Thursday, Dec. 7 is the first night of Hanukkah. Joy to all who celebrate. The Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center is having a celebration that includes a latke dinner on Friday night, Dec. 8 and on Sunday, Dec. 10, Jeremy Berlin and Eric Johnson will play jazz for you at 4 p.m. See their lineup of Hanukkah events and be sure to pre-register for the dinner. Bring your own menorahs to light.

Thank you to the staff in Oak Bluffs who got the annual Christmas tree onto a float and lit up in Sunset Lake.

The Gatchell family’s Winter Wonderland is all lit up for your pleasure. It is a free show but bring some non-perishable and unopened food for their donation box for Islanders who need it.

I always watch the Macy’s Day Parade in New York City on Thanksgiving morning. Much to my delight, People of the First Light was a float from our Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. Just wonderful! And Berta Welch of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) had her exquisite jewelry on sale last weekend in New York City.

The Old Sculpin Gallery in Edgartown has a holiday sale on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. Some of your favorite artists are showing, including my personal favorite, Kathy Poelher.

Martha’s Vineyard Museum was pleased to host First Friday last week with food, vendors and music. Gift shopping gives you a head start on the season. The museum offers a Winter Melodies concert on Dec. 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Linneman Pavilion. It is a special night with music performed by Rose Guerin and Jeremy Berlin, dancing and coffee, tea or wine as refreshments. Pre-registration is encouraged. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. I’ll see you there.

As you know, memoir writing is all the rage. Three of our great Island writers — Nancy Sloan Aronie, Bill Eville and Sherry Sidoti — will give a talk about memoir writing on Dec. 13 at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum from 5:30 to 7 p.m. They invite you into the world of personal memoirs. Bunch of Grapes will provide the authors’ books there if you wish to purchase. Pre-registration is encouraged. Members admission is $15, non-members is $20.

The peripatetic museum is offering a family crafts experience on Dec. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. All of the materials being used are recycled. Members admission is $25 per person and $45 per family; and non-members get in for $60. I need to make a wreath and some cards.

On Dec. 13 and Dec. 14 GillyB partners with the P.A. Club in Oak Bluffs and Mo’s Lunch to offer an annual Holiday Bazaar from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Families, fun, camaraderie.

Too many of our dearest have passed away. Jacqueline Baer, I cannot say enough about this wonderful mother, wife and artist. Robert Francis, what a great man. Randy Gibson, Route 10 will never be the same. Walter R. (Terry) Eglinas, what a dear man. Our condolences to all their families.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Mark Zajackowski and Maggie Joy Anderson on Dec. 5. And on Dec. 7, Larry Bird and Bonnie Shapiro take the cake. Many happy returns.