JUNE D. MANNING

508-645-2574

(lthslnks@gis.net)

The Aquinnah holiday party will be held at the old town hall on Saturday evening, Dec. 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This is a potluck gathering for community members to enjoy. Santa will arrive on his usual mode of transportation at this time of year, after Rudolph has gone into hibernation from the deer season in town.

Condolences to the family and friends of Robert C. Heine, who passed away at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 13. Bob spent many happy times on the Vineyard with his son, Robert W. C. Heine Manning, and with Jyl Manning and the entire Manning and Rose families. He is survived by his father, James Heine of White Plains, his brothers Karl and Jay, and his sister, Anne Marie. In addition to Robbie Manning, he is also survived by his sons Liam and Connor.

Congratulations to Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribal Council chairwoman Cheryl Andrews-Maltais, who was invited by President and Mrs. Obama to a holiday reception held at the White House on Monday, Dec. 14. Cheryl was one of four tribal leaders from across the nation who was in attendance and had the opportunity to meet the First Family at such a wonderful event.

Congratulations to Aquinnah police officer Steve Mathias upon his graduation from the Plymouth Police Academy on Dec. 11. Steve was the recipient of several honor awards as well.

Story hour is still being held at the Aquinnah library on Saturday mornings from 11 a.m. to noon. Art time is scheduled at noon for children ages five and up. Dec. 19 will be the Season of Light time at the library, when stories will be read about light and celebration. During art time, paper lanterns, window stars and decorated candle holders will be the projects of the day.

Lizzie Edwards, daughter of Mary and Steve Edwards, is a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya doing HIV/AIDS education until July 2011. She is working with the Imani Rural Women’s Action Group. Lizzie has sent some colorful beaded necklaces from these Kenyan women, made from magazines. The money from their sale here will go directly to this group, which is directly improving the lives of Kenyan women, their families, the orphans and vulnerable children under their care. The necklaces can be found in the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital Gift Shop (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays) and at the Peacecraft holiday store at Pyewacket’s in Vineyard Haven (daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Lizzie is also trying to find a permanent American market for the group’s crafts. You can read her blog for more, lizzieskenyablog.blogspot.com.

Happy anniversary wishes to Aquinnah fire chief Walter E. Delaney and his wife, Nancy, as they celebrate their special day on Dec. 23.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Ingy Farat Lew on Saturday. Claus Maple Smith, son of Jed and Noni, will be two years old on Dec. 20. Molly Alison Fischer will party on Dec. 21.

A very special happy birthday wish to Theresa A. Kistner Manning as she celebrates a major milestone on Dec. 22, with the anticipation of all of us moving into our new home.

Gabi Vanderhoop, one of my faithful column admirers, will observe her birthday on Dec. 23. Ollie N. Edwards will observe her special day on Dec. 24 amid her family as they share the holiday together.