The First Congregational Church of West Tisbury continues its Wednesday evening Advent contemplative services with Healing and Transformation on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Ferry service to the Vineyard resumed mid-morning Wednesday after early morning cancellations in a gale-force storm that is lashing the East Coast on one of the busiest travel days of the year.

It’s that time of year when it seems everything revolves around food. Thanksgiving dinners, savory crispy latkes sizzling for Hanukkah, Christmas parties, baking, Kwanzaa feasts: this season is full of culinary temptation.

In children’s books, the pumpkins all look much the same: round, orange and a bit bigger than a bowling ball. But check out the 71 pumpkin varieties offered by Johnny’s Seeds, or the Seed Saver’s Exchange, or any number of other seed purveyors, and prepare to be amazed.

There was eating yesterday, of course, but what to do after the big meal? How about walk and talk with the animals, shop for handmade gifts, sing or laugh and party it up with Mozart and Brahms. Perhaps some clarification is in order. Today the Artisans Festival begins at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury. It runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday. Also today the Felix Neck Fall Festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy demonstrations with live birds of prey, hayrides, face painting, food and music.

The lobby of Point B Realty doesn’t look like a place of serious business these days. Behind the reception desk sits Edgar, a six-foot-tall teddy bear. On the other side of the lobby, owner and principal broker of the firm, Wendy Harman, fluffs the fur of two-year-old Chappy, a teddy bear named by “fans” last year through Facebook and blog votes and posts.

Monica Maxim and Florin Gafencu of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a son, Alexander Gabriel Gafencu, born on Nov. 21 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Alexander weighed 8 pounds, 14.2 ounces at birth.

Kathryn Seaton and Robert Seaton III of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a son, Ryder William Leigh Seaton, born on Nov. 22 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Ryder weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces at birth. He is welcomed home by big brother Robbie Seaton.

With the help of two ferries and some human rescuers, a cold-stunned sea turtle made its way from a Chappaquiddick beach to the New England Aquarium Monday.

Lea Rosbeck and Ted Rosbeck of Edgartown announce the birth of a daughter, Willow Caneel Rosbeck, born on Nov. 23 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Willow weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce at birth.