Perhaps the person I think about most this time of year is Isabella White, that fabulous woman who graced our shores from Scotland. She and her staff prepared and served free turkey dinners for Thanksgiving to those who were homebound. Operating out of her gem store, the Scottish Bakehouse, Isabella attended to the needs of so many Islanders. I loved that woman.

I wish you all the best Thanksgiving. The VFW will be serving a complete meal to all who need a place to go. Many of you will be opening your hearts and homes to thankful guests. And safe travels to those going off-Island for the day or weekend.

I would call it the party of the century except that I know there will be more. Ever-active entrepreneur and philanthropist, JB Blau, hosted the first Islanders Talk social gathering at the Loft last Sunday night. Free pizza! We had to wear nametags. Certainly worth the ticket. Islanders Talk has kept me alive these past three years. I finally had a chance to meet and greet the folks I have been chatting with.

JB turned it in as a fundraiser for Islanders Talk. Donations were made, there was a silent auction, and $1,100.00 was raised for our IT benevolent fund. There, in a sea of our social media members, I met the famous Mikey Waters. Doug and Uta of Island Gallery were there, I know them but it is always nice to see them. Well-known Island artist, she of the beautiful hand made cards and stationery, Susan Shea was in attendance. Susan kindly sent her art work to Nonna, Teri and me when we were sick in New York. Karen Coffey, Ewell Hopkins and Margaret Steele were on hand for the installation of the Queen of Islanders Talk, Lori Robinson Fisher. Yes, Laurie was awarded a crown and sceptre. Brian Packish, Oak Bluffs activist, visited and schmooze with everyone. The only disappointment of the evening was that JB Blau hurt his back and could not attend. I have yet to meet this mystery man. JB, the pizza and camaraderie were great.

Our Vineyard Haven Public Library holds its monthly mini book sale on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 11 a.m. till 3 p.m. I’ll see you there.

Professor of English Emeritus, Phil Weinstein of Swarthmore, leads our Islanders Read the Classics book talk held at the Katharine Cornell Theatre. The next discussion will be on Dubliners by James Joyce. Our movie offering for Tuesday, Nov. 21 is Lady Macbeth starring Florence Pugh. And this Sunday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m., photographer Mark Chester will speak about his exhibit currently at Art in the Stacks. Mark has done portraits of more than 400 naturalized citizens in our Commonwealth. Do not miss this.

Friday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. eligible families will pick up their Thanksgiving dinner meals at our First Baptist Church. This is our Family to Family program taking care of business.

Get well wishes go out to JB Blau. We definitely need you at the next Islanders Talk party you host. Same time, next month?

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Ria Cimeno on Nov. 15. Alexander Douglas Grant takes the cake on Nov. 21. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.