The annual Christmas Tea is Saturday from 1 to 3 pm at the First Baptist Church parish hall. Buy homemade baked goods, crafts, and gifts. Tea tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for children.
Last month the Vineyard Haven library featured paintings by William Carter. This month he has a selection of photographs on display. He was born in Ireland, came to the US in 1988, and became a citizen. In 2004 he graduated from the New York Institute of Photography.
I want to thank everyone who has asked about my husband. I am happy to announce that Donald was finally released from the seventh hospital … he is now home after two and a half months. He would love to see you.
The Tisbury merchants donated a percentage of last weekend’s sales to the Island Food Pantry. I like this as a way for business to support our Island families.
Want to make your very own Ugly Christmas Sweater? The Thrift Shop will teach you how on Saturday from 2 to 4 pm. Sandy Pratt and Anna Marie D’Addarie will help you make the ugliest sweater possible. Choose from the staggering array of embellishments, as well as an abundance of sweaters. This fun class benefits Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. The cost is for materials only, and depends on what you choose. Instructions are free.
The Christmas Concert at the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury is on Sunday at 4 pm. The choir will be led by David Rhoderick and Molly Conole in a program of musical masterpieces from the 17th century to the present, accompanied by the new Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Orchestra with trumpets, trombones, woodwind, and strings.
The centerpiece of the concert is the “Christmas Story” by German composer Heinrich Schütz, which invokes the beauty of the Nativity. Surrounding “Christmas Story” are a fanfare and favorite carols from America, Wales, Italy, and England, sung by the choir and guest performers. Doors open at 3:30. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $15. All proceeds support the work of the church in our Island community.
We are so fortunate to have so many talented people on our island. The Minnesingers performed to delighted crowds last weekend in a special musical treat.
The First Congregational Church will present the traditional Christmas Pageant on Dec. 24 at 5 pm. The service includes the Nativity story by candlelight, with soft white lights decorating the hall. Music is by the Joyful Noise Choir with children from all over the Island, directed by Brian Weiland. All are welcome to celebrate the season with the Island community. Park in the Ag Hall Field (handicapped parking or drop-off is in the circle by the entrance).
The Baptist churches invite all to their Christmas Eve services. Community Baptist in Aquinnah begins at 5 pm. The service at our First Baptist Church on Spring Street is at 7 pm.
Susan Klein is at it again. Register at 508-693-4140 for her latest treat — a class to create your own family cookbook: “Dash o’ This Pinch o’ That” sounds like my mother’s recipes. Remember Mama’s macaroni and cheese? Classes run Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3:30 at the Tisbury Senior Center from Jan. 7 to Feb. 25. Cost is $155 with materials provided. A gift certificate would be a good gift.Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out today to Lyrae Littlefield and Kate Malkie. Tuesday belongs to Vera Shorter.
Heard on Main Street: Remember that Santa can appear in mysterious disguises, in the uniform of FedEx or UPS, or even the Post Office.