The weather has been relatively warm this week for this time of year. Torrential rain all of Tuesday night. If it had been about 30 degrees cooler we would have had a blizzard with the gusting winds sweeping across the Island.

Aquinnah Public Library will have the usual story time and after school club this week. On Dec. 9, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. it is kids craft time, making Stars of David from popsicle sticks.

The Aquinnah Cultural Center will have a “fun raiser” on Saturday at the town hall. Doors open at 4 p.m.. Suggested donation of $20 for dinner, music, and pre-holiday socializing. Native vendors will have items for sale.

The Aquinnah Christmas party will be on Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. at the town hall. Santa will arrive, by his usual mode of travel in Aquinnah aboard the fire truck. Please bring a dish to share. Enjoy dinner, music, Santa, and the Christmas spirit. Molly Purves has offered to organize the party this year. Please call her at 508-645-3251 if you would like to offer some Elf time with decorating and other related duties.

Stock up now on Chilmark Chocolates as they will close on Dec. 18 and not re-open until the first week in February. On Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at the Howes House in West Tisbury, State Rep. Dylan Fernandes will give an update on where things stand in the state legislature at the monthly MV Democratic Council meeting.

Lisa Vanderhoop will be at Christmas in Edgartown, selling her Vineyard Seadog calendars, cards, prints, and paintings. Lisa will be at the arts and crafts show at the Edgartown School from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9.

Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard is still looking for donations for their annual Handmade from the Heart, to be held on Dec. 9 at the Dr. Daniel Fisher House during Christmas in Edgartown. Please drop off items at the Hospice office at 79 Beach Road, Suite 28, by Friday, Dec. 8, at noon.

Aquinnah students were winners in the annual Turkey Trot at the Chilmark School held recently. First place co-winners were Hayden Higgins and Rodeo Purves Langer. Claus Smith came in second place.

Sorry if you missed the West Tisbury School production of Fiddler on the Roof over the weekend. The performances were amazing, under the direction of Ali Saiff, Barbara Dworkin Binder and Amy Crawford. Aquinnah students participating included Aileen Mahoney, Noah Manning and Clyde Smith. Yossi Monahan was a rehearsal assistant.

On Dec. 2, the Flying Santa arrived at USCG Station Menemsha, a tradition dating back to 1929 for Coast Guard Stations and Lighthouse Keepers and enjoyed by many families along the coast in New England. The 22 children whose parents are presently stationed at Menemsha were thrilled with Santa’s arrival.

Get well wishes to Wendy Andrews who has been a patient at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital as well as at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Congratulations and all the best to Leah Bassett and Didier Deleau who were married in Antiqua on Friday. Leah is the daughter of Captain Todd Bassett of Aquinnah and Barbara Spitz Bassett of Aquinnah as well. Wedding guests from Aquinnah included her aunt Marjorie Spitz, her step-mother Lee Taylor, Liz Witham, Jim Wallen, Adrian and Meg Higgins. A grand time was had by all.

Condolences to the family and friends of James Higgins who passed away on Nov. 30. He was the widower of Mildred Higgins. For many years, they and their 10 children were summer residents of Lobsterville. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Condolences to the family and friends of Richard Mavro who passed away this week. His services were held on Tuesday. Dick was always a pleasure in his work to assist everyone at the Oak Bluffs post office. We enjoyed many Oak Bluffs fireman’s events as well. He will be greatly missed.

Sandra Melkonian is back on the Vineyard after being transferred from the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital to Mass General Hospital where she was hospitalized on two occasions. She will be busy working in Tisbury over the winter.

Nonie Smith met a nine point buck with her husband Jed’s truck. She really wanted to preserve the head and antlers but could not find anyone who would do that for her.

Isaac Taylor has been performing on the West Coast this past week. On Dec. 1 he performed at the Swedish American Hall in San Francisco. Dan Kistner, brother of Theresa Kistner Manning, was delighted to make a connection with our neighbor Isaac. They enjoyed meeting each other and of course photographs were taken of the event.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Jane Bankoff-Popkin on Dec. 4. Melissa Nichols Mahoney and Molly Glasgow shared the day on Dec. 5. Marjorie Spitz celebrated on Dec. 7.

Send Aquinnah news to junemanning152@gmail.com.