KATHIE CASE

508-627-5349

kathleencase@comcast.net

“I’m dreaming of a White Christmas;” who could ask for more? The blanket of snow has definitely put some spirit in the holiday season.

Happy birthday to all who had birthdays this past week. Big balloons go out to Quinten Cabral, who celebrated his day Dec. 18; Hiram Henry, Dec. 21; Samantha Folts, Dec. 22; Anna Keenan, Dec. 23; and Zachary Vukota, who celebrates his day today, Dec. 24.

I think I am among many people who have been baking, cooking fudge, shopping and wrapping. I still cannot believe that Christmas is already here, even though Sarah Townes has kept the countdown going on Facebook.

We went to Falmouth on Wednesday and in Wal-Mart it was very busy with people running around either starting or finishing their shopping. I must say, it was just an observation, but there were mostly men, and the line at the jewelry counter was pretty long.

The West Tisbury Congregational Church invites everyone to their Christmas services, today, Friday, Dec. 24. What better place to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ than at the West Tisbury Agricultural Hall at 5 p.m. Arrive early and enjoy the Christmas music. A 10 p.m. service will be held at the church, in the center of town.

There will be a Christmas Eve candlelight service, Friday, Dec. 24 at 10 p.m. in the 1828 Meetinghouse of the Federated Church. All welcome, no admission. There will be readings and music from the Christmas season.

If you’ve managed to capture on film the perfect South Beach sunrise, adorable piglets at the Ag Fair or other iconic Island impressions, now is the time to submit your entry for this year’s photo contest sponsored by Martha’s Vineyard Magazine.

Deadline for entries is Friday, Dec. 31, before midnight. Photos must be shot on or around Martha’s Vineyard, they must be the original work of the person submitting them, and the photos cannot have been digitally altered (minor color correcting is acceptable). Photos also must not have been previously published.

The photographs submitted will be judged on an anonymous basis by a panel including professionals in photography and the arts, and Martha’s Vineyard Magazine staff. Prizes will be awarded for the three best photos overall: $100 first prize, $50 second prize, and $25 third prize. Winning photographs will be announced and published in the August 2011 magazine.

For more information and to see last year’s winners and other entries, visit the magazine’s Web site at mvmagazine.com.

I wish you all a very happy holiday. If you are off the Island for the holidays, travel safe. If you are here, enjoy your time with your family. Remember the person next door if they are alone and give them good cheer.

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