Chilmark survived a bit of unfortunate excitement on Tuesday last with minimum impact on its citizens. You will read all the details elsewhere in this paper, but I just want to reassure those of you who are not here that all is well and we are well taken care of by our police force and others in authority.

Dozens of varied hanukkiahs crowded a glass-topped table. All burned bright with eight candles each, flames dancing along with the congregation as they sang and clapped to the songs of Hanukkah.

Tatiana Silva and Fabio Wagner Soares of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Maria Edwarda Santos Soares, born on Dec. 3 at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital.

Lisa Brown and Brent Brown of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Eleanor Jane, born on Dec. 3 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.

The population of Chappaquiddick island seemed to double during the Thanksgiving holiday. Though the long weekend began with a storm that disrupted ferry service to the Vineyard, the remaining days were mostly sunny even if they were a bit chilly.

Warm and cold, we’ve had an array of temperatures. We are supposed to have 60 degree weather and then get back to freezing. It is no wonder that people have colds and sore throats, but I will take the sunshine.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Samantha Cassidy, Brendan Morris and Hannah Tate-Arena, who all celebrated their day Dec. 2. Jasmyn Hershey and Nia Hughes celebrated Dec. 3. Michaela Benefit and Karla Robadel had cake on Dec. 5, and happy birthday to Jerry DaSilva, who celebrates his day today, Dec. 6.

The oldest fishing shack in Menemsha is now under the stewardship of the town of Aquinnah, at least for the short term. The Aquinnah selectmen voted 2-1 Tuesday night to take possession of what is known as the Alfred Vanderhoop shack.

I remember my parents chastising me about knowing the price of everything but the value of nothing — something we’re all guilty of at times. I still like to know how much stuff costs and it can be interesting if one keeps it in perspective.

They are teachers, plumbers, bankers, artists, fishermen, scallopers, shopkeepers, retirees and twenty-somethings. And while all of these roles are important, this weekend the key characteristic that binds this seemingly disparate group is that they sing.

Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard is calling on landscape enthusiasts to help with final site cleanup and landscaping at the organization’s 10th completed project at 45 Bailey Park.