We stood with Standing Rock last Saturday night at the Chilmark Community Center. It was the kind of turnout we expect on this Island from so many loving, caring people. Thank you to all the musicians, artists, volunteers and, of course, the attendees. The event raised $10,000 for the cause. So many of us want to actually go out there and camp with the water protectors. I have heard that some on Island are planning to, and I shall keep you posted.

Everything now revs up for the oncoming holiday season. More Americans are expected to travel this Thanksgiving than any other year. You can take a short Turkey Trot Saturday at 9 a.m. in front of Bunch of Grapes. It is the annual fun run/walk for the Grace Church pre-school. Penny Wong and her merry crew will lead you and cheer you on. Participation is $5; a real bargain.

Another $5-event is brought to you now in the shoulder and winter seasons at our Vineyard Playhouse on Church Street. Island Entertainment opens the doors at the Playhouse for you each Monday night so you may enjoy a classic movie. Next Monday’s offering is The Birds, directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Cash at the door and the movie starts at 7 p.m. Be sure to check out Deborah Hiatt’s watercolors, up at the playhouse this month.

Island Images Gallery in Oak Bluffs is hosting an artisans fair on Saturday. Some of our Island’s most prominent artists and crafters will be there to display their wares and discuss your preferences with you. I like the way we spread out our events so those who do celebrate holidays don’t get into a last-minute dither. Let’s face it, you cannot do better than to buy art on Island.

An artist with long ties to storybook island, Marcia R. Wise, has a show up at the Fine Art Gallery on Fountain Street in Framingham. The exhibit is called Small Works Showcase and will be available through Jan. 8. I plan to get together with her there.

Another get-together with Island people was a delightful lunch I had yesterday with longtime seasonal resident Bob Klein. Bob had appointments in the Old Country near my neck of the woods where I am trying to deal with the business of Nonna’s death. Bob had so kindly spoken at her service in May. He and Elaine have always been our greatest supporters. It was great to catch up but I always feel Islanders meeting in America are displaced. Fabulous food at Graziella’s. Bob gave me a copy of the beautiful poem he read to Nonna in her hospital room and at the Mass. The best of times, the best of friends.

Toys for Tots needs your unwrapped children’s gifts to Stuff An Ambulance. Red Stocking will do the wrapping and see that the surprises get to the right homes. Red Stocking works all year long but is never so busy as in these end of year months. Do not forget them.

I am sad to report that a great, delightful, funny, loving, caring friend of mine, Leslie I. Malcouronne, remembered and loved by every Island school kid who had the pleasure to ride her bus, died at home on Tuesday morning. Our condolences to her husband, John H. Bunker, and to all family and friends. There will be visiting hours at Chapman, Cole, and Gleason on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. On Saturday, visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. At 1 p.m. there will be a service at the funeral home. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Donations in Leslie’s name may be sent to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.0. Box 1748, Vineyard Haven. So long, wonderful lady.

Get well wishes go out to Betty Burton. She should be home and resting up by now.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Katie Lolley, Sarah Thompson and Sam Sawyer on Nov. 18; John Athearn, Linda Voluckas and Jenny Coito celebrate on Nov. 19; Nov. 20 belongs to Jonathan Parker and John Viera; Nov. 21 is claimed by Doug Grant; Nov. 22 is a party for Noah Bacheller, Richard Anderson and Dorian Lopes; Nov. 23 shines on Philip Tucker, Ryan Gorman and Derrick Alleyne; and on Nov. 24 George Caros, Shane Cleary and Moah Son take the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.