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Features

PAGE 13

2025 Holiday Gift Guide

• Bunches of Books

• Merry, Merry!

• Around the Table

• Comfort and Joy

• Happy Holidays from Amity Island!

By Molly Coogan, Laura Holmes

Haddad

and Susie Middleton

Nursery.

From the Editor

AN ISLAND HOLIDAY

You’re going to need a bigger shopping bag. Just sayin’. I went down to Vineyard Haven to do a little gift reconnaissance for our holiday gift guide — which begins on page 13 — and came back with three books, a felt chairpad (page 19), a wooden bowl and a hat. And that was just one trip. With a dozen holiday craft festivals (page 21) and Christmas in Edgartown coming up, I fear for my credit card.

But seriously, I really do love shopping locally, and much prefer it over the sterility of an online shopping experience. I say this every year, but it just makes so much sense to me to keep the dollars in our Island community and to support our neighbors and friends during a crucial income time for them.

And we benefit too. When we’re doing our holiday shopping here, we enjoy the small town experiences of bumping into friends while we shop, watching carriage horses trot by while impromptu carollers sing, and taking in the nostalgic aromas of pine, woodsmoke and peppermint. I especially love the warm, festive atmosphere of our Island nurseries and florists this time of year. (Read our interview with Morrice Florist owner Emily Coulter on page 8.)

So grab your shopping bags, make a list — and be sure to put yourself on it, too. You deserve it, I say!

Happy holidays!

— Susie Middleton

Departments

4 EDITOR’S NOTE

8 Q&A

The Flower Whisperer: An Interview with Emily Coulter

21 HOLIDAY POP-UPS AND FAIRS

25 BY THE NUMBERS ’Tis the Season

EDITOR

Susie Middleton

ART DIRECTOR

Jared Maciel

CONTRIBUTORS

Sissy Biggers, Chris Burrell, Molly Coogan, Laura Holmes Haddad, Jeanna Shepard

PUBLISHER

Monica Brady-Myerov

GENERAL MANAGER

Sarah Gifford

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Frederica Carpenter ads@vineyardgazette.com

AD SALES TEAM

Carrie Blair, Isabela Fernandez, Serena Ward

MARKETING & SPONSORSHIPS

Tresa Lovio-Slattery

EVENTS MANAGER

Kharma Finley-Wallace

AD PRODUCTION

Jane McTeigue, Jared Maciel, McKinley Sanders

To subscribe to the Vineyard Gazette, visit vineyardgazettestore.com Vineyard Gazette Media Group P.O. Box 66, 34 So. Summer Street, Edgartown, MA 02539 thevine@vineyardgazette.com | 508-627-4311

Cover Photo: Holiday decorations at Donaroma’s

Photo by Jeanna Shepard

The Flower Whisperer

An Interview with Emily Coulter

BY SISSY BIGGERS • PHOTOS BY JEANNA SHEPARD

No matter the season, a pass by Morrice Florist on State Road in Vineyard Haven demands a slowdown to appreciate the planters and windows alive with greenery, blooms and artful displays that reflect the moment. Step inside, where the air is fragrant with blooms and inspiration, and owner Emily Coulter is in her element. A busy mom of two teenage daughters — one lending a hand in the shop, the other in the barn — and with her husband as a true partner in the business, Emily has built an Island enterprise rooted in beauty and sustainability. In the quiet depths of winter, when her beloved Tulip Tuesday tradition brings a burst of color from Holland, Morrice Florist is a destination where calm and connection are always in season. But

for right now, the shop is decked out festively for the busy holiday season.

Q. There’s such a verdant, welcoming feeling when you step inside Morrice Florist. What do you hope people experience when they first enter your world?

A. I think people can feel the love when they walk in the door here. It smells amazing and we’re lucky to have so much space; it makes walking around very peaceful. We’re really excited for the holiday season. This place dresses up so nicely and our new windows are soon to get very sparkly!

Q. Before those sparkly holiday windows take center stage, sitting in your lush greenhouse on a

Emily Coulter, owner of Morrice Florist, is known for her graceful floral work, a thriving wedding business and a year-round store that's both a florist and a home and garden shop.

late fall morning, I get the sense you’re finally able to exhale after a busy wedding season. And this past summer seemed busier than ever.

