The Vineyard has had the first snowfalls of the season this past week. Nothing significant but a dusting and reminder of what to expect later in the season. May we hope for a mild winter.

Aquinnah Public Library is winding down the season with special programs during the holidays.

The Aquinnah Housing Committee and Island Housing Trust had a groundbreaking ceremony on at the new Housing site: 801 State Road near the corner of Harpoon Hollow.

Community Baptist Church of Gay Head will observe Christmas Eve services on Sunday, Dec. 24 with the annual candlelight service being held at 5 p.m. Traditional lessons, Christmas carols, and lighting of the candles. First Baptist Church in Tisbury will observe candlelight service at 7 p.m. at the corner of Spring and William streets. For more information, call 508-693-1539.

Charles Hoye has a new outdoor cabinet for his pottery which he sells by the wayside at the end of State Road just before you turn on to Lighthouse Road. Charlie is a master potter and has been busy creating many items ready for sale at his honor stand site. Stop by for last minute gifts and remember to place your money in the jar.

Welcome home to Christopher P. Manning, son of Paul and Theresa, who arrived home on Tuesday for a 10-day visit with family and friends, accompanied by his friend Janessa Hartley of Stockton, Calif. who is experiencing her first Vineyard visit.

Tom and Christine Murphy will enjoy every second with their whole family who will be together in Aquinnah during Christmas week. Kate, Timmy, Noah and Sammy Kausch will be joining Uncle Tim, Tom and Chris for Chris’s famous “Christmas Dinner”.

And believe me, it’s worth the wait. Young Noah and Sammy will have a grand time at their grandparents home for the week.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Ingy Farat Lew on Dec. 19; Nancy Huntington Nitchie observed her special day on Dec. 20; Claus Maple Smith will be 10 years old on Dec. 20; Max Batzer will undoubtedly party on Dec. 21, as will Molly Fischer. My most favorite daughter in law Theresa Kistner Manning will celebrate on Dec. 22. My former classmate John Bunker will observe his special day on the 22nd as well. Gabi Vanderhoop celebrates on Dec. 23.

Send Aquinnah news to junemanning152@gmail.com.