Kids Activites

For families sticking around on the Island during the school break and wondering what to do with the kids next week there is hope. The Edgartown Library is holding craftime every day starting at 2 p.m. There will be activities and crafts, movies, popcorn and hot cocoa. For more details, call 508-627-4221.

Chowder Contest Winners

With a name like Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company, you better have the goods to back it up. The new Oak Bluffs restaurant proved they did once again, walking away with the top seafood chowder prize at the 27th annual Great Chowder Contest, held Dec 10.

Edgartown’s Wharf Restaurant and Pub won all the clams for its clam chowder recipe. The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School culinary arts department took second place for its clam-only recipe; the Harbor View Hotel and Restaurant took third.

Committee on Hunger

This is the time of year for giving and remembering those in need. The Vineyard Committee on Hunger works hard to give families enough to eat all year long through their Serving Hands Food Distribution. They also help provide holiday meals through their Family-to-Family program. During Thanksgiving they gave out 186 dinners. They want to do the same for Christmas.

Cub Scouts’ Party

The Martha’s Vineyard Cub Scouts will celebrate a 600 Club Achievers’ Party on Saturday, Dec. 17, in honor of each scout having raised more than $600 in popcorn sales to benefit Cape Cod and Islands scouting programs. The party will take place from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club in Edgartown. Both organizations are more than 100 years old and espouse the importance of character, patriotism, personal fitness and citizenship.

Christmas Tree Benefit

This year you can get your Christmas tree and spread some much needed holiday help at the same time. Jim’s Package Store in Oak Bluffs is holding what amounts to be a Christmas tree benefit for Linda and Eddie Ben David to help with Linda’s health related expenses.

Trees cost $36, a bargain even before you factor in the good will being given. Additional donations are gladly accepted too.

Winter Rates Hit Gym

The mercury on the thermometer is dropping, and so are prices at the Mansion House Health Club.

The Vineyard Haven athletic facility is offering reduced winter rates for both walk-in and longterm memberships. One-month memberships are $89; three months, $199, and day passes just $12. Twelve-visit punch cards are available for $99. For more information or to sign up, see mvmansionhouse.com or call 508-693-2200.