Thank you to all who made a valiant effort to keep the Island Cup on the Vineyard—the team, the coaches, the cheerleaders the dancers and the many friends and family who traveled to Boston to watch and cheer on our Vineyards take on the Nantucket Whalers. It was a most exciting game. Alas. The Whalers took home the Island Cup. But what an experience for us to play at Fenway. Wait till next year.

Alan and Eileen Bemus had their grown and hardworking children here for a lovely Thanksgiving. I am sorry I did not have a chance to see the kids this time.

The holiday season is off to a grand start. The thrift shop has started a new section of available trinkets and decorations for sale. Who knows, perhaps you’ll find that ugly Christmas sweater there. Ocean Park is lovely. Best ever. The Gatchell’s home is in its glory. The few homes occupied during the winter of the Gingerbread Cottages are lit and decorated in full force. Don’t miss any of these events. And certainly be on hand for our Minnesingers performance at the Old Whaling Church next weekend.

The Carnegie in Edgartown has a few special showings of Dave and Debbie Brown’s beautiful collection of a Dickens Christmas Village, and Christmas in Edgartown is ready to go. Holiday guests this time of year will not be disappointed.

Hanukkah and Christmas fall on the same day this year, and Kwanzaa begins Dec. 26.

I was very sorry to hear that Alan and Joyce Brigish’s son, Cyrus Brigish, passed. He was a delightful person, a hard worker and a joy to know. Cyrus is at the Jewish cemetery in Vineyard Haven. Our sympathy to the family and friends.

Jerome Alden Tilton, well known and well loved by so many, also passed. Such a good man.

My friends Erich and Goldie Chee Valderes celebrated 13 years of marriage. Bless them and their children.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Talia Luening on Nov. 24. On Nov. 25, Sheetal Grande took the cake. Many happy returns.