The Four Seasons Hotel in Boston was the venue Sunday, Dec. 3 for the Living Legends Awards given by the Museum of African American History led by Marita Rivera and located on Beacon Hill. In addition, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum leadership was also on hand to partake in the festivities.

Executive Director Phil Wallis was accompanied by Katy Fuller. Both were escorted by museum board vice chair and Oak Bluffs resident Barbara Alleyne. Barbara is very well known in Boston social and cultural circles and made sure that the mission and values of the Vineyard Museum were shared broadly that evening.

The awardees included summer resident and celebrated inventor, Dr. Tony Coles, as well as educator and author Prof. Sara Lawrence Lightfoot. The event also saw many Vineyard regulars checking in with Barbara and enjoying the program. Spotted in the crowd was Polar Bear historian Caroline Hunter, Jackie and Wayne Budd, Bennie and Flash Wiley, Carol and Bernie Fulp, Joyce and Ed Fredkin among others. All are anticipating some exciting partnerships between these two historic museum institutions over the next few years.

December is the month that announces the holiday season but also in some parts of the country we brace for election results. Such is the case in Atlanta, Ga. On Dec. 11 the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections certified Oak Bluffs summer resident Keisha Lance Bottoms as the next mayor of Atlanta. Dubbed many years ago as “the city too busy to hate” the election was very contentious. She won the race by a mere 759 votes, but in politics a win is a win. Her candidacy was supported by high profile candidates like Vineyard regular Sen. Kamarla Harris of California and Sen. Corey Booker of New Jersey. Mayor elect Bottoms was introduced to many this summer by her campaign aide Sara Redd, a Oak Bluffs summer resident. Sara coordinated several “meet and greet” events for the hard charging Bottoms. We wish her the very best in her new role and look forward to spending more time with her next summer on the Island.

The Oak Bluffs Library will host many events for young people during the holiday break. On Dec. 16 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. kids can decorate a jar of hot cocoa mix to give to a friend or loved one. On Dec. 22 through 30 there will be a scavenger hunt for winter pictures going on all day, each day for this period. Stop in anytime.

I have not quite gotten comfortable with Christmas in warm climates. No Florida, California or even the Caribbean this time of the year for me. Perhaps poet Enestine Northover says it best for me.

A holly wreath hung on the door
Or presents strewn across the floor,
Tall Christmas tree with baubles bright,
which fills our hearts with such delight

Carols sung out in the snow,
A snowman built with eyes aglow,
Crackers pulled, a song to sing,
Candles lit, and bells to ring.

Roasted turkey, which tastes divine,
Rich, fruit, with an iced design ,
No, the most important reminder of all,
Is the birth of a babe in an Ox’s stall.

Happy holidays to all. Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy Bodhi Day.

Paradise on earth is the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it, as life is fleeting.

Send Oak Bluffs news to rtaylor@mvgazette.com