JUNE D. MANNING

508-645-2574

(lthslnks@gis.net)

Holiday greetings near and far were enjoyed by one and all whether they remained at home or ventured far away. This holiday season has been a much quieter one for many people. I have personally kept up with family and friends around the globe, and we all seek renewed hope in 2010 and a year of happiness, health and peace. Happy New Year.

The Aquinnah holiday celebration that was scheduled for Dec. 19 was postponed due to the blizzard conditions, which actually started a few hours after the party would have begun. In any event, it has been rescheduled for this week. We shall celebrate after all!

Congratulations to Carrie Anne Vanderhoop and her husband, Tyler Hugh Bellis, on the birth of their first child, Rosalie Delores Vanderhoop Bellis, born Dec. 17. Rosalie is the granddaughter of Evelyn Churchill Vanderhoop Wiley, of British Columbia, and David E. Vanderhoop, of Aquinnah, and Mr. and Mrs. Arnie Bellis, of Masset, British Columbia. She is also the great-granddaughter of Anne Vanderhoop Madison and the late William D. Vanderhoop Sr., of Aquinnah, and Delores Churchill, of Masset.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Constance (Viera) Lima who passed away on Dec. 20, especially to her children Sonya, Marc and Kelly, and to her brothers. Connie and I were former coworkers at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, first in the old hospital and then while she worked in what was the new long-term care unit. Many fond memories over the years.

Get well wishes to Nancy (Edwards) Thompson as she undergoes surgery in Boston over this coming week.

Get well wishes to Ricky Vanderhoop, who returned home over the weekend following medical treatment in San Diego over the past few weeks.

The Aquinnah town nurse clinic will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 6 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Aquinnah town hall. The hours are slightly different because there will be both the H1N1 vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine. Everyone is now eligible to receive the vaccine. There is no charge for this service. Do come to the clinic prepared to bare your upper arm (i.e. wear a short-sleeved shirt under your winter clothing). Similar clinics will be held in every town, so this clinic is for Aquinnah residents only. Any questions, or if you cannot make this clinic but would like to have a vaccine, please call Juleann VanBelle, R.N. at 508-693-6659.

Happy 18th anniversary wishes to Richard Skidmore and his wife, Joan LeLacheur, as they celebrate on Dec. 31.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Donald A. Widdiss as he parties on Jan. 2. Evelyn Vanderhoop will celebrate on Jan. 3 and shares the day with Christopher Fischer and Matthew Scott. Stephen P. Silvia will celebrate on Jan. 4. Alexander James Milavsky will party on Jan. 5. Francis Brown will party on Jan. 5 as well. Kaitlyn Joy Vanderhoop will be three years old on Jan. 6. Elise LeBovit will party on Jan. 7.