Happy Hanukkah. So many are gearing up for the holidays. Catch the community sing on Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center. Free admission for all. Songs if peace, hope, and light will be directed by Roberta Kirn. I’ll see you there.

On Saturday, Dec. 16 you’ll find me at the Oak Bluffs Senior Center on Wamsutta for the annual NAACP of MV Holiday Bazaar. Silent auctions, raffles, vendors, and a bake table. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., this is always a good place to meet up with your friends.

That same day at 8 p.m. at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown, you may hear Handel’s Messiah, Part One.

The P.A. Club will also have a music night. See our own Willy Mason there at 8 p.m. The Space Invaders follow at 9 p.m. Auntie Em and the Bedspinners shout out at 10:30 p.m. Fun all around.

Robert Culbert, of the Vineyard Gazette’s Bird News, had a great column on the return of the snowy owl to our Rock. He has some excellent advice on how to view these shy creatures without scaring them away. Robert mentions the names and dates of some of our community who have had recent snow owl sightings. Let the record show, Robert, that Bobbie Jo Sears sighted a snowy in flight over Franklin Street, Our Town, on December 12th, mid-afternoon.

Tony Lombardi did not want a wake or funeral service. He wanted a party with music and food. Our first celebration of his life will be on Sunday, Jan. 14 at Alex’s Place from noon till 2 p.m. No balloons! No glitter! Bring a poem, a song, a photo, a story to share. Gonna take a whole lot of partying to honor this man. The Family to Family holiday food distribution will take place at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Parish Hall, corner of William and Spring streets. I am telling you early so you can mark your calendars.

Here is an update on Jakob Burton-Sundman. Jake will be having surgery today. Get Well cards may be sent to him at P.O. Box 2641, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. Betty and John thank you for your support and wish you the best for the season.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.