JUNE D. MANNING

508-645-2574

(lthslnks2004@yahoo.com)

Congressman William Keating will be meeting with Vineyarders on Monday, Jan. 9 from the start of his ferry ride over to a visit at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and then a meeting at the Capawock Theatre at 4:30 p.m. Congressman Keating will be joined by State Senator Dan Wolf and by State Representative Tim Madden. One family who most likely will attend will be Edgartown Police Sergeant Thomas Smith and his wife, Alison, as their son, Conor, recently received a service academy nomination from Congressman Keating.

Thank you to Betty Joslow, Nancy Leport, Nonie Madison, Theresa Manning, Jay Smalley and Alexandra Taylor for their planning, shopping, wrapping and organizing the Aquinnah Christmas party. Santa arrived by fire truck as always and entertained the children while passing out gifts to each child in attendance. The potluck dinner was delicious with everything from soup to nuts and divine desserts. There were lots of photographs taken and the community feeling was that of the way the parties of yesteryear were when they were held in the old town hall.

Al Hurwitz will have an artist’s reception of his work on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 4 p.m. at the West Tisbury Library. His work, “Then and Now” will be on display at the library throughout the month of January. The reception is free and all are welcome to attend. As I was personally invited by Mr. Hurwitz, I shall certainly attend.

The Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living will host its ever popular Cultural Luncheon series by honoring the Scottish and their influence and contributions on the Vineyard. Steve Ewing will be the keynote speaker with bagpiper Howard Wall. Enjoy a traditional meal as well as a taste of haggis. Luncheon will be at the Grill on Main with chef Anthony Saccocia and his staff accommodating the luncheon series again this year. Tickets are $25 per person and may be obtained by calling MVC4L Director Leslie Clapp at 508-939-9440 or by going to the Web site mvcenterforliving.org.

Join the First Baptist Church in Vineyard Haven on Monday, Jan. 16 at 9 a.m. at the parish house for the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast and program A Life of Altruistic Service: “His Inheritance, Our Commitment.” This is the 83rd birthday celebration. There will be a freewill offering. For reservations, please call 508-693-1539.

Crafts for children will be held every Thursday afternoon at the Aquinnah Public Library from 4:30 to 5 p.m. Barbara Lampson and Penny Huff will assist the young ones with their projects, while Library Director Cathy Thompson and her assistant, Rosa Parker, assist the adults with their selections of the latest books and videos.

Welcome to Charlotte Anne Brodie Bologna, who is our newest Aquinnah resident. Charlotte was born on Dec. 29 at 7:07 a.m. at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. She is the daughter of Nicholas Bologna and Susie Anderson. They are all at home now, comfy and adjusting to family life. Susie’s mother, Carol, has arrived to assist. They are all receiving lots of love and support from family and friends. They had “an incredible experience at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and would like to thank each and every person from the kitchen staff to the nurses, midwives and doctors. What a great place to have a baby.” They would especially like to send special thanks to nurse Nancy Leport. “We were truly in great hands.” What a wonderful way to start the new year!

Congratulations to Clara Corjulo, a senior at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, on achieving her honor roll status for the first quarter of 2011. Clara is the daughter of Kathryn Corjulo.

Condolences to the family of Thomas DeMont, a longtime friend, scrimshander extraordinaire and fellow Bostonian in the 1960s.

Condolences to the family and friends of Arthur Dickson, former schoolmate of our father at the Tisbury School. Arthur and his wife, Priscilla, have been responsible for placing flags at the North Cemetery in Aquinnah for many years, as they carefully respected the grave of every veteran during the placement of the flags.

Congratulations to Alayna Hutchinson, a junior at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, on achieving high honors for the first quarter of 2011. Alayna is the daughter of Steve and Amanda Hutchinson.

Amy Lilavois and Paul Manning were responsible for the surprise birthday party for Theresa Manning on Dec. 22. All of those who planned the event did a great job and we all look forward to the next adventure.

Carol and Michael Mayrand were delighted to have all three children home for the holidays from their wanderings and educational studies across the miles. Alyssa, Noah and Sonya were all equally as delighted to be at home together.

Condolences to Spa Tharpe and his family in the passing of his father.

Naushon Vanderhoop returned to Brooklyn on Wednesday after spending most of the week with her family and friends. She also celebrated her birthday at the home of her brother, Durwood Vanderhoop, and his wife, Jamie. A night of fun, food, family, friends and karaoke.

Heath Widdiss and his daughter, Josie Iadicicco, visited with their grandmother and great-grandmother, Gladys Widdiss, this past week for their holiday cheer.

Condolences to the friends and families of Christopher Ma, Arthur Pye and Walter Silva.

One must realize I am the only one with seniority over fellow columnist John Alley. John and I have challenges with each other to see who comes up with the most news each week. Of course, he sees dozens of people each day while I tend to see about the same in the course of a week. John started writing for the Vineyard Gazette in January 1991 and my start date was June 1993, minus eight months between 2006 and 2007. It is a pleasure to read his old stories from the West Tisbury column of yore and perhaps I will include a few of the old stories from Gay Head in my columns this year. Please note Jane Slater and Nancy Gardella are the ones who have seniority as columnists over John and yours truly.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Elise Lebovit as she celebrates on Jan. 7. Sonya Mayrand will party on Jan. 8. One of my favorites nurses, Ann Burt, will observe her special day on Jan. 9. Gloria Fisk and Michael Sellitti share the day on Jan. 11. Gordon Perry, the new year baby of many years ago, will celebrate on Jan. 12 and shares the day with Priscilla Belain, Pam Glavin, Alex Mayhew and Caleb Hallett.

As you head to the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on Jan. 13, please wish Edie Baker at the switchboard a happy birthday. Also celebrating on Jan. 13 will be Marilyn Manning, Brian Athearn and Nyssa Duarte.