The 1862 Vineyard Gazette’s issue of Dec. 5 included the homily; “You had better ask for manners than money, said a finely dressed gentleman to a beggar boy who had asked for alms. I asked for what I thought you had the most of, was the boys reply.” With three weekly paydays remaining for the year that parable is a useful reminder for those of us desiring tax deductions for 2016 to consider those less fortunate and the organizations that support our lifestyles here on our Island paradise.

We are on the eve of a new museum. The Martha’s Vineyard Museum breaks ground next year on renovating and restoring the old Marine Hospital into the repository of our rich culture and history. As one of its board members with an appreciation of history, I ask that you consider the museum for your gift giving at this momentous time. More information on how to donate is available at mvmuseum.org.

No matter how one looks at it or what side one finds themselves on, the decisions about the fate of the Island Theatre will be tortuous. Counting our blessings that Oak Bluffs has the Strand Theatre protected by a public/private organization — that has proven itself a good steward and will continue to with your support at mvtheaterfoundation.org.

Considering the future, it would be nice if one or some related organizations such as the historical commission, the Cottage City Historic District, the planning board and the conservation commission could come together and apply to the Department of the Interior to have the Cottage City Historic District included on the National Register of Historic Places. Benefits could include federal grants for historic conservation that might allow for telephone, cable and power lines to be buried, or the sewer system to be replaced if necessary one day. While this recognition might not be protection, it would certainly be useful when the community is surprised to find that a land – or building holder’s – interests do not coincide with the rest of the populace.

The talented Margot Datz was commissioned by the Preservation Trust to restore several of the interior illustrated panels of the Flying Horses (1979) that, like the Camp Ground (1978) and Union Chapel (1990), are included on the National Register.

This is the last weekend for finding handmade gifts by Island artists at Featherstone Center for the Arts. They’re open from noon to four each day and Sunday is the last day of the season.

Saturday, Dec. 17, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. the Oak Bluffs Public Library gives you an opportunity to decorate a votive for a holiday gift for kids ages three and older. A votive is a small glass container that holds a tea light or candle. The electric candles the library offers are safer. A recent survey by the Maine State Library shows that librarians are the second most trusted of 22 professions with over 78 per cent of participants choosing librarians. The highest rated were nurses (81 per cent) and after librarians came pharmacists (74 per cent), doctors (68 per cent), high school teachers and police (59 per cent) and the clergy 54 per cent. Least trusted were lobbyists (four per cent), advertisers and members of congress (three per cent), car salespeople and telemarketers (two per cent). So, if one is in search of sympathy a nurse will no doubt provide it and a librarian can refer you to the dictionary.

Oak Bluffs’ Richard Walker 3rd recently retired as senior vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston after 27 years of service. The Economic Development Assistance Consortium announced that Rich has become its senior consultant. The world class Vineyard fisherman will be assisting clients with asset-building and economic revitalization in metropolitan areas.

Stan Nelson’s new movie, Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities, will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival — Stanley’s ninth premiere at Sundance. Congratulations sir!

We have arrived at that wonderful, busy time of the year that Oak Bluffs postmaster Paul Leonard calls, “August without the attitude.”

My editor has allowed me a couple of weeks off from column writing. I’m always open to story ideas if you have them. The column returns Jan. 6. Until then, peace on earth, good will to women and men, and be judicious in what you inhale, imbibe or ingest over the holidays. Tra La La La Laa.

Keep your foot on a rock.

Send Oak Bluffs news to sfinley@mvgazette.com.