Like an early Christmas present, the Patriots did us proud on Monday night. What a game! So long, Ravens. Number 12 on the 12th. Thank you.

As we settle down to wood stoves and cheery fireplaces let us not forget those huddling in the cold in North Dakota. Carole Vandal was pleased to report that the money raised for Standing Rock at our Island concert Nov. 12 has been safely delivered to our water protectors and will be judiciously used. We thank everyone who has participated in any way. It is serious business, saving the planet.

I was hoping before this year is out I could get an answer to a question that has been bothering me for years. If cars and trucks must have a muffler, why not leaf blowers and motorcycles? If I never hear another leaf blower for the rest of my life it will be just fine with me. I much prefer that four-letter word: rake.

My young friend Ashley Byrd is just past the halfway mark in her treatments for cancer. Her brother reminded me that at the first of the new year, her deductibles for insurance will be reset. So her GoFundMe page is still up and accepting donations. Don’t even get me started on available health care or, more to the point, the lack of it in this great country of ours.

As we extend sympathy to the family of Denise Dorsey I want to remind you that there is also a GoFundMe page to help with her untimely death. The Dorsey family has meant so much to the Island. Please consider a donation.

Our monthly mini book sale at the Vineyard Haven Public Library has a great treat in store for you on Saturday, Dec. 17. All books, for all age groups, will be free! Excellent pre-holiday shopping. Art in the Stacks at the library is featuring the photographs of Phyllis Dunn. Enjoy her work when you are there for free books. Check out the free movie at 7 p.m. in the program room of the library next Tuesday night. Popcorn and lemonade by Betty.

There is an opening of Paul Karasik’s cartoons and Marsha Winsyrg’s paintings at the MVTV Gallery from 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16. Paul has recently returned from giving cartoon workshops in Italy. Do not miss this event.

The Vineyard Playhouse is giving you some great shows this season. On Saturday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. the talent is Jennifer Kimball, Roze Polezani, Valerie Thompson, Jenna Moynihan, Hannah Read and some surprise guests for Wintry Songs, Eleven Part Harmony. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and students. You may book in advance at 508-696-6300 or at mvplayhouse.org. This will be an eclectic mix of sacred and secular seasonal music. All proceeds will benefit the playhouse. The playhouse has instituted a new time for their $5 Monday night movies; 7 p.m. The classic on Monday, Dec. 19 is Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn. One of my faves.

If you are still behind on the shopping (I haven’t even started yet) check out the Island Images Gallery at 57 Circuit avenue from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 17 and Dec. 18. Handmade gifts, crafts and holiday items will be presented by 15 Island artists. We do not lack creativity on storybook Island.

Take your guests to the performing arts center at the high school on Sunday, Dec. 18 for either the 1 p.m. or the 6 p.m. performance from our dance studio, Rise. For information call 508-693-2262. All proceeds are for dance scholarships.

Condolences and love to my good friend, Cheryl Funk, who said goodbye to her faithful friend, Mosa, last week. Cheryl wrote a beautiful tribute to Mosa. Sounds like the two of them taught each other so much for so many years.

Get well wishes go out to Petey Berendt at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, and to my friend Jeff Petre who is enduring oral surgery.

Anniversary bouquets go out to Dick and Lorraine Clark.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Grainne Whelan on Dec. 16; Dec. 17 is a party for Courtney Collins, Lyrae Littlefield, Mary Kelley and Charlie Ashmun; Dec. 18 shines on Jamie Warrington; Dec. 19 is claimed by Ron Jackson; Dec. 20 belongs to Christian Ciancio, Susan Woods and Carissa Noel Doup; Dec. 21 honors Cathy Weiss; and on Dec. 22, Sally Benson, Monica Radoszwewski, John Giles and Stephen Dunham the Elder take the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.