Most of us are still recovering after a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner yesterday that was shared with family and friends. Today is the traditional start of the Christmas season and considered by retail merchants the busiest shopping day of the year. Did you know that there are just 30 shopping days remaining before Christmas?

It seems that November has slipped away in a blink of the eye. When traveling the roads these days, especially at night, be extra careful as you are apt to see more deer than cars.

Please remember the shotgun season for deer starts soon and will last for two weeks so wear bright colored clothing if you walk in or near the woods.

Bob Luskin, his wife Charlotte Fallon, and their families from Washington, New York, Atlanta, Ga., and Mississippi will celebrate Thanksgiving at their Edgartown Road home. The only member of the gang missing will be Peter Luskin, who is working in Beirut.

Sig Van Raan and Susan Dickler recently returned from a two-week trip to Cuba. They spent a week traveling through the mountain region and coastal towns. Sig reports that it is a beautiful country with lovely people and there is a rich culture of art, theatre and music. The colonial architecture is breathtaking and he noticed that there is an effort to restore the inner cities. The tourist economy is booming and the tourist dollars go towards restoration efforts.

They developed wonderful relationships with their tour guides and got to know some very nice folks. They looked up Fernando Saez and Dailedys Carrazana, cofounders of the Malpaso Dance group in Havana that comes to the Vineyard every summer to perform at the Yard. They also enjoyed a delightful roof top dinner at their hotel accompanied by members of the Havana Symphony. The last three nights in Havana were in the Old City restored cathedrals, grand old buildings, artists’ studios, the Hemingway House, and an architectural tour. They will not forget that wonderful trip.

Old friend Mary Lu Hough of Indian Hill and York, Pa. died on Saturday, Nov. 5 at Country Meadows in York, Pa. She and her late husband George enjoyed the Island. Our condolences to her daughter Mary Pat and all of the family.

Marian Irving of Old County Road reports that the church Christmas elves will begin the Christmas Faire workshops on Monday at 9 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Workers will be there until 4 p.m. every day that week. The faire will be Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Jen Wool reports that the town holiday party will be on Dec. 8th from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Agricultural Hall. It will be a potluck, as always. Margaret Gallagher is organizing and call town hall for more information.

Jane Coakley reports that the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown will ring with the sound of chamber music, as the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society presents its Thanksgiving concert Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.

The parks and recreation committee reports that the Saturday recreation program begins on Dec. 3 for grades 1 though 5 at the West Tisbury School. Sports, art and theatre instruction is offered from 9 a.m. to noon. Applications can be found at the town website under parks and recreation and will be distributed electronically with the school newsletter. For more information call 508-696-0147.

Ann Quigley, over at the library, reports that on Sunday an open chamber music rehearsal will be held from 3 to 4:45 p.m. The rehearsals are facilitated by Island violinist César Atzíc Márquez. Attend as an audience member, or bring your instrument and join in.

And on Monday at 7 p.m., the Library and WMVY present their monthly jazz-themed evening with Dave Kish.

Happy birthday to: Robin Lynch, Helen Green, Jill Delahunt, and Abe Genack Friday; Owen White, Renee Stempien, and Timothy Ruzzo Saturday; Cindy Barrett, Gaby Small, and Eleanor Waldron on Sunday; Valerie Becker, Gary Montrowl, and Emily Lowe on Monday; Gene Bergeron, Glenn DeBlase, Mary Gould, Tara Whiting and Steven Tully on Tuesday; Colby Gouldrup, Jill Hasselman and Jesse McGrath on Wednesday; and Mark Ellis, Heidi Dietterich, and Rachel Cassiani on Thursday. Belated birthday wishes to Carlos Montoya.

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

Send West Tisbury news to alleys@vineyard.net.