Call them what they are, jerks. Terrorist is a well-worn word that ascribes too much recognition, exactly what the bully on the playground wants. Don’t publish their names, no pictures. Just say this jerk did this, that jerk did that. I can’t wax as eloquent as John Oliver did, check YouTube for his Monday night show. I cannot be as talented as my nephew Jonathan Gardella, who played the Marseillaise on his violin at church last Sunday. But I do know that together we can do this, long and hard road that it is.

Carole Vandal is doing such a great job summoning all Island poets and appreciators of poetry to our monthly soirees at the Vineyard Playhouse. I hope you caught Arnie Reisman, Don McLagan and Jennifer Smith Turner last Tuesday. Other active poets keeping our Martha’s Vineyard Poetry Society up and running are Barbara Pope Peckham and Betty Martin. I shall never forget Betty’s kindness in assisting me with some technological problems. Many of our poets have written in tribute to the recent events in Paris. Do not hesitate to go online and join our group. All are welcome.

More excitement at our Vineyard Playhouse. The works of artist Joan Walsh are on display. Joan is well-known for her watercolors, book illustrations and teaching skills. That’s a brief description of her resume. Go view the exhibit.

Welcome back to my amazing colleague, June Manning. Katie Carroll, who filled in for her weekly Aquinnah column, did a great job. It’s comforting to have Ms. Aquinnah herself back at the helm. Very impressive picture of you, June, on the front page of the Gazette, the week before Veterans Day.

Among my other talented writer friends Holly Nadler’s new novel, Emily In the Here and Now, makes quite an impression. I’ll bet a lot of these will be under trees in December.

The VA clinic on-Island is up and running smoothly. Dukes County veteran’s agent, Jo Ann Murphy, reminds you that Dr. Van Beber is only scheduled once a month on-Island. It is advisable to call Jo Ann for an appointment, 508-693-6887. And our legion auxiliary reminds you that time is running out for donations to our annual Christmas Bazaar, to be held this year on Saturday, Dec. 12. Donations for the raffles, holiday themed baskets, baked goods and gently used white elephant can be picked up if you don’t have a way to get them there. Call one of the legion ladies — Linda Voluckas, Carrie Welch or Jo Ann Murphy. Show up on Dec. 12 for food, fun and shopping.

Heads up now and a reminder that next week, the Tisbury School is having its annual book fair the week after Thanksgiving. This is such a terrific shopping event. Even after my child left school I would trek there to buy gifts.

Thank you to Sid Counsell for posting the endlessly amusing Who’s On First? by Abbott and Costello on Islanders Talk. I have my own copy but it is always nice to remember to take it out and see it again. Last time I visited the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown it was shown repeatedly.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. Drive safely, enjoy your friends and families.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along John Viera and Jonathan Parker Friday. Saturday is claimed by Douglas Grant. Nov. 22 belongs to Noah Bacheller, Richard Anderson and Dorian Lopes. Nov. 23 shines on Derrick Alleyne, Ryan Gorman and Philip Tucker. Nov. 24 is a party for Moah Son, George Caros and Shane Cleary. Nov. 25 honors Martha Dunham and Nicole Masi Cimeno. And on Nov. 26 William Bishop, Anne Elizabeth Carlson, Kim Beal and Pat Ginter take the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.