The cold weather has arrived, and we have had frost. It is cold in the morning, nice through noon and then the cold comes creeping back in. I think it is Mother Nature’s way of breaking us in to winter.

Happy Birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go to Gavin Robinson, who celebrated on Nov. 11; Juliet Merrill on Nov. 12; John Chandler, Iris Nascimento and Mylena Silva on Nov. 14; Kiar Hanson, Yasmin Sena and Richard Worley on Nov. 15; Christopher Barbosa, Madeline Delaive Tweedly and Cashaun Radway on Nov. 16 and to Maple Kaeka and Emanuel Lage, who celebrate their day on Nov. 17.

There is a lot of buzzing about the new section of the Stop & Shop. Social media has been hot with all the comments about how people feel. Personally I like it a lot. We can move freely and if you are reaching for an avocado, you don’t have to worry about the people behind you reaching for the eggplant on that shelf and bumping into you. I like the great selection of cheeses and many other different products.

Now we just have to wait for the old part to be finished.

Vineyard Conservation Society will hold its monthly Beach Befrienders clean up event on Nov. 18 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Cedar Tree Neck with Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, and then on Dec. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Long Point with the Trustees.

There are two ways you can help. One Saturday each month, a volunteer will be at a pre-selected location with bags and gloves. They will also handle disposal of the trash collected. Or, you can “Befriend a Beach” any time and anywhere you like! Stop by any Island library and pick up one of the special VCS trash stickers, put that on your collected junk and the transfer stations will take it free of charge. The stickers are available through mid-May.

For more information, please sign up today to let them know you’re interested in joining the crew: vineyardconservation.org or 508-693-9588. Thank you for helping protect our Island beaches.

Christmas in Edgartown is coming soon. Hospice and Palliative Care of Marthas Vineyard will have its luncheon on Dec. 9. They are looking for crafters, cooks and knitters to make donations to their event. One hundred per cent of the proceeds go to support their programs. If you would like to donate you can call their office at 508-693-0189 and ask for Laurie Perry, or call Deb Rogers at 508-627-4171 or Barbara Phillips at 508-726-5129.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.