed; Jan. 2 - Open (regular hours). Call 508-627-4221 for information.
Vineyard Haven: Dec. 24 - Closing at 1 pm; Dec. 25 - Closed; Dec. 26 - Open (regular hours); Dec. 31 - Closing at 1 pm; Jan. 1 - Closed; Jan. 2 - Open (regular hours). Call 508-696-4211 for information.
Oak Bluffs: Dec. 24 - Closing at 3 pm; Dec. 25 & 26 - Closed; Dec. 31 - Closing at 3 pm; Jan. 1 - Closed; Jan. 2 - Open (regular hours). Call 508-693-9433 for information.
West Tisbury: Dec. 24 - Closing at 3 pm; Dec. 25 & 26 - Closed; Dec. 31 - Closing at 3 pm; Jan. 1 - Closed; Jan. 2 - Open (regular hours). Call 508-693-3366 for information.
Chilmark: Dec. 24 & Dec. 25 - Closed; Dec. 26 - Open (regular hours) Dec. 31-Jan. 2 - Closed. Call 508-645-3360 for information.
Aquinnah: Dec. 24 & Dec. 25 - Closed; Dec. 26 - Open (regular hours); Dec. 31 - TBA; Jan. 1 - Closed; Jan. 2 - Open (regular hours). Call 508-645-2314 for information.
Class of 1999
The Martha's Vineyard Regional High School Class of 1999 is having a 10-year reunion this Saturday, Dec. 26, at The Wharf in Edgartown, starting at 8 pm. Spouses and significant others are welcome; admission is free; and there will be a cash bar.
Photo by Mae Deary Free for all
One thing to treat yourself to might just be a new book. The Chilmark Library's used book sale, open during regular library hours, is coming to an end. Everything that is left over will be free starting Saturday, Dec. 26, from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm, with the book sale ending on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 7:30 pm. For more information, call 508-645-3360.
Funds for Island schools
The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation, which provides grants for Martha's Vineyard organizations, has announced two education school-based funds that will be eligible for schools and school districts on the Island. The first provides support for the expansion or implementation of data-driven instruction. The second promotes the use of technology-based remediation programs for students who perform below grade level. Visit thetowerfoundation.org for more information.
Lobster in winter
Lobster rolls are returning to Grace Episcopal Church in Vineyard Haven, back by popular demand. The lobster roll meal will also include chips and dessert. The church will be offering lobster rolls on the first Sunday of every month starting Sunday, Jan. 3, from 12:30 to 2 pm. Also on January 3 is a service at 11 am with Father Rob and music by Wes Nagy. Visit gracechurchmvy. blogspot.com for more information.
Pinocchio
This week is your last chance to see "Pinocchio" by Bella. The last performance is Sunday, Dec. 27, at 11:30 am at Che's Lounge in Vineyard Haven. Composer Bella presents her interpretation called "II Bambino di Vero," which means "The Real Boy." The musical will be presented in English, with dialogue and songs in both English and Italian. Bella will continue performing different puppet shows on Sundays in January. For more information, email planet-bella@hotmail.com.
Paul Newman film festival
The last flick in the Paul Newman Film Festival series is on Tuesday, Dec. 29. The film starts at 7 pm at the Vineyard Haven Library. This last showing features Paul Newman and Robert Redford in a comedy/crime movie. When a friend is killed by a mob boss, two con men try to get even by pulling off a con on the mob boss. Enjoy Newman's Own drinks and snacks during the film. For more information, call 508-696-4211.
Photo by Lynn Christoffers Knitters, learners, and workers
Island Alpaca is offering fun-filled discoveries, lessons, and memories this weekend. A lesson on beginner's knitting for children will start on Saturday from 9:30 to 11 am. Students aged eight and up will be supplied with needles and yard to learn taught the basics of knitting. It is $35 for the lesson. Also on Saturday, and again on Sunday, is Junior Discovery, a morning of feeding, barn chores, and interaction with the alpacas, also from 9:30 to 11 am, and is $20. Pre-registration is recommended for any of the three offerings. For more information, call 508-693-5554.
King Kong collages
King Kong variations and capriccios by artist Al Hurwitz will be featured at the West Tisbury Library on Sunday, Dec. 27. The exhibit will include a rare collection of collages based on the life and times of King Kong. You will also get a chance to meet the Mr. Hurwitz if you stop by at 3 pm.
