I have lived on this island most of my life. In all those years--no, I will not tell you how many--we never had tornado warnings. Just this year alone, we have had three. It is very scary. Fortunately, the warning passed without any damage but it took a while to settle the nerves. Now we will be getting the seasonal cold. Personally, I am ready for it.

Happy Birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to John Chandler and Mylena Silva, who celebrated on Nov. 14; Yasmin Sena and Richard Worley on Nov. 15; Christopher Barbosa on Nov. 16; Emanuel Lage on November 17; Alazandra Navarrete and Jaslyn Oliveira on Nov. 18; and to Harvey Proctor, who celebrates on Nov. 19.

This month is flying by. Next week is Thanksgiving and the hustle is on. Signs for fresh turkeys are being taken down at the stores, since they have reached their limit. I noticed the Stop & Shop had their cases full. The end caps at the store are filled with pumpkin pie fillings, chocolate chips and brown sugar for all the goodies that follow the meal.

This year will be a little different than last as families and friends are a little more comfortable gathering together and will be able to celebrate with their traditions.

On Friday, Nov. 26, Felix Neck will hold its 40th annual Fall Festival. Thanks to sponsorships from Martha’s Vineyard Shipyard, Feiner Real Estate, and Working Earth Organic Gardening and Landscaping, admission is free. The day starts at 9 a.m. with a Guided Bird Walk. The festival activities begin at 10 a.m. and includes a wild edible walk along the trails of Felix Neck with Wampanoag Nation elder Kristina Hook, and live animal presentations from Amazing Animal Ambassadors. The rain date will be Nov. 27.

Join the Martha’s Vineyard Boys and Girls Club in kicking off the giving season with a Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 12 p.m. They will be meeting at Bend in the Road Beach. The first 50 people registered will receive custom towels. If you cannot be there in person, please join us virtually with the opportunity to receive $150 in Cronig’s gift cards to assist with holiday food shopping! All proceeds support the Martha’s Vineyard Boys and Girls Club. To register go to the club’s website.

I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. If you are traveling, please be safe. Please call me with any news if you have company or your kids are home. Some of your news may make others smile.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.