If you and the kiddies have missed speaking with Santa on Island this year, plan to be at the Wharf on Sunday for Breakfast with Santa. Proceeds raised will go to Red Stocking. Picture taking? Of course. Then mark your calendars for Saturday, Dec. 17, free admission at the Parish House of the First Baptist Church on William Street for their annual Holiday Tea and Fair. If you and the children want to feast on tea sandwiches, baked goods, and beverages, tickets are $8 for grownups and $6 for kids. Meanwhile, enjoy the food, your friends, and shop leisurely at the reasonably-priced baked good table, the craft table, and gift items. Another pleasant Saturday afternoon.

Betty Burton is back and Vineyard Haven has her! Working part-time at the library, and I am sure part-time is a phrase she does not really understand, Betty is at your service. She hopes to shoulder her usual heavy schedule come February. Stop in and say hello to our library dynamo.

One of the very best ongoing programs at Alex’s Place, the teen center at our YMCA, is a recurring tutorial in technology. On Saturday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the savvy teens will be there to help seniors, on a first-come, first-served basis, to unlock the mysteries of their cell phones, tablets, and laptops. Lessons are free, please bring devices fully charged. Thanks again to Tony Lombardi and Laurel Redington-Whitaker for your thoughtful and much needed programs.

In other news from the up and coming generations, please reserve a free seat at next Tuesday’s meeting from 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. at our newspaper office. Grownups and kids of all ages are welcome for light snacks and beverages while you see what our little farmers have been up to. The Island Grown Initiative, under the capable direction of Noli Taylor and Rebecca Haag, knows the value of a garden education. All our Island elementary schools now have working gardens, planted, tended and harvested by the children. What are we raising? A healthy and nutritious crop of kids! This was a concept very close to my dear Teri’s heart. I know she would be helping Rebecca with this project if she could have stayed longer. If you still would like to make a memorial donation in the name of Teri Praskach, please mark it for Island Grown Initiative. The Gazette will need a head count so call 508-627-4311 to reserve your seat.

And what goes better with fresh, organic fruits and vegetables than pure, clean water? You know how steamed I am about the Dakota Access Pipeline and the continued travesty of treaty-breaking with our First Nations. You know I love to learn new languages. Here is a new phrase for you: Mni wiconi. “Water Is Life.” We might have won a battle last Friday but the war continues. In the face of the news blackout on this most important gathering in North Dakota, something that did not hit mainstream media until last weekend when the veterans arrived to protect the water protectors, I must thank my editors at this paper who have never censored me in my reporting on this life-changing event. Continued peace and thanks to our assembly there.

In the same vein, Google has pledged to run on entirely renewable energy in 2017. So, why can’t we all? Costco and some other major food chains are refusing to sell GMO salmon. Remember back to the 60s, “you are what you eat?” Come the revolution.

The movie at Vineyard Playhouse Monday night will be The Bishop’s Wife starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven. Five dollars at the door, movie starts at 7 p.m. The Playhouse also has gift certificates available, a thoughtful present for anyone. And the stellar cast of the musical revue presents a holiday show and sing-along Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available online or at the door for $25. If you bring a can of non-perishable food for the Island Food Pantry you will be served a free beverage. Lots to do on these cold, dark nights!

Please join me in offering our deepest sympathy and prayers to the Dorsey family on the death of sister Denise. We all know how loved the Dorsey family has been on our Island. We offer support to them now. Denise’s nephew, Toby Danger Riseborough, has written an eloquent appeal on a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses. Our condolences to all.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Rachael York, Christine Honig, Joe Hegarty, and Joanne Gardella on Dec. 9. Dec. 10 is claimed by Eric Claussen. Dec. 11 is shared by Crystal Sylvia, and twins Jackie and Carol Tileston. Dec. 12 is a party for Mike Holenko, Vamp Campbell, Taylor Ardeen Meadows, and Samia Arado. Dec. 14 belongs to Chyenne Ward. And on Dec. 15 Chris Baldwin, Emma Tobin. Tim Sylvia, and Merry Barclae Miaini take the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.