Lights, bows, decorations, and holiday displays are now seen everywhere in anticipation of Christmas and holidays to be soon celebrated. Also here and there you might find a few angels, and I have found real live angels in my life this past week. Every time I have visited my husband at Windemere, going on four years now, the angels working in Unit 4 are taking care of the residents, kindly, patiently, and with great love and respect. How they hover over their charges, making sure they are comfortable, and safe and well taken care of. Such love they show to all; it can only be that they are angels, quite unaware of their importance in the lives of so many.
My neighbor Susie was my angel last Wednesday, when our cat Pandemonium, fondly called Panda, was hit by a car and killed in front of her house. She and the workers at her home wrapped him in a blanket and carefully brought him home to us so he could be sent along to his next journey. Such a very thoughtful and kind act, which lessened our sadness a bit. Panda’s favorite resting place was under the small tabletop Christmas tree, and to my surprise, last night I found the two other cats cozily sleeping on either side of the tree. Perhaps because they were missing their friend, but maybe to bring us a bit of joy.
I think It is impossible for us to attend all of the many concerts, teas, holiday sales, etc., that are offered to us this holiday season. But here are a few that might be tempting to many of us.
The West Tisbury Congregational Church has scheduled a wonderful concert for everyone this holiday season. Along with the traditional favorite carols, they will present a performance of the “Christmas Story” by German composer Heinrich Schütz. For the first time the choir will be accompanied by the newly formed Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Orchestra. The choir will be welcoming guests performers, and they will also invite the audience to join in singing a few holiday favorites. The doors to the West Tisbury Congregational Church will open at 3:30 pm on Dec. 20 for the 4 pm concert. Admission is free, with a suggestion of a $15 donation which goes to the support the work of the church throughout the Island community.
On Thursday, Dec. 24 at 6 pm, the First Congregational Church’s annual Christmas Eve Pageant will be held at the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Hall at 5 pm. The service includes a beautiful and moving re-creation of the Nativity story by candlelight, and the Joyful Noise Choir with children from all over the Island, directed by Brian Weiland, will provide the music for the service. All are welcome to attend and celebrate the season together. As parking is not permitted on Panhandle Road, you are requested to please park in the Ag Hall Field only. There will be handicapped parking available in the circle by the entrance and drop-off area for those who need it.
The annual Christmas Tea, luncheon, and shopping event at the First Baptist Church parish house in Vineyard Haven will be on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 1 to 3 pm. There will be tea, coffee, sandwiches, cookies, and more. There will be a great opportunity for shopping at the baked goods, crafts, and gift tables. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children.
Christmas services at the Community Baptist Church in Aquinnah will start at 5 pm. The First Baptist Church in Vineyard Haven service starts at 7 pm. The Rev. Ellen Tatreau is pastor, and Martha Child is the organist and choir director.
If you are still searching for a unique gift for someone on your list, perhaps you should consider the Martha’s Vineyard registration plate. Proceeds from the sale of these plates go to Martha’s Vineyard Community Services and support their many services and programs. MVCS will also donate 20 percent of the net proceeds to other Island nonprofits that benefit youth and elders. The cost of the plate is a tax-deductible donation.
For many years, this week before Christmas has been Red Stocking Week at the Oak Bluffs School. Students are encourage to wear red each day, and they also start to bring in change to donate to the Stocking Fund. No donation is too small, and each year, by the end of the week students have always been able to make a sizeable gift to this wonderful organization. It is a great way for the students to participate in a worthwhile endeavor.
School will be dismissed for the Christmas holiday winter break at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 23. After the break, school reopens on Monday, Jan. 4, 2016!
We send birthday smiles to Bill Jones on December 21; Rae Carter, Sandra deBettencourt, Bertie Madeiras and Marie Fisher on the 22nd; Caitlyn Francis on the 25th; Rick Tarter on the 28th; and Ava BenDavid, Claudia Metell, and Anita Combra on the 31st.
Enjoy your week. Peace.
