KATHIE CASE

508-627-5349

(kathleencase@comcast.net)

Can you believe that this is the first week in December and we are still wearing light jackets? Although, as I write this, the weatherman is saying there is a chance of snow flurries this weekend. That might be a good thing, to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Erik Faber, who celebrated his day Nov. 23; Tiffany Freitas and Avery Simmons, Nov. 26; Andrew DiMattia, James DiMattia and Malcolm Hammond, Nov. 28; Abigail Desquenne, Nov. 30; Samantha Cassidy and Brendan Morris, Dec. 2; and to Justin Donahue who celebrates his day today, Dec. 4.

Happy birthday wishes go to Bob Avakian, who celebrated his day Dec. 1.

Jim Burt, who is a junior at Hamden High School, and his school hockey team are coming to the Vineyard Dec. 4 and 5 to play preseason games with the Vineyard and Needham teams. Jim, who is the last child of Ned and Christine Burt, along with Ed and Rachel (and golden retriever Lucy and niece Briana Murphy) has been coming to the Vineyard since he was born. They purchased a home about 11 years ago on Martha’s Road in Island Grove and love coming out to the Island.

Vin Virgulto, a resident of East Haven, Conn., and former high school baseball coach of Ned at Hamden High School, also lives on Martha’s Road during the summer with his wife, Dina. Vin was inducted into the Southern Connecticut Baseball Hall of Fame last week in a ceremony in Connecticut. Congratulations, Vin.

I was called away for a couple of weeks, so I had the chance to spend Thanksgiving with the family in Somerset. Ralph joined me on Wednesday, but while I was away he did some entertaining himself.

Our friend Marge Burris was here for a few weeks and she had never been out to see the breach at Norton Point, so Ralph played tour guide and took Marge to Chappy and did the whole tour. They went out by the lighthouse and made the whole loop. Even though she was not on the highway she made sure she had her seatbelt on, especially going over the rocks at Stoney Point. Marge was amazed at the beauty out there and was very pleased with the whole experience.

The Plum Hill Preschool’s annual fundraiser is the Elves’ Faire; it will be held during the Christmas in Edgartown festivities on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fair will be located at the Federated Church’s parish house on South Summer street. It consists of various craft making projects (for example, gingerbread houses, candle decorating, snow globes, face painting) for the children and parents, a puppet show, food and an always excellent silent auction. The Plum Hill Preschool is a non-for-profit organization that is a part of the Island Waldorf Community.

Check out the holiday raffles at the Edgartown library. There are three winter baskets of goodies: one for the mystery/adventure lover, one for the romance lover, and one for children. Each has a blanket to snuggle in and lots of good reading and assorted treats. There also are two original pieces of art: one is a gold-framed, scenic oil on canvas of a classic Vineyard house, by Donna Blackburn. The other is a contemporary mixed media work by P. G. Gravelle with a gold frame.

These raffles will benefit the Edgartown Library Foundation. Tickets are $1 each, six for $5. The winners will be chosen at 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12.

Have a great week, and keep the home candles burning.