Heard on Main Street: Sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
The Festival of Wreaths is this evening, Thursday, Nov. 29, from 4 to 6 pm. All the decorated wreaths displayed in the Federated Church are for sale. Then visit the Parish House for more. Proceeds benefit the 1832 Mayhew Parsonage.
The Lincoln Center Theater’s “The King And I,” recorded live at London’s Palladium, is shown tonight, Nov. 29, at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center at 7:30 pm.
Pick up holiday decorations and gifts for friends or family this Saturday, Dec. 1. The Christmas Faire is at the West Tisbury Church from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Choose a decorated wreath or centerpiece, jewelry, or baked goods. Come early for the best selection and coffee. There is an incredible gift basket to be raffled. All proceeds support the work of the church on-Island.
The American Legion Hall is the site of the Christmas bazaar from 10 to 1, featuring holiday items and baked goods. The first 25 receive a free surprise. More gifts and goodies from the MV NAACP at the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging from 10 to 3, and also vendor tables.
A special Advent program is offered for children in kindergarten through grade 8 at the Federated Church. Starting Sunday, Dec. 2, children will discover these four weeks leading to Christmas. Beginning with the story of the wise men, then the shepherds, then Mary and Joseph, and ending with the Gift of Joy, the story of the angels, this program is at 10:30 am on Sunday mornings in the Parish Hall during the church service. More at 508-627-4421.
Tuesday’s movie at the Vineyard Haven library at 7 pm on Dec. 4 is based on a bestseller about a native New Yorker who travels to Singapore to meet her boyfriend’s family. You are already smiling.
The Neighborhood Convention meets Tuesday, Dec. 4, at 11 am with the Minnesingers in the Methodist Church at the Campgrounds. All welcome, bring a sandwich. This sounds like the best holiday concert around.
ACE MV offers Intro to Marketing beginning Tuesday, Dec. 4, and Diagnosing and Maintaining Your PC on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 11 and 12.
MV Healthy Aging invites you to learn more about Advance Care Planning on Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 9 to noon at the YMCA.
The Island overnight shelter called Houses of Grace runs from January through March. The orientation for volunteers is next Wednesday, Dec 5, at Good Shepherd Parish Center in Oak Bluffs at 7 pm.
Our daughter called to wish us well for the holiday, but also to share good news. She has two new solo piano performances, the equivalent of CDs in this world I am ill prepared for. But to our delight we can go on YouTube and hear the music with scenic videos. Much easier than standing in long lines at the Post Office to get the CDs and then trying to find something to play them on. Makes worthwhile all those years of forcing the child to practice.
I was sorry to hear about the death of a boy I knew years ago, but the news brought a fond memory. He was my first “date” — at age 13. It was so terribly romantic. He invited me to sit with him at the Saturday afternoon matinee of a movie, probably featuring Roy Rogers. I’m sure I paid my own way. At least our movies weren’t rated then. I know I was thrilled afterward because he had put his arm across my back. I remember my dress so I think it was summertime.
Make some new memories: Adults and children 12 and up are invited to decorate cookies using icing and sprinkles at the Vineyard Haven library on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 3 to 5 pm.
It’s not too late to donate any handmade item to Handmade from the Heart to benefit Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard on Saturday, Dec. 8. All artisans, bakers, candlestick makers, and knitters are invited to contribute. Just call 508-693-0189.
The Unitarian Universalist Society features a Christmas Mitten Tree. You can bring children’s new mittens, gloves, hats, or scarves and hang them on the tree in the church on Sunday, Dec. 9. After the 5 pm evening candlelight service, they will be given to Red Stocking or Clothes to Go.
As we enter the holiday season, remember that some of our neighbors are hungry. Write your $25 check to Family to Family. Mail it to VCOH (the Vineyard Committee on Hunger) at P.O. Box 4685, Vineyard Haven MA 02568. Each family will get a Christmas or holiday dinner, turkey with all the trimmings.
A really big bunch of birthday balloon wishes go out today to Barbara Peckham, celebrating her 90th birthday. We are sorry that she and Doug had to move to Nebraska this fall; we surely miss them.
Wish the best tomorrow to Porter Fraser and David Grey. Sarah Wajda parties on Tuesday.
Heard on Main Street: It’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
