Here it is the day before Christmas, as I am writing my last column for 2012. A few flakes of snow made a valiant attempt at giving us a “white Christmas” on Sunday, but they were not successful. The new year stretches ahead of us, like a shiny new penny. Hopefully the events of the upcoming year will keep it shining for a long time.

Our family Christmas dinner is always a potluck buffet dinner at my daughter Mary’s house, which took place Sunday night. Their family, and old friends and some new ones, enjoyed good food, good conversation and caught up on news from all.

The question, “What do you people do in the winter?” can be answered somewhat by the events listed in today’s column.

The last winter Farmers Market will be Saturday, Dec. 29, at the Ag Hall in West Tisbury from 10 am to 1 pm. There are quite a few vendors from Oak Bluffs — Frosty Hollow Orchids, Island Alpaca, Enchanted Chocolates, Andrea Rogers. And Little Rock Farm will be serving hot lunch next to the roaring fire. Last chance to get fresh winter veggies and salad greens, Island Honey, jams and jellies, baked goods, wool, specialty items and lots more. Entertainment will be provided by Kevin Keady and the Cattle Drivers.

Celebrating 28 years of ownership, along with thanks to the Island community, the Mansion House again hosts a Slumber Party for residents throughout the month of January. All Inn Guest Rooms are just $28 per person in honor of 28 years on Main Street. Room rate is based on double occupancy (some restrictions apply, does not include taxes and fees). Besides a night “away” without the concerns of a ferry reservation, Islanders who take advantage of this special enjoy all free Inn amenities.

Nutrition Coach Griffin Hughes is leading a workout and workshop to teach how shorter, intense workouts and nutrition yields fat loss at Mansion House Health Club January 7 at 6:15 pm. Classes are free to Health Club members and $12 for walk-ins. For more information visit www.mvmansionhouse.com.

The Oak Bluffs Library will host a program on Saturday, January 12, at 2 pm. The topic is: Decluttering Your Digital Library: How to stop being a digital packrat in the new year! Join reference librarian Miki Wolfe as she discusses ways to dispose of your digital clutter. Oak Bluffs resident Al Woollacott will be giving a presentation at the Oak Bluffs Library on January 17th at 6 pm, on the subject of genealogy. If people are curious about their family’s history, or want to know more about their roots, the library is the place to learn the basics. Al Woollacott will discuss getting started on a family history, utilizing Ancestry.com and other tools currently available at the library.

When students return to the Oak Bluffs School, after the vacation, VTA Student passes will be available at the School Office. Please be advised that the Oak Bluffs School only accepts checks made payable to VTA for VTA bus passes.

We send birthday smiles to Rick Tarter on the 28th, and Ava BenDavid, Anita Combra, and Claudia Metell on the 31st. Jen Jenkinson Araujo and Michelle Bettencourt start 2012 with new year smiles on January 2 and Nola Mavro, Christopher Alley, and Nicole deBettencourt celebrate on January 3.

Happy Birthday to those I might have missed, and get well wishes to those who need a healing smile.

Enjoy your week and the next time we chat will be in 2013.
Peace.