Get out your pens and checkbooks, here is my annual Black Friday wish list: Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, Martha’s Vineyard Community Services and its Connect to End the Violence program — formerly called Womens’ Support Services — the Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts of America (fill in the memo line "Island scouts," do the same thing for the Girl Scouts), the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard, Women Empowered — you get the idea. Just call the organization to get its mailing address. I believe my Rolodex is in need of updating. If you can’t give money, give time. Volunteer at the library, the hospital, the animal shelter, be a den leader or troop leader, be a Big Brother or Big Sister. God bless you all, and I hope you have safe, warm and happy holidays.

Hannukah began yesterday. Happy Hannukah, and when did this ever happen before? My sister in law was baking a turkey basted in Manischewitz. A purple turkey — perfect for our Island colors.

Our library is offering a wonderful free event – with refreshments – on Sunday, Dec., 1 at 2 p.m. The famous Peter H. Luce Play Readers will perform Rich Orloff’s one act comedy, The Whole Shebang. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library. I can’t say enough good things about the Friends. If you would like to help out with the Friends and learn of all the fabulous programs they sponsor, you are all welcome to the monthly meeting. Except for the month of December, the meetings take place on the fourth Monday of every month at 1 p.m. There’s another volunteer opportunity for you.

The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society has its annual Thanksgiving concert tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 30, at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown. Grown-ups can get their tickets at the door for $20, and all students are admitted free. I’ll see you there.

Sheila Curtis is ready to help you with the labyrinth of prescription drug plans, Social Security questions, supplemental insurance and all that jazz at the Tisbury Senior Center on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 10:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. You must reserve an appointment, so call 508-696-4205 today or by Monday. Sheila is a S.H.I.N.E. counselor and performs a very valuable service for all of us.

Yikes! December already? This month is going to just spin by.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Laine Levandowski and Sister St. John Delaney today. Tomorrow is claimed by Marcia Cunningham. Becca Dunham celebrates Dec. 1. A party for Mitch Wertlieb, Allison Silva and Lucy DiTerlizzi takes place Dec. 2. Charles Beal and John Alley share the day on Dec. 3. Travis Gramkowski, Neuza Tate, Melanie Godek and Beth McCormick celebrate on Dec. 4. And on Dec. 5, Mark Zajackowski and Paresa Paiva take the cake. Many happy returns.