My flock of turkeys is doing well. Many of you have kindly asked. Broken Wing’s right wing is still a bit droopy but he can fly, as much as turkeys do, and is insistent on getting three square meals a day. I have noticed the females come first for breakfast at about 8 a.m. Then it is a male attendance, all bluster and puffed up. Almost time to visit SBS and get my monthly 25-pound bag of cracked corn.

Another monthly event on-Island is the wonderful Neighborhood Convention. Our next meeting is on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury. The talk by Stodard Lane-Reticker will be Focus on Youth and Faith. Bring a sack lunch.

I have been unable to attend the Robbie Burns birthday dinner put on by our Scottish Society of Martha’s Vineyard for seven years. What a treat to get there last Saturday in the company of Marilyn VanTine, Karen Gerlach and Bobbie Jo Sears. So lovely to run into old friends Deborah Medders, Bob and Patsy Wheeler —who came all the way from Seattle to attend — Jay Whiting, the incomparable Jib Ellis, and many other wearers of the tartan. Tom Engley presented his haggis with a flourish and then some. As is tradition, Robbie Burns’ Ode to Haggis was dramatically recited and the haggis chopped for each dinner table. The frosting on the shortbread for me was finally meeting in person the handsome, elegant, and renowned singer, Dorian Stuart Lopes. And, be still my heart, the multi-talented Edgartown police chief who bagpiped the haggis through the room and sent us on our way with Amazing Grace. Phil Dietterich directed our world famous Scottish Singers. Same time, next year. I’ll see you there.

It was a very active weekend for me. On Sunday afternoon I walked to our library for a free cooking demonstration by our MV Vegan Society under the expert management of Samuel Armstrong and talented chef, Sharon. We chatted, we shared vegan treats, Sharon gave a demo of vegan soup, we all tried it. Free vegetables and fruit as well as soup was available to take home. You will be hearing much more from this lively group.

Mark your calendars now for an event at Barn, Bowl, and Bistro on Saturday, Feb. 15. This party, a sober bowling night, will be hosted by Mike “Madman” Sisco. Frankly, my bowling is so bad I cannot imagine doing it under the influence. I’ll see you there.

Frances and Debbie Pitts returned from another whirlwind trip off-Island where the architect had several meetings and appointments. During that time Francis celebrated another birthday and they observed their anniversary this week. Congratulations and welcome back.

Get well wishes go out to Carolyn Rogers.

Sense of purpose, sense of loyalty and sense of humor were the defining qualities of Jim Novack. Jim passed last week and shall be missed.

More very sad news for our community. Dr. Barbara Krause died on-Island last Sunday. I was not her patient but had met her. What a lovely, caring person. We are all bereft.

As I write on Jan. 29, this is my birthday notice. Today would have been the 70th birthday of the loveliest woman I ever knew, Katie Nevin. What a delight to all who met her. Her son, J. Mateo JV, posted a moving tribute to Katie this morning. Resting in peace, so well-deserved. Happy birthday to all celebrating this month. May your new year be bright.