KATHIE CASE

508-627-5349

(kathleencase@comcast.net)

The oil barrel is filled. The thermostat is set on 68. The screens are up and the storm windows down (yes, we still have them), so I think we are ready for the cold.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Gabriel Brito, who celebrated his day on Nov. 6; to Seamus McKeon and Jillian Pyden on Nov. 8; and to Evan Donnelly, who celebrates his day today, Nov. 9.

Special birthday wishes go to Carol Fligor, who celebrated a milestone birthday on Nov. 1.

As I sit here writing this column the wind is blowing pretty hard and I know that tonight it is going to be stronger and the rain is going to come with it. My only thoughts are with those on the New Jersey shore and on up. I know we all have friends or relatives in these areas and are concerned for what this storm may bring their way again. So keep the prayers going. There are drives going on in different areas to collect clothing, shoes, food and even cash donations. Just keep an eye in the papers, or if you are on Facebook it is usually a good source of information.

On Friday and Saturday, Nov. 16 and 17, the Edgartown School presents Honk! a contemporary retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling. The Edgartown production features 20 actors in grades six through eight with stage direction by Donna Swift and musical direction by Kelly Sullivan. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door, and are $8 for adults and $6 for kids. For more information, call 508-939-9368.

On Friday Nov. 23, Felix Neck is having a Off Season, On Island: Migrate, Hibernate, Adapt! fall festival with guided bird walk, hayrides, face painting, live music, food, wreath-making and crafts for kids. Held the day after Thanksgiving, this celebration is a Vineyard tradition and draws hundreds of Islanders and visitors each year. Volunteers are still needed for the festival. If you can help, please call 508-627-4850. Admission is $4 for Audubon members, $7 for nonmembers, and children under three are free. The nursery has been consolidating and getting ready for, yes, Christmas! We get our greens in next week along with trees, wreaths and whatever pertains to decorating. We will also start preparing for the Star of Wonder Night, the start of the Christmas in Edgartown weekend. So, we will soon be starting to decorate and get thing beautiful.