A. It was! June was weirdly quiet, but July and August were packed — and September was insane. People are now booking high-season weddings; they’ll rent out the entire beautiful Harbor View Hotel in August. It’s a new trend.

Q. Do you have a favorite wedding venue as a designer?

A. The Old Whaling Church and the Dr. Daniel Fisher House. They’re such beautiful, versatile spaces; anything you do there looks elevated.

Q. I had a chance to see some of your wedding work this summer and I was knocked out not just by the beauty but the abundance of arrangements in the venues! What happens with all that stillfresh beauty?

A. We partner with Rae [Carter] at Second Bloom MV and the flowers get a second life. We bring them back here and sort out what’s still fresh and send them back out. Arrangements go to the hospital, hospice, senior centers, the library, Island Autism and even the food pantry. It’s good for the community. And the rest makes good compost!

Q. Who are your local purveyors?

A. We work with as many Island farms as possible — Fire Cat Farm, Tea Lane Farm in Chilmark and Morning Glory Farm in the spring. In peak summer, 75 to 85 percent of our flowers are local. Those connections are everything. Sometimes we literally swap flowers between farms when we’re short. We also work with a network of small-scale flower growers across Massachusetts and Rhode Island who share our passion for quality and sustainability — farms like Weatherlow in Westport, Mass., and Little State Flower Co. in Tiverton, Rhode Island. These connections are everything. And flowers are a true family affair. My brother, Billy Brown, started growing flowers at his Further North Farm in Vermont. It’s so rewarding to see his blooms make their way from his fields up north to our arrangements here on the Vineyard.

Q. Floral photographer Libby Ellis described your arrangements to me as “dancers,” each with its own movement and grace.

A. Well, that is adorable! I think our floral arrangements certainly have a dainty and whimsical quality to them, and I do often think of the delicate stems as little dancers. The ones that float above the rest and flutter about — they’re the ones that make an arrangement extra special. We lean into the curve and flounce of each flower to create a kind of choreographed dance within each vase.

Q. What sets you apart from the many fine floral designers on the Island?

A. It’s an aesthetic that allows each stem, each flower, to have its moment — we don’t manipulate them to do something they don’t want to do, and I believe that’s the grace you see. It might sound over the top, but it’s truly how I feel when we’re creating everything from tiny bud vases to large-scale wedding installations: it all starts with one perfect stem.

Q. What materials do you love for holiday decor?

A. I love fresh greenery everywhere. It’s the simplest way to decorate and instantly feels festive. You don’t need

much else and I’m very excited for the Vermont-made Christmas wreaths that will be new to us this year! They’re more expensive but last forever and don’t drop needles. We’ll have ribbons, berries and all the pretty touches for customizing.

Q. Not to put you out of business, but I always have a pair of clippers in the car for seasonal greens.

A. I encourage it! If you’ve got cedar or pine trees, go for it. We’re meant to forage — it’s human nature. Just don’t forget to stop in here for the extras, like a few bold blossoms — candy-cane-striped amaryllis or deep burgundy stems. A handful of those atop a bed of greens, and you’re done. The shop will be filled with trees and twinkle lights, inside and out. It’s warm and cozy — full of plants and gift items. And winter is houseplant season, so the place feels lush.

Q. There’s a lot of competition in the tabletop and gift space. What makes Morrice Florist unique?

A. I think we’ve developed a really strong brand. Everything we bring in is made of natural materials — you

won’t find plastic here. People feel that quality the second they walk in. We source thoughtfully across all price points so year-round customers can always find something special. We love talking with customers, we love designing for them, we love taking the time to find the perfect accent for their dinner tables — all of it. It’s special year-round.

Q. Is there a design philosophy behind your buying?

A. Definitely. We love color, but it’s really about natural materials and small makers. Our wool blankets are 100 percent wool, our linens are real linen — no synthetics. We carry pottery, terracotta, candles, textiles — all timeless, well-made pieces.

Q. What items in the shop are you especially excited about this year?

A. We are always stocked with the best sheepskins, blankets and paper products. We have awesome skin care and self-care lines, tons and tons of candles and, of course, our baby gifts, made by my sister Jess. She makes felted products, like sweet strawberry garlands and flowers. They’re adorable. We also

Gift ideas from Morrice Florist, clockwise from top left: Roomytown Animal Kingdom memory game; Erika Christine wine cups and Casa Amarosa striped mugs and fruit plate; Sabre flatwear and Maison Madison dinnerware; bottle-brush trees, Cambridge Imprint ornaments.

Q&A - VINEYARD VOICES

carry baby items from the Danish brand Maileg; their little princess tulle dresses are just the sweetest.

Q. Finally, what’s an easy, not-too-expensive holiday house gift from Morrice Florist?

A. A little houseplant is perfect — or an amaryllis bulb or paperwhite bulbs. We pot our amaryllis so they’re already budding when you buy them. They’ll bloom within a week in a warm room. Paperwhites are a few weeks out but make such sweet gifts — even one in a mason jar.

Q. Thoughtful, beautiful and lasting — just like your shop!

A. Thank you. We are so pleased that people come in all the time just to sit with a coffee — that’s why the velvet couch is there!

Morrice Florist will host a holiday wreath-making workshop on Nov. 29. To register, visit morriceflorist.com/ winterwreath/register.

Sissy Biggers is the Q&A columnist for The Vine and a frequent contributor to Martha’s Vineyard Magazine

The Morrice Florist team: Aoife Estes, Sarah Deiseroth, owners Emily Coulter and Ben Coulter, Rebecca Sprague.

2025 Holiday Gift Guide

A good book, a good bottle, a game to play or perhaps something sparkly. A gift for the surfer, the chef, the gardener. Cute or practical? Funny or serious? Making a list of what to get who at holiday time can be daunting. Yes, gift-giving can be fraught – but gift shopping can be fun. Especially if you do it right here on the Vineyard.

Forget about shopping on your laptop; put on your walking shoes. With each of our three down-Island towns decked out for the holidays and artisan fairs planned for every week, holiday shopping on the Vineyard is more like a party than a chore.

Once you begin browsing Island stores, where colorful, hand-made

crafts and Vineyard-focused gear and products present a wide array of possible gifts, you’ll find yourself breathing a sigh of relief. Instead of struggling to think of one thing for Dad, you’ll have picked up two or three gifts by the time you get home.

Of course, a little pre-shopping inspiration never hurts, and that’s why we’ve highlighted some fun local finds on the next seven pages. From a highend tequila to a sleek coffee press, from a Jane Austen card deck to a deck of Jaws playing cards, we’ve got an idea for everyone on your list. And you too.

Remember that many Island shops offer gift certificates if you get stuck!

Jeanna Shepard

A visit to Donaromaʼs Nursery while itʼs decorated for the holidays will cheer up even the grumpiest Grinch.

A Bunch of Books

BY MOLLY COOGAN

As the holidays approach, we are bombarded with all kinds of retail noise: advertisements, deals, sales, must-haves, top picks and wish lists. Books, meanwhile, remain on the list of gift-giving greatest hits, managing to say a whole lot without having to shout. There’s a perfect book for everyone, and we have some recommendations that will be enjoyed and appreciated long after the holidays are over.

1. Cookbooks are always a popular gift, but with so many excellent ones to choose from, it’s hard to know where to begin! The ocean seems like a great place to start, and there are a couple of new sea-centric cookbooks that offer wonderful seafood recipes with an eye toward conservation and sustainability. The Blue Food Cookbook by Andrew Zimmern and Barton Seaver (Harvest, $45), published in collaboration with their James Beard Award and Emmynominated PBS series “Hope in the Water,” is “a sustainable seafood bible,” with over 145 recipes and a guide to environmentally friendly purchasing practices.

2. The Sea Table ($65), recently published by the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust in partnership with chef and cookbook author Catherine Walthers, celebrates the bounty of our local waters. With 75 recipes from Island chefs, cooks and fishermen featuring 19 local seafood species, plus profiles of 21 local fishermen with gorgeous photography throughout by Randi Baird, Brooke Bartletta and others, this book is sure to become a Vineyard classic. (Plus, through the end of the year, Bunch of Grapes will donate $2 of every sale of this, and all cookbooks, to Island Grown Initiative.)

3. Back on land, Gardenista: The Low-Impact Garden: A Guide to Creating Sustainable Outdoor Spaces (Artisan Publishers, $40) by Kendra Wilson is a lushly illustrated guide to eco-conscious gardening of all sorts. It offers tours, tips and resources to create a beautiful garden wherever you are.

4. This year marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, and you likely have at least one “Janeite” in your life. We have all kinds of Austenadjacent options on offer, including What Would Jane Do?: The Wit and Wisdom of Jane Austen book and card deck (Sirius Entertainment, $24.99) by literary historian Suzie Grogan. This charming kit includes 52 cards with some of Austen’s most memorable quotations and a full-color guide to her life, plus a small stand to display a quotation card for a dose of daily advice and inspiration.

5. If you’re puzzling over what to get for the Wordle whiz, Puzzle Mania!: Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee, Minis and More! (Authors Equity, $38) curated by The New York Times games lead editor Joel Fagliano, is a fun choice for puzzle lovers of all levels. With games and content you won’t find anywhere else, you don’t have to wait until midnight to tackle the next puzzle.

6. Perhaps you’ve got a word nerd in your life, one who crushes it at trivia night or spends hours plumbing the depths of Wikipedia rabbit holes. Schott’s Significa: A Miscellany of Secret Languages (Workman Publishing, $35) by bestselling author Ben Schott is a wonderland of terms and tidbits that include everything from a glossary of graffiti writing to an explanation of the parts of a gondola to a field guide of political hand gestures, complete with photos, diagrams, charts and lists.

A Bunch of Books

7. The writers in your life will treasure Joyride (Avid Reader Press/ Simon & Schuster, $32), a memoir by Susan Orlean, New Yorker writer and bestselling author of The Orchid Thief The Boston Globe raved about Joyride, saying it “might be the best craft book on writing you will ever read.”

8. If you’ve got kiddos on your list, don’t pass up the new adaptation of Hansel and Gretel (HarperCollins, $26.99) written by Stephen King and illustrated by the late, oh-so-great Maurice Sendak. There’s no better pair to reintroduce this reimagined classic to a new generation of readers.

9. For the young reader who prefers fact to fantasy, The Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide to Inventing the World (Workman Kids, $19.99) by Dylan Thuras and Jennifer Swanson is “a STEM-oriented exploration of the world’s most interesting technologies, inventions and scientific discoveries” that will appeal to curious minds of all ages.

10. And for the adult readers who just like a good read, we’ve got all the best new fiction and non-fiction, like new novels from Louise Penny (The Black Wolf), Catherine Newman (Wreck), Mark Z. Danielewski (Tom’s Crossing) and Salman Rushdie (The Eleventh Hour: A Quintet of Stories), and exciting maritime histories by Adam Cohen (Captain’s Dinner: A Shipwreck, an Act of Cannibalism, and a Murder Trial that Changed Legal History) and John U. Bacon (The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald). There’s a new book of essays from Zadie Smith (Dead and Alive) and Margaret Atwood’s memoir (Book of Lives). Remember, the booksellers at your local independent bookstore love nothing more than to help you find the perfect gift, so shop your Main streets this holiday season and then reward yourself with a little treat. You deserve it.

Molly Coogan is co-owner of Bunch of Grapes Bookstore.

1. Craft Tequila

$46 to $160

Choosing a high-end tequila for a tequila aficionado can be challenging, but MV Wine & Spirits carries a standout small-batch craft tequila called Cayéya. Select the Blanco or Reposado, or splurge on that special someone with a bottle of the single barrel-aged Añejo.

MV Wine & Spirits 17A Airport Road, Edgartown mvwinestore.com

Merry, Merry!

BY LAURA HOLMES HADDAD

3. Coffee Liqueur

$32

It’s officially espresso martini season, and Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur is the key to the perfect batch. Made with cold-brewed coffee, infused with Australian wheat vodka and low in sugar, this craft cocktail ingredient will make you the star bartender at any holiday gathering.

Jim’s Package Store 27 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs jimspackagestore.com

4. and 5. Sparklers

$90 and $22

Nothing says the holidays like a bottle of bubbly, and Our Market has two unique options if you’re gifting a bottle. Your host will definitely appreciate a bottle of Drappier Champagne an aromatic, full-bodied Champagne from a small producer that delivers a lot of bang for the buck. For a smaller budget, the Sella & Mosca Spumante sparkling wine from Italy just screams celebration and delivers fresh, lively flavor.

Our Market

4 5

2. Maple Cream

1 East Chop Drive, Oak Bluffs ourmarketmv.com 1 2 3

$37

Creamy cocktail fans will love a bottle of Boston Harbor Distillery Maple Cream. Boston Harbor Distillery, a woman