The Christmas Story Concert at the West Tisbury Church last Sunday afternoon was marvelous. The congregation was also delighted with a shortened version during the morning service. We on the Island are so fortunate to have such wonderfully talented people among us. Thanks to all involved, especially the chorus as well as the newly formed Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Orchestra, who filled the air with music from trumpets, trombones, woodwind, and strings. We must also thank David Rhoderick, who pulled the events together. David is the president of the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society as well as the organist and choir director of the West Tisbury Congregational Church.

Welcome home to Peter and Lee Scott. They have just returned from a marvelous trip to Alaska, though I understand they were surprised to find Alaska was not covered in snow and ice. It was a grand trip, but they also saw global warming up close.

Last spring my friend came home from Florida to New Hampshire to pick up her winter clothes. She planned a trip to North Pole, Alaska, to attend her granddaughter’s high school graduation. My friend had made this trip before, but this was the first time that she had to buy some summer clothes. The temperature in Alaska that day was too hot.

If you’ve not made other plans, a delicious traditional dinner of ham, turkey with all the fixings, sides, and desserts is provided on Christmas Day at Grace Episcopal Church from noon to 2 pm. Dinner is free. All are welcome. This community dinner offers good food and good fellowship, and it’s family-friendly. Offerings accepted.

Are you ready for 2016? Mark your calendar now. Grace Church will sell lobster rolls for New Year’s Day lunch. Lobster rolls are $18 and available Friday, Jan. 1, from 1:30 to 3:30 pm or until sold out. Call 508-693-0332 for advance orders.

You have only another week to admire the lovely exhibit at the West Tisbury library. Rosalie Powell’s handcrafted rugs will brighten your world.

After 10 years away from the Island, Freddy Rundlet and Catherine Keller are back at the Look Inn. He was the health administrator for the Washo, Miwok, and Pomo Tribes of Nevada and California. Catherine was a LCSW therapist at the medical center and community health clinic. Freddy says he will be making Inn renovations and act as innkeeper next season while Catherine will be working at Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard as a bereavement therapist. They are happy to be back home again, and look forward to going to the beach.

Monday Night with Jamie Alley presents “Carousel” (1956) at the Vineyard Playhouse at 7:30 next week. Featuring Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones, this is the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical about the romantic adventures of a swaggering carnival barker in small-town Maine who is given a second chance in life after falling in love with a good woman. $5 cash at the door.

You will enjoy the “Farewell ’15” jazz cabaret at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse with Anna Yukevich and her lovely voice and Jeremy Berlin on piano. That’s Wednesday evening, Dec. 30, at 7:30 in the lobby, $20.

What would you do? Imagine you have a child but no place to spend the night in midwinter. Hospitality Homes is the Island clergy’s effort to provide overnight shelter to homeless neighbors during the cold winter months. Can you help at the shelter? Orientation is Monday night at 7 pm at St. Andrew’s Church in Edgartown.

You can help even if you can’t work there. Bring clean socks, gloves, hats, or breakfast cereals or breakfast bars. Put them in the marked bin at the chapel. Thanks to all who can help.

Drive carefully. Watch out for reindeer looking for snow.

Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out to Liam Patrick Bruni on the day after Christmas. Wish the best on Tuesday to Peter VanTassel, Toby Riseborough, and Denise Dorsey Cafaretti. Many happy returns go out to Ron Druett on Wednesday, as he parties in New Zealand.

Heard on Main Street: Be naughty. Save Santa the trip.