We can’t seem to elect a woman president, but in the sports world there are changes that seemed just as unlikely a few years ago.

Nova Smith, a junior at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, is an active member of the school’s junior varsity football team. Nova is almost 17, plays outside linebacker on defense. She is slender and light, and though she is not the first girl to play on the team, she is a true novice, one who had zero football experience before this season. She did, however, grow up near Tiah’s Cove with a rough and tumble kid brother, Christopher, who kept her on her toes.

Nova says she has been lucky in that she hasn’t been injured beyond having her foot forcefully stomped on. She plans to try out for the varsity squad next year. And of course she is geared up and excited to play Nantucket for the Island Cup, to be held this year at Fenway Park on Nov. 26, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

There will be a celebation of life service and community potluck dance at the Agricultural Hall on Sunday, Nov. 17 from 2 to 6 p.m. to remember Stefan Knight, who died on Oct. 21 after a hard-fought battle post-liver transplant.

“It is a serious thing to be alive on this fresh morning in the broken world,” wrote Mary Oliver. And to dull the pain of the broken world, there is some good news afoot.

An uplifting musical production will tickle our fancies this weekend at the Vineyard Playhouse. The show is the Wicked Good Musical Revue, sparkling with Broadway and standard show tunes. The musical director is West Tisbury’s David Behnke, who will sing along with a cast of talented music-makers.

Harvest your own cranberries at the bog at 572 Lambert’s Cove Road, the Island’s only commercial producer. Tours of the facility begin at 10 a.m. Sundays, when you will learn about the cranberry business. Then you get to start picking. Bring your own bag to carry your cache. Pre-register via the Agricultural Society website.

Scientists at MIT have developed a way to treat mice so that, some day, they cannot transmit Lyme disease to us hapless humans.

The town hall has announced its annual holiday party will be held Monday, Dec. 9, at 5 p.m. at the Grange Hall. Lots of time to plan what dish you will bring to share, and what to wear. Joy and other good tidings will be extended to all.

There are birthdays to celebrate. Our dear sweet daughter Chloe will be feted at her favorite restaurant on her birthday, Nov. 17; Sam Hart and Hunter Athearn celebrate their birthdays on Nov.19; and little JJ Sauer is a year older on Nov. 20. Happy birthday also to MJ Munafo Nov. 21.

“What day is this?” asked Pooh. “It’s today,” squeaked Piglet. “My favorite day,” said Pooh.