Happy New Year. The weather has been rather overcast and gray over the past week. The sun is just beginning to show.

It appears that everything is beginning to unravel in Washington already. Stay tuned for this roller coaster ride.

Are you interested in learning how to play Mah Jong in the new year? On Wednesday afternoons at the Howes House in West Tisbury, Chinese Mah Jong is played at 1 p.m. On Thursday afternoons American Mah Jong is played at 1 p.m. Karen and Sue suggest learning how to play Chinese style before learning how to play American. Join in the fun at the Up-Island Council on Aging for beginners or those who just love to play.

Kristina Leslie returned home this week from a visit with her stepchildren and grandchildren in Philadelphia. In her absence, Michael Sellitti was the critter sitter.

Continued get well wishes to Tony Lombardi who was transferred from Mass General Hospital to Spaulding Rehab Hospital at 311 Service Road in Sandwich, MA 02537. And get well wishes to Kaye Manning who was transferred from Mass General Hospital to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital this past week.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Cheryl B. Stark who passed away this week at her West Tisbury home. Fond memories of Cheryl arriving in 1966 and her tiny jewelry store tucked in the corner of the Black Dog building on Water street. Her jewelry was definitely a favorite of many over the past half a century. She will be greatly missed.

All the best to Tribal Council Chairman Tobias J. Vanderhoop as his term ends and he passes the gavel over to Cheryl Andrews-Maltais on Jan. 7. Tobias has served as chairman for the past three years with dignity and diplomacy.

Once again, the Federated Church, 45 South Summer street in Edgartown, will provide a free lasagna luncheon, every Sunday from Jan. 8 to March 26. The luncheon is served from 12:30 to 2 p.m., in the Federated Church parish house. No donations will be accepted at this event. For more information call 508-627-4421 or email admin@federatedchurchmv.org.

Happy anniversary wishes to Joel and Tamara Buchwald who will celebrate their 16th anniversary on Jan. 13.

Aquinnah ranger Michael Sellitti Jr. will party on Jan. 11, sharing the day with his grandmother Gloria Fisk. Moryn Holmes Widdiss will be four years old on Jan. 11. Pam Glavin will celebrate on Jan. 12 and shares the day with Gordon Perry, Priscilla Belain, Alex Mayhew and Caleb Hallett. Ava Mayhew will celebrate her first birthday on Jan. 12. Jan. 13 will be a day of celebration for Brian Athearn, Marilyn Manning and Edie Baker.

Jocelyn Woods and her twin brother Dillon will be 11 years old on the 13th, while their mom Megan Woods celebrates on the 14th.

Send Aquinnah news to junemanning152@gmail.com.