KATHIE CASE

508-627-5349

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There is nothing to say about this weather. It has been rainy, windy and chilly; the leaves are blowing (I hope to the neighbor’s yard) and the flower beds need to be turned over. I just know when the sun comes out, we are all going to be smiling again.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Gabriel Brito, who celebrated his day Nov. 6; Julian Pyden, Nov. 8; Evan Donnelly, Nov. 9; Julia Murray, Nov. 10; and to Michael Duplessie, who celebrated Nov. 12.

Vineyard youth are pursuing their dreams for their Island and for the world. Shawna Brown from Edgartown and Amoy Anderson, Kelsey Dandeneau and Ashleen Cafarelli from Oak Bluffs joined 2,000 others from schools, organizations and companies at the Bioneers by the Bay Conference in New Bedford. The sixth conference, titled Connecting for Change, was three days of inspirational speakers, educational workshops, farmers and local artisan markets and musical performances. It was telecast with the original Bioneers in California and linked to 20 other communities around the world.

As delegates of the Vineyard Youth Summit for Sustainable Development, the students are exploring ideas for their sustainability-in-action projects. They were touched to learn from Greg Mortensen, author of Three Cups of Tea, how Afghanistan girls were now going to school. Inspired by his 14-year-old daughter’s narration of her father’s work and Pennies for Peace, they invited her to attend the 2011 Vineyard youth summit.

Veterans Day has come and gone but we don’t need just one day to thank all who have served our country or the ones serving now. We should also thank their families who wait every day for their loved ones to come home or to hear their voices on the phone.

There is not much news this week, but I am hoping over the holidays you will share with us your visits to family or friends.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.