JOHN S. ALLEY

608-693-2950

(alleys@vineyard.net)

The days are shorter now and leaves are turning.

Linda Alley, also known as the jelly queen, reports that the winter farmers’ market begins tomorrow from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. at the Agricultural Hall. There will be many vendors; Kevin Keady will play music and hot lunch will be available. The market will be held every other week until Dec. 29.

Emily Gadd returned to Boseman, Mont., last week after spending the summer months at her house. Emily reports that the weather was superb and her garden produced a copious amount of vegetables. She enjoyed her visit and her friends and looks forward to returning to the great Northwest.

Ralph and Alvida Jones’s granddaughter Sarah Jones was married to Scott Hill at the church a week ago Saturday. Among the guest were all four of Ralph and Alvida’s children: Doug, Duncan, Deb and Dan. Following family tradition the reception was at the Cleaveland House.

Jill Carlton and her husband Pete Karman of New Haven, Conn. were here last weekend to close up her State Road home. Pete wants to spend more time on the Vineyard next year and looks forward to finishing the remodeling of their camp.

The Rev. David Christensen reports that he and his wife Carol recently returned from their 12th mission visit to Ghana, West Africa, where they shared worship services, worked in schools, delivered foodstuffs and materials to a leprosarium, attended a yam festival and visited Rotary International Water Projects.

Anna Alley went to visit our grandson Robbie and his family in Taunton last weekend. She also drove up to Providence, R.I., to visit her sister Nina and her family. Soon we will be going to New York to attend the installation ceremony of her brother, Donald Berry, as the Grand Mason of the state of New York.

Linda Baughman of Philadelphia arrived Wednesday to visit her friend Phyllis Meras. Linda has been here many times but especially enjoys fall visits.

Tara Whiting, town clerk, reminds anyone wishing to vote in the presidential election on Nov. 6 that absentee ballots are available. You may stop by and vote until noon on Nov. 5. She is available every weekday at the town hall.

The Congregational Church is accepting reservations for the Mediterranean dinner Sunday at 5:30 p.m. There is no charge, but diners are asked to bring something to add to the dinner table. Greek and Turkish dishes (appetizers, salads, veggies and desserts) are all on the menu list. If your schedule does not permit time for cooking, cider would be welcome. You may bring your favorite wine to enjoy as we mingle and dine! Call 508-693-2842 to reserve your place.

The Vineyard Gardens harvest festival is tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be refreshments, crafts and activities, chili, hot dogs, caramel apples and apple cider. Also throughout the day their will be garden and nursery tours. For more information call 508-693-8511.

Jennifer Tseng reports that the library has moved to its temporary headquarters across from Conroy’s. The free Monday night movies are moved to the Chilmark library. The Halloween party will be held on Oct. 31 at the Grange Hall this year.

The Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network will host a panel discussion about Island-grown business on Oct. 23 at the Harbor View Hotel from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Bennett and Ky of Not Your Sugar Mamas, Holly Bellebuono of Vineyard Herbs Teas and Apothecary, and Jackie Korell of Katama General Store and Lobster Tales Catering will be on the panel.

The Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living will hold its first in a series of cultural luncheons tomorrow from noon to 2 p.m. at The Grill on Main in Edgartown. The coming series will focus on the arts and cultural community since 1973.

Dan Waters reports that shortly before Labor Day, a family of enthusiastic library supporters offered to match every donation given to the West Tisbury Library Foundation Inc. up to $35,000 before Oct. 1. The challenge grant has more than met its goal. Additional private funding will help pay for other projects not included in the original budget, including a semi-pervious parking lot to help protect the water supply and wetlands, and hardwood flooring. Donations may be sent through the foundation’s website or by mail to P.O. Box 1238, West Tisbury, MA 02575.

Susie Herr reports that Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard will present Handmade from the Heart again this Christmas season. All local artisans from candlestick makers to bakers are invited to contribute to this holiday fundraiser. Hospice is seeking unique, handmade items, including jewelry, needlepoint, knitted items, paintings, photographs and Christmas ornaments. The items will be sold at the Dr. Daniel Fisher House in Edgartown on Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All proceeds go directly to their patient care, which is provided free. Call 508-693-0189 for information.

A fall family pig roast will be held at Runamok farm at 400 Lamberts Cove Road tomorrow from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. to benefit the West Tisbury fifth grade class. Brian and Kate Athearn are hosting the event. There will be a pig and chicken roast, live music games, raffle and a silent auction. Bring your own beverages, plate and silverware plus a side dish to share. The cost is $15 per person or $40 per family. All are welcome.

Happy birthday to: Sara Dexter, William Bennett, Penn Kimball, Paul Galligan and John Early today; Bob Doane, Virginia Carmichael, Mary Hinckley, Amy Hoff, Ted Powell and April Knight tomorrow; Susan Silva, Katherine Stackpole, Meaghan Gouldrup and Jacob Ferry on Sunday; Dianne Rothwell, Susan Faraca, Mark Bettencourt, Wendy Forest-Biddle, Roger Blake and Caroline Flanders on Monday; Betty Cottle, Ben DeForrest, Paul Gibbs, Mary Coleman and Shirley Wilcox on Tuesday; Carol Koury, Doreen Rezendes, Dana Street and Sarah Mayhew on Wednesday; Sid Counsell, Laura Roosevelt, Sarah Bergeron, Amy Lawry, Paul Magid, Warren Mayo and Maureen Fisher on Thursday. Belated birthday wishes to Sandy Hill, Bud Mayhew and Goodie Stiller and belated anniversary greetings to John Paul Jones and Irene Selvino.

Very special 69th anniversary wishes to George and Mary Lu Hough of Indian Hill.

Well, that is all the social news for this week’s column. If you have any news please call or email me. Have a great week.