As I am writing this column early Monday morning, Dec. 7, I am thinking of that long-ago Dec. 7 Sunday, Pearl Harbor Day. When that conflict was over, we naively thought that conflicts would never occur again. But we have suffered through many more since then, and now are in the midst of terrorism beyond our imagination, probably fueled by misguided beliefs that in the name of religion, wars should be fought, and lives lost. Bring back some peace to our area of the world and drive by Sunset Lake and see the lights on the Christmas tree in the middle of that calm water, and the small lighted trees casting more color along the harbor into town. Just a short drive up to Ocean Park and there it is: beauty and peace reaching out in colorful rays to everyone who takes a moment to enjoy it.
Friday last, Bill Anderson Sr. was surprised by family and friends at a celebration of his milestone birthday. You don’t mind if I tell everyone it was your 80th, do you Bill? His wife Maureen and children Kristen, Bill Jr., Kathy Farressey, and Gretchen, along with his 9 grandchildren, planned a marvelous celebration including delicious refreshments by Kati Cooks and loving speeches from his four children. Current and former employees of Bill’s “Anderson’s Bike Rentals” came to give special wishes, as well as longtime friends, most of whom were members of or soon to be members of the 80s birthday club. Laughs and love echoed throughout the P.A. as the party celebration continued with music and “remember whens.”
During these times, many grandparents find themselves raising grandchildren. The Martha’s Vineyard Family Center, in collaboration with the Island Wide Youth Collaborative, invites you to Grandparents Group with special guests Kerry and Rick Bickford, LICSWs, and Kathleen Snow, attorney. The group will meet at the Martha’s Vineyard Family Center in Vineyard Haven on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 to 11:30 am. Information and discussion about issues facing grandparents raising grandchildren will be shared over coffee. Please call 508-687-9182 to register, as preregistration is required.
Here is a great opportunity for veterans of all ages, groups, and eras, service members and their families, to gather together and enjoy a meal. The Martha’s Vineyard Veterans Outreach Program is holding the first annual All-Island Veterans Dinner at Vineyard Haven American Legion Post 257 on Wednesday, Dec. 16, from 6 to 8 pm. The dinner is open to all veterans, service members, and their families. Come and enjoy a meal created and served by our very own Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School culinary students. Please RSVP by Dec. 12th to Bill Stafursky at 508-693-7900, ext. 223 or emailbstafursky@mvcommunityservices.com.
I think you are going to meet Santa Claus in many places the next few weeks. You may have a visit with Santa, make a winter craft, and enjoy some sweet treats at the Library Friends Holiday Party. The party will be held at our library on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 11 am to 2 pm. You can have a sweet time and spread holiday cheer with friends; all ages are invited.
Here is a great idea. On Saturday, Dec. 19, from 10 am to noon, our library will help you decorate a jar and fill it with hot cocoa mix. That would make a great gift for someone during the holiday celebrations.
Calling all Island seventh-grade students to a social at Alex’s Place at the “Y”. On Friday, Dec. 11, they are invited to attend the social, where there will be dancing, pool, ping-pong, and other fun from 7 to 10 pm.
All Island seniors are invited to the Tisbury Senior Center annual Holiday Open House Party. Come join this party on Sunday, Dec. 13, from 2 to 4 pm. There will be great refreshments, and entertainment will feature the Minnesingers of MVRHS and Oak Bluffs resident and storyteller Susan Klein. There will also be door prizes. Call for information at 508-696-4205.
Condolences to the family of Mary Rogers, who was the longtime tax collector in Oak Bluffs. She was loved, and will be missed by her family, her friends, and her town.
We send birthday smiles for the month of December to Aidylberg resident Thomas Rogers and Woodside Village residents Mary Chomitz, David Dube, Lucy Munafo, and Julia Blackman. Smiles to Jenna Gossen, Chuck Lehman, and my great-grandson Isaiah Geddis on Dec. 12, Peter Tennant on the 13th, and Pat Law and my daughter-in-law Debra Alley on the 14th. And Mike Marchand on the 15th.
Enjoy your week. Peace.