Two special birds were found on and around the Vineyard on Nov. 29. Anne Lemenager was walking around Farm Pond and what should appear but a sandhill crane! She watched it for a bit and then it flew off. We should keep our eyes peeled and check all open fields as the crane may stay around with this beautiful and weird warm weather. The second bird was a first winter Iceland gull that I found in with a flock of northern gannets, razorbills, red-breasted mergansers and gulls (Bonaparte’s, herring, black-backed and ring-billed) off Cape Pogue the same day.

We finally polished off the rest of the Thanksgiving leftovers. By Saturday, I said “Uncle” and popped the rest into the freezer. I cooked for way more than I actually ate. I was pleased with this year’s cranberry sauce

By LYNNE IRONS

Kale Festival

On Sunday, Dec. 4, celebrate all things kale at a festival in its honor taking place at Mermaid Farm on Middle Road in Chilmark.

The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature kale cooking demonstrations, kale tastings, a potluck brunch, a kale cook-off and farm tours. No word yet on whether it’s time to break out the kale hats and mittens.

Al-Anon Moves

The Martha’s Vineyard weekly Al-Anon meeting is moving its location to the medical staff library, above the kitchen, at the hospital. The group holds meetings every Sunday, from 9 to 10 a.m.

The change in location is effective immediately.

For anyone who has been to the Elves Faire, brought to the Island every year as a benefit for the Plum Hill Preschool, you know it is an event not to be missed. It can also get a bit crowded. You weren’t the only one to get the word.

Well, this year the Elves are headed to a new location to accommodate all the craft-loving kids and their attendant parents, not above making a holiday snowglobe or two themselves. Previously held at the Federated Church of Edgartown, the faire has moved to St. Andrew’s Church located on North Summer street in Edgartown.

On Saturday, Dec. 3, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival begins its winter series. Approximately once a month the film-savvy gang up in Chilmark bring a warm blast of air to the Chilmark Community Center by providing a night for everyone. At 5 p.m. there is a kids’ collection of short films, plus food and activities for the little ones. At 6:30 p.m. there is a full-on community dinner with local farm food and then at 7:30 the adults take center stage with a film guaranteed to jumpstart the brain rather than deaden it with simplistic escapist fare.

The folks at Cinema Circus are gearing up for their first winter screening to be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Chilmark Community Center. The event includes food, activities and, of course, a series of short films. And just as during the summer an early screening of the films is arranged with a young Island cineaste to give the real deal, kid’s-point-of-view on what’s good, great and not so much.

The review for this weekend’s kids’ movie comes from the desk of Cary J. R. Moré-Straton

The Rap on Kid Critic Cary J. R. Moré-Straton

Name: Cary J. R. Moré-Straton

Age: 9

School: Fourth grader at the Chilmark School

Sibling: Suzanne, age 10, my best friend!

Something new you are learning: Right now we are studying about the Vikings and I love this project.

What do you want to do/be when you grow up: A deep sea explorer or a professional soccer player.

Chorus Is Community Event

Back in 1996, yes that is now a long time ago, the Island Community Chorus sounded its first note. Since that time the choral group, led by director Peter Boak, has performed year-round on the Island. The group has gained a loyal following and by staying true to its roots as a group open to anyone with no auditions required, it has remained an Island institution.

Library Hootenanny

See ya Tom Turkey, it was nice knowing you, but we’re heading on to bigger and better things. Holiday parties to be exact and first up is the Vineyard Haven Public Library throwing it’s holiday hootenanny on Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The party will include music by the Tashmoo Trio, children’s activities and treats, punch and cookies for all and a huge dose of community cheer.

Everyone is invited. For more details, call 508-696-4211.