The pace is picking up. Bringing memories of the old days, hayrides on our Main street last Sunday. Santa parked on our festive firetruck. Still time to get shopping in. Thank you to all the providers of food for our community, Island Food Pantry, free meals at some of our best restaurants and the excellent Vineyard Vegan Society, which is in need of donations should you care to help out. God bless us one and all.

I don’t need a column to write about Anita Cimeno; I need a book. Anita died early last Saturday morning. Here is a brief synopsis of a well-lived life; Anita was born in Pittsfield, sister to my hero Rod Backus. She moved here, graduated from Tisbury High School and went on to attend nursing school. She married Louis Cimeno and they began a wonderful family of six girls and two boys.

Anita was well-known for her hard work, great motherhood, devotion to her faith and fabulous sense of humor. Go ahead. Ask her kids about the Chicken Dance! Anita spent years working at our hospital and mothering many other children. I spent time with her at our legion auxiliary meetings and at legion auxiliary lobster roll nights with my mother Iole and Anita’s daughter Tamma.

She is survived by eight children, 14 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Donations in her memory may be made to our Windemere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center or to the Alzheimer’s Association. Rest in peace.

Who can ever forget the man, the music, of John Alaimo? His smile, his kindness, his skill at the piano? Another great soul has left us.

I have not been able to see my son Chris Clark, his wife Lilly, and their two sons for more than two years. They are coming to town on Wednesday night for a brief stay before driving back to Rockford, Ill. next week. Let’s put boat breakdowns on hold.

Thank you to so many far-flung friends who used to live here and sent warm regards: Paul Howes, Chris Paffendorf, Frances Down, Bill Carter, Linda Tydings Massaro and Tac Guam.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Christian Ciancio and Heather Hijaz on Dec. 19. Laura Kass Edelman, Michael Manfredi and Jane Larsen partied on Dec. 20. Dec. 22 honors Melissa Boyd, David Pothier and Ricardo Oliveira. Dec. 23 is claimed by Diane Sertl, Alicia Marie and Josh Crossland. Dec. 26 shines on Priscilla Thifault. Dec. 27 is for Rene Moncada. And on Dec. 28, Fred Shapiro takes the cake. Many happy returns.

On Saturday morning, in your homes, in your hearts, and under your trees, may you all find peace.