So many people to thank already as I try to climb out of holiday gloom! The unstoppable Kristie Noyes Mayhew took time out of her busy life to deliver me her homemade fudge. And I finally met lovely Katie Dawson when she responded to my lament about my mood. She brought beautiful flowers and a card. Not to mention Piper (aka Angela Murphy) who keeps running errands for a housebound hip in recovery. I am truly blessed. Thank you all for your kind words.

Noepe center for the Literary Arts has found its home at Featherstone. Noepe is excited to present some winter and spring 2021 writing workshops in two sessions. The noted authors leading these workshops will be Shirla Erlichman and K-Ming Chang. Look up how to register on the Featherstone Noepe website. You will enjoy this.

Welcome to the world, Rocco James DeForest. Rocco was born Dec. 17 to parents Ben and Erica DeForest who are just thrilled. Everyone is healthy and safe. You know Ben and Erica from their fine work at the Cardboard Box.

Gretchen Baer continues with her love, Studio Mariposa. Brought up right here in Tisbury, Gretchen has taken her art on the road to Bisbee, Ariz. She runs the studio for young artists in Naco, Senora. With the pandemic now she is sending bags of art supplies to her students across the border. You would not believe the talent. Even some of the mothers are participating now. The art is available for sale. Gretchen will ship it. We remember the studio’s great friend and teacher, Scott Thomas, who passed a year ago at this time. He was such an inspiration to Gretchen’s students. Paint on, kids!

Naromar DePaula, Jr., 2020 graduate of our high school, just completed another graduation. He is home from boot camp on Parris Island and is now a Marine PFC. How I remember those days. His Dad, Naromar, Sr, and Mom, Leide Prata, are thrilled beyond words. I saw his photo in dress blues. Very impressive.

With great sadness I report that Carlos will be closing Mosher Photo on Main street at the end of this month. Carlos has been at the helm there for 20 years. He is grateful to all of you who frequented his shop. We shall miss his presence.

Last minute shoppers may visit Trader Fred’s for pretty much anything. Check out his new shipment of ladies clothes. Linda Alley’s jellies and jams are still available at Heather Gardens along with other Island craft work. Morrice Florist, Mahoney’s and Donaromas also still have sparkly gifts. Same at Featherstone. My shopping usually goes into the new year.

Get well wishes to Karen Gerlach who just needed her shoulder surgery redone. Karen has a great attitude as she faces each event. She inspires me.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Michael Manfredi on Dec. 20. Rene Moncada celebrates on Dec. 27. And on Dec. 28 Fred Norton Shapiro takes the cake. Many happy returns.