The fuel assistance program of the South Shore Community Action Council began accepting applications Thursday, Nov. 1.

The council encourages those who did not receive an application and believe they may qualify to apply. Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2008.

Senior citizens on the Island may get in touch with their local councils on aging and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) for information on the program.

Samilly Arrives

Kamilla and Gilkleber Guimaraes of Oak Bluffs announce the birth of a daughter, Samilly Guimaraes, born on Oct. 22 at Martha’s Vineyard Community Hospital.

Welcome, Lillian

Peter and Patricia Valenti of Edgartown are pleased to announce the birth of their first grandchild, Lillian Mae Laskowski, on Oct. 4, in Providence, R.I. Lillian, who weighed 7 pounds 7 ounces at birth, is the daughter of Brianna Valenti and Robert Laskowski of Providence. She is also welcomed by her uncles Michael, Andrew and Ethan Valenti.

Her Name Is Greta

Greta Ellison Milne was born Oct. 11 at Mt. Auburn Hospital in Cambridge to Reade Kontje Milne of Vineyard Haven and Gregory Milne. She weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and was 20 inches long. The family plans to live in Belmont for another year and then return to Vineyard Haven.

Pigs. Goats. Compost. What do they all have in common? They all love pumpkins! And they especially love those tasty, candle-roasted, day-after-Halloween jack-o-lanterns — the perfect nosh for the farm (minus the wax, please)!

The Island Grown Initiative presents the first annual Feed a Pig a Pumpkin Day‚ Saturday, Nov. 3.

Post-Halloween pumpkins can be dropped off during regular business hours at:

Allen Farm in Chilmark,

FARM Institute in Edgartown,

Native Earth Teaching Farm in Chilmark,

Red Stocking is a long-standing effort to provide food and clothing to Island children from birth through grade eight. Approximately 280 children were served last year by Red Stocking.