There were chilling temperatures in the 40s all week in Aquinnah and with so much rain that Forrest Alley’s lawn is bright green once more as we head into December.

Deer season is upon us. According to Aquinnah Tribal Ranger Michael Sellitti, as of Wednesday morning there had been five deer weighed in during archery season at the tribal weigh-in station, and during the first two days of shotgun season they have weighed in 43 deer thus far. Significantly more than the 2017 season. The tribal weigh in station is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The Martha’s Vineyard NAACP will hold the annual holiday bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging building at 21 Wamsutta avenue. Enjoy the silent auction, baked goods, raffles, and vendors.

Chilmark Church presents offerings of Music and Light on Sundays, Dec. 2, 9, and 16 at 5 p.m. There will be a variety of performances of song, dance, story and pieces for the piano and strings, along with candle lighting and refreshments. The church is located at 9 Menemsha Crossroads. For further information call 508-645-3100.

The Martha’s Vineyard Neighborhood Convention will be held at the United Methodist Church in the Campgrounds in Oak Bluffs on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 11 a.m. The Minnesingers will perform, under the direction of Abigail Chandler. Please bring your lunch, beverages and dessert provided. All are welcome.

The Aquinnah Artisans Holiday Sale will be on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the town hall. For information, contact Aquinnahartisans@gmail.com.

While up-Island, enjoy the magical holiday shopping along Basin Road at the Chilmark Chandlery, Copperworks the Foc’s’le Locker, Menemsha Fish Market and Menemsha Texaco. The Food Truck is back in Menemsha too.

At USCG Station Menemsha, Thanksgiving dinner was shared by Joel Behr, Joseph Belladue, Jason Breau, Joshua Brooks, Alex Dekoschak, David Galan, Daniel Gonzalez-Respeto and his wife Margarita and their children Abdiel and Alaynna, Leanna McKenna, Christian Ortega-Santiago, Ryan Ouellette, and yours truly. Congratulations to BM2 Joel Behr for completing his heavy weather coxswain checkride and achieving his certification.

On Friday afternoon, Nov. 23 the crew responded to a 92-foot clam dredger Wondo River that had grounded at Sow and Pigs Reef off of Cuttyhunk. The crew boarded the dredger and found no damage nor any violations. No injuries were reported. The dredger was towed to New Bedford by the fishing vessel Starlight, and was escorted by the 47-foot lifeboat from Menemsha. The crew included BM2 Joshua Boytek, SN Samuel Hoppe, MK3 Joshua Hughes, and BM3 Ryan Martyn.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Esther Andrada Chandler who passed away on Nov. 17. Esther was the daughter of the late John Andrada and Julia (Manning). She was an Aquinnah Wampanoag Elder and would attend elder luncheons and as many meetings as possible when her health would allow. Services for her were held on Nov. 23 at Chapman Cole and Gleason with burial in Tisbury.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Evamae Magee who passed away on Nov. 20. Tnisha Chandler and her family lost Esther and Eva within three days of each other. Evamae’s services will be at a later date.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Peter Simon. Peter has left a wonderful legacy for the Vineyard with his work that will be remembered by all. I am glad that we shared a few moments the week before while at Grooverfest where he again captured the essence of Island life.

Happy Birthday wishes to Joseph Canha as he celebrates today. Patricia Pease will observe her special day on Dec. 2. John Alley will party on Dec. 3.