I fondly remember riding down Main street in Vineyard Haven at this time of year with farmer Fred Fisher at the reins of his hay wagon, guiding his horses May and December. His mission was to take any kids and parents for a free jaunt through our town. He let me ride up front. My son and I were tasked with shaking the sleigh bells. How I miss that man and those days!

But another tradition continues. The Island Community Chorus goes on. This year’s concerts will be held at the Old Whaling Church on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. the Old Whaling church will host this year’s chorus. All are invited. A free will donation of $15 is suggested. Wear your masks. I’ll see you there.

Happy Hanukkah to all. We all need warmth, light and a miracle.

Our Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse will be 40 years old in 2022. We are sadly missing the participation of Arnie Reisman, who did so much for us. But we are still very much in business. We all lament the passing of Stephen Sondheim. If you would help support theater, poetry and music, please mail a check to MV Playhouse, P.O. Box 2452, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. Thank you for supporting the arts.

Our library is moving along with new books, a program on travel writing, information on popular diets and library storytime. Catch up with their programs.

Several passengers on our steamship were treated to a view of whales jumping out of the water as they traveled last week. Wish I had been on a boat!

It has been two years since Shirley Robinson left us. Say a prayer for Auntie Shirl.

Sad news from Uta Kloss and Doug Johnson in Florida. Their loyal and loving companion, Fletcher, died earlier this week at the age of 18. You remember Fletcher at their beautiful art and framing gallery. He worked with them every day at Kennedy Studios. He was a good boy.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Morningstar Healy, Helen Sonser, Meleney West and Tricia Valastek on Dec. 1. Lucy DiTerlizzi claims Dec. 2. Jill Gault celebrates on Dec. 3 and Patty Codding takes the cake on Dec. 8. Many happy returns.