KATHIE CASE

508-627-5349

(kathleencase@comcast.net)

The January thaw has set in. It seems nice to have some warm weather. I don’t know about anyone else, but I love to open the windows for about 15 minutes to clear the air in the house for the rest of the winter.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Emily Gazzaniga who celebrated her day Jan. 3; Michael Habekost, Scotty Lively, Matthew Morris, and Tatum Thomas who all celebrated their day Jan. 4; Gino Chick and Ingrid Gundersen partied on Jan. 5; Mario Arellano and Lexington Palmer on Jan. 7; Evelyn Brewer and Jack Laird blew out their candles Jan. 9; and birthday wishes to Emily Anderson who celebrates her day today, Jan. 11.

Special wishes go out to Kathryn Bettencourt who also celebrates her day today.

Special balloons go out to Troy Cavallo who celebrated his day on Dec. 31.

I would like to take this time to thank all my readers and family and friends for all that you have given me during this difficult time of the loss of my husband Ralph. We sure live in a wonderful place and I have been blessed by all who have been a great support to me and I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart.

There have been a lot of things going on since I have been gone, but I have to congratulate Derek and Brooke Avakian on the birth of their son Cooper. They are special people and we are very happy for their addition to the family.

Speaking of babies being born, Mary Ellen Kresel was here for a few days and while she was here her son Jonathan Kresel and his wife Courtney welcomed their twins, Wesley James Kresel, who weighed 5 pounds, 14 ounces, and Parker Rose who weighed 5 pounds, 8 ounces, and were born on Jan. 6. Congratulations to all.

Congratulations to Glen Searle, who has been elected to be a member of the wastewater commission.

Felix Neck has announced that parents are invited to register children aged 4 to 16 to explore the nature of Martha’s Vineyard on its 350-acre wildlife sanctuary. The Felix Neck programs encourage campers to actively investigate and observe their surroundings, make their own discoveries, appreciate nature and, most of all, have fun! The camp incorporates outdoor games, activities, hikes, stories and crafts.

New this year, registration can now be completed online. If you prefer, registration by phone, mail or fax are still options. Please feel free to call with any questions.

Over 45 Vineyarders from across the Island have enjoyed an in-town vacation at the Mansion House this month and it’s not too late to take advantage of the slumber party special. Head down from Aquinnah and enjoy dinner and a movie without the drive home in the dark. Or catch an early ferry without the early morning drive from Chilmark. Stay the night and try a yoga class to jumpstart that New Year’s resolution! All guests enjoy breakfast and use of the health club and may receive room upgrades when available. Rooms are just $28 a person, based on double occupancy. Up-Island or down-Island, everyone deserves a getaway. For more information visit the Mansion House front desk or call 508-693-2200.

Ross Anthony Hathaway is now living and working in Aspen, Colo. Ross who loves the mountains is working on Snowmass Mountain at the Sundeck Restaurant and takes a gondola to work everyday, just a little different from the ferry.

Ross was out and about one night at the local bar and ran into fellow Edgartownian Eli Bonell who is also living and working at a ski shop in Aspen.

There seems to be a lot of young Island adults living in Colorado. Cody Chandler, Elias Pepper and Ericka Davies are all there for the winter. Oh, to be young again!

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.