Welcome to the Obama family. May they find peace and comfort in their new Vineyard abode. Perhaps one day we will meet.

According to Aquinnah Tribal Ranger Christopher Manning, at least 15 deer were weighed in each day. However, final statistics are still pending.

Mitzi Pratt will have an open studio at the Bindery at 5 Moshup Trail on Sunday, Dec. 15 from noon to 6 p.m.

The Chilmark Community Church Christmas bazaar will be held at the Chilmark Community Center on Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Offerings of Music and Light will be held at the Chilmark Church at 5 p.m. on Dec. 15. The performers this week include Bellamire with early English dance music, Warren Doty on banjo, Adele Dreyer on piano, Lia Kahler mezzo soprano, Carol Loud dancer and organist, Ellen Biskis singing and guitar, Holly Wayman on flute, and the Princess PooPooly Ukelele Band.

Across the channel at USCG Station Menemsha, the Coast Guard families and their young children waited anxiously, while ringing the large brass bell on the front lawn that once was part of the Cuttyhunk Lighthouse property, for the arrival of Santa who flew in by helicopter with a gift for each of the dozen children. Cookies and beverages were served as each child waited their turn to sit on Santa’s lap and assure him that they had been good all year. We all returned to the front lawn to wave as Santa flew off to the next station.

Friends of Flying Santa has been a New England tradition since 1929 when it was started by Captain William Wincapaw of Friendship, Me. and assisted by his son William Jr. They carried out their duties for nearly two decades and were then assisted by Edward Rowe Snow, his wife Anna-Myrle and their daughter Dolly for another four decades. Friends of Flying Santa continue the annual helicopter flights and carry on the gesture of gratitude to the families of the USCG which includes 61 Coast Guard units from Maine to New York.

On a more somber note, the USCG crew consisting of BM2 Montgomery Buffington, MK2 Jason Breau, FN Christian Ortega-Santiago, and SN Patrick Shanahan attended to transporting the state police from New Bedford to Menemsha and then to Woods Hole for an investigation on Menemsha Beach.

The crew returned in time to join the Coast Guard families for an evening of fun while celebrating the Christmas season at Barn, Bowl and Bistro. The crew changed from their usual attire to don the ugliest holiday sweaters they could find. MK2 Jason Breau won for the ugliest sweater. Dinner was delicious and the service superb. The children were surprised when Santa arrived with more gifts. Thank you to Chilmark Selectman Warren Doty for his appearance dressed in red with the most awesome winter boots and accompanied by his lovely wife Nan.

Thank you to the USCG Station Menemsha Spouse’s Association for planning such a wonderful evening for all, and a special thanks to the association president Fatine Othmane and to treasurer Carissa Smith for their dedication in organizing and making it all happen. Thank you to senior chief Justin Longval for his words of wisdom and thanks.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Harold Wolozin, professor emeritus of University of Massachusetts. Harold was our summer neighbor for the past half a century, residing in the former family home of our great grandparents Francis and Grace Smalley Manning. We looked forward to the arrival of the Wolozin family each summer especially when their children were younger. In later years, Harold and Loretta resided down-Island during the winter. Services will be held at a later date.

Happy birthday wishes to Charlie Thomas on Dec. 13; Ariana Feldberg will party on Dec. 16 as will Douglas Plummer; Rosalie Vanderhoop Bellis will be 10 years old on Dec. 17, sharing the day with Lee Taylor. Noah Hall will be six years old on Dec. 18; Ingy Farat Lew will celebrate on Dec. 19 with her two-month-old granddaughter Vera Larsen Scheffer-Lew. Nancy Huntington Nitchie will observe a milestone on Dec. 20. Claus Maple Smith will be 12 years old on Dec. 20.