That was exciting. The first serious snowfall of the winter and the first delayed school opening. I know school openings two hours after the usual start allows us to claim another day of education to the state, but in truth we might as well just take the whole day off. Nothing gets done on a delayed opening day. Party atmosphere pervades the halls. Next time, let’s just sleep in.

I am overwhelmed with the passing of three of our finest ladies. Cheryl Stark was an early friend to me, a wonderful artist, a bright light in our town for so many years. The first few pieces of jewelry I got from the Island were always made by her. Her involvement in the community, devotion to her family and friends, her many and wonderful years with Margery made her a beacon on the Island. I shall miss her more than I can say. I know you join me in offering condolences to Margery and the family.

Francine Kelly, well who wasn’t pleased to meet her? So efficient, so warm, so caring about the arts and people. Francine took over at Featherstone Gallery in 2003 and stayed at her post, directing and growing this now famous Island institution until 2010. I had the pleasure of meeting her there several times when I went for exhibits or questions or news. Always fun, always full of knowledge. To her daughter, family and friends go our sorrow at your loss. Our loss, actually.

Virginia Durr, a frequent summer visitor to Vineyard Haven, was the fairest of the fair. And I mean that in her approach to life, in her dealings with her family and friends, and most certainly in her work in the civil rights movement and her tireless quest for equality. She was humble and caring, she had a great sense of humor, and she never gave up. I think of all these three women as possessing the best attributes, humble, compassionate and full of integrity. May they all rest in peace.

Continuing with the arts, as Francine Kelly would have it, have you met my friend Jeff Canha or seen his fabulous fish prints? Jeff’s work will be displayed at the Vineyard Playhouse from Jan. 13 to Feb. 17. There is a reception on Saturday, Jan. 14 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The title of his show is Fresh Fish, which is perfect for Jeff and us. The art space is open 2 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays, or by appointment. It is also open for the nightly and weekend shows. In the off season the playhouse also hosts Monday movie night. This month is dedicated, fittingly enough, to Patricia Neal. Next Monday night’s movie is The Face in the Crowd. The playhouse wants to remind you that movie time on Mondays has been moved up to 7 p.m.

Our library couldn’t have chosen a more timely and beloved movie for the free viewing on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. The movie will be Postcards from the Edge, written by Carrie Fisher, starring Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine, and directed by Mike Nichols. While you are at our library check out this month’s Art in the Stacks, which features the photography of Peter Dreyer.

Another artist among us who needs a shout out from you is Tony Lombardi, who is director at our teen club, Alex’s Place, at the YMCA. He has had a stroke and is in recovery at Spaulding. If you have notes or cards or anything to send Tony, or want to make a donation to his rehab fund, just stop up at the Y and leave it with the front desk. Someone will be going to Spaulding to see him every week. Tony has opened the Island to great music, art, theatre and fine ideas for growing minds. Time to assure him we shall help.

I cannot thank my bank enough, Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank, for donating two sets of tickets in Tony’s honor. I hope you are reading this online Thursday or in the wee hours of Friday morning because the drawing is Friday, Jan. 13 at noon. Yup, two sets of tickets. One comes with parking included, for the AFC Divisional Playoffs Saturday night, Jan. 14, at our beloved Gillette stadium. Patriots playing the Cowboys. Get your snacks and tailgate ready. The entry for the raffle is $25 per ticket, and checks may be made out to Tony Lombardi. May the best fans win.

I was remiss in not mentioning two people for a now slightly belated birthday wish. My grandson, Dominic Leigh Clark, shared his Jan. 10 birthday with my good friend, Brenda Leonard. I wish them both the best, always. Dominic found it particularly noteworthy that he was 10 years old on the 10th.

On Friday, the lucky 13 birthday bandwagon pulls along Virginia Grant and Marilyn Manning. Saturday is shared by Anne Williamson and Nora Cowett; Jan. 15 is for Martin Luther King Jr., who shared with Barbara McCahill; Jan. 16 is for Marybeth Roden, Thaw Malin and Myra Romain; and on Jan. 17, Rosemary Gambino takes the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.