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Bring your friends, family, camera and shopping lists. You might want to bring your appetite, too, to take advantage of the free food, cider and eggnog being offered up at participating stores.
This afternoon and evening Main Street, Vineyard Haven will transform into a winter wonderland for the Tisbury Business Association’s third annual Friends & Family event. Festivities begin at 3 p.m. and include sleigh rides, story times, gingerbread decorating, a performance by the Minnesingers, several appearances by Santa and, of course, shopping sales.
The paper lanterns at Menemsha Cafe will go dark Friday night, marking the abrupt end of the Basin Road restaurant’s short but successful run. Chef and owner Josh Aronie said he was forced to close shop after being presented with an unacceptable lease. “We’re closing because we have to, not because we’re going out of business,” he said. “This is not because of economic reasons.”
Martha’s Vineyard Hospital will celebrate its annual Trees of Lights ceremony at 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoon in the hospital lobby.
An Island tradition since 1995, this year’s ceremony will differ slightly from the past. Multiple trees, each donated by an individual in honor or in memory of a loved one, will be lit around the hospital campus. World War II veteran Fred B. (Ted) Morgan Jr. will light the trees. Mr. Morgan is a World War II veteran, former Edgartown selectman and former Martha’s Vineyard Hospital administrator.
Bring your gifts that need to be wrapped and enjoy some cider and snacks.
Martha’s Vineyard Community Services is hosting a parent gathering on Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on the community services campus. Parents are invited to take a minute out of their busy schedule, while still accomplishing work that must be done. The get-together will be held in MVCS Board Room Building B (the middle building). Large tables, wrapping paper and table will be provided.
Edgartown has named its first poet laureate. The title was bestowed upon Steve Ewing at the board of selectmen’s meeting Monday.
According to the selectmen, Mr. Ewing’s primarily responsibility as poet laureate is to read a poem at the annual town meeting. Mr. Ewing accepted the job, but took exception to the title. “I don’t know what to say,” said Mr. Ewing. “I’m really honored. Poet laureate is kind of a fancy term ... I’m just a local kid who likes to write.”
Each year the nonprofit Red Stocking Fund collects gifts of food, clothing and toys for underprivileged Island children. This year, they are expected to serve more than 400 children. But time is running out, and the volunteers say more items are needed.
Organizers say they are looking for donations of hats, gloves and mittens for older kids ages 12-15 and toys for kids under 10, including action figures, Legos, balls, arts and crafts supplies.