Well it did turn colder right after Christmas. It rained hard last Friday and the wind blew. Many people are busy working at their New Year’s resolutions. The SSA is now operating on their winter schedule. Anita Botti and Paul Magid held their annual New Year’s Eve gathering for friends and neighbors. It was well attended and a good way to ring in the New Year.

Sig Van Raan and his wife Susan Dickler of Music Street and New York city were here last week and had their usual New Year’s Eve bash with friends and neighbors.

Jennifer Rand reports that as a thank you for your support, the highway department will be running the town chipper for anyone who wants to get rid of their Christmas tree from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday morning. No charge.

Susan Block, project coordinator of the MV Partnership for Health, reports that a special session of My Life My Health will be held at the library on Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon.

Marian Irving reports that community suppers began last Wednesday at the church parish house from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The suppers will be held each Wednesday night until the end of April. If you know of someone in need, please invite them to come and enjoy a warm meal.

Rev. Cathlin Baker reports that an Epiphany party for the Congregational Church School families will be held tonight from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Parish Hall. You will be able to watch a video of this year’s Christmas pageant. Ham will be served as a main course, please bring side dishes to share.

Ruth Richards and her sister Sally are planning a celebration of their mom Heidi Shultz’s 90th birthday next Saturday with an open house at the Howes House from 1 to 4 p.m. They would like to invite all who know Heidi to stop by for refreshments and to wish her Happy Birthday.

Tina Miller, her husband Steve Gallagher and their family, of Panhandle Road, have returned home after a memorable skiing adventure in the Swiss Alps.

Natalie Fallon treated her mother Charlotte, sister Amanda, and step dad Bob Luskin to a holiday trip to Paris, France and other hot locations.

Dr. Jay Segel and his wife Celine also went to France for Christmas. They had a swell time. Jay reports it was a carefully worked out and successful plan to surprise to her mother.

Former South Dakota rodeo champion Lisa Lillibridge and her friends Jen Wool and Kitty Bartlett from Burlington, Vt. send their best for the New Year to their many Vineyard friends.

Ann Quigley, over at the library, reports that Saturday at 4 p.m. they will host a reception in honor of Anna Finnerty, whose paintings are on display in the library’s community room all this month.

Pat Waring reports that at an interfaith service of readings, reflections, prayers, and meditations of peace will be held Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital Chapel. The gathering will include music, guided meditation, and times of contemplative silence. All are welcome to attend. For more information please call 973-879-9813.

Diane Nolan, over at the post office, wants to thank all the postal patrons that were incredibly generous to them this holiday season, and wishes everyone a happy new year.

Happy birthday to: Robert Hambardzumian, Jake Estabrook, and Mary O’Connell Friday; Ike Russell, Lila Griswold, Sam Hisler, and Alexis Garcia-Holden Saturday; Joanie Ames, Davis Solon, Ann Burt, Will Whiting, Sydney Blackmar, and Oliver Becker on Sunday; Johnny Hoy, Joyce Capobianco, Ann Burt, Davis Solon, Jennifer McCann, and Shuva Sellers on Monday; Sam Arruda, Sara Whyte, Christina Reinhardsen, Jennifer Garcia, Annabelle Brothers, Steve Anshutz, Rose Campbell, and David Gaskill on Tuesday; Annabelle Brothers, Kern Grimes, Adam Petkus, Gay Nelson, and Christa Fischer on Wednesday; and Joe Eldridge, Pierce Kirby 3rd, Celeste Polagruto, Brian Athearn, and Edith Baker on Thursday.

Belated anniversary wishes to Manny and Jessica Estrella.

That is all of the social news for this week’s edition, the first in the New Year. Trivia you can use at the next party: 106 years ago Sunday the first picture was taken from an airplane in this country. Please call or e-mail me with your news.

Send West Tisbury news to alleys@vineyard.net.