Ocean Park, my ninth wonder of the world, is adorned with blue, green, gold, red, turquoise and pearl white colored Christmas trees creating a mosaic of visual holiday cheer to temporarily take our minds off the virus that will limit our family gatherings this Christmas and Hanukkah season.

I especially like the arch reefs that provide a royal entrance to the sidewalk paths that guide the sight line to the well lit gazebo. Not to be outdone, the multicolored lights on the tree in the triangle across from the Oak Bluffs information booth all remind us that all is not lost.

I hope you too are reading more as we social distance and spend more time in the house. President Obama has certainly made a big splash with his new book A Promised Land, a memoir covering his years from 2009- 2017. This is the first of a planned two-part series. But do not overlook another local author Jennifer Smith Turner. Her book Child Bride has won an award in the women’s fiction category for the 2020 New York City Big Book Award. This is the second national literary award that Jennifer has received. This past spring the debut novel was named the best E-book in fiction for 2020 by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. Congrats to Jennifer!

I am also reading The Man Who Ran Washington: The Life and Times of James A. Baker 3rd, President H.W. Bush’s confidant and political ally. And who can pass up John Meacham’s tomb, His Truth is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope. Just when you think we have read all there is to know about Malcolm X the late Les Payne’s daughter releases The Dead are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X.

As we all anticipate the arrival of the recently approved vaccine for the virus I want to once again thank our front line workers here at the hospital and applaud those administering the Covid-19 tests at the high school. Their dedication to the health care of Island residents, while risking harm to themselves, has made Martha’s Vineyard one of the safest places in the region to live.

Paradise on earth is living the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it as life is fleeting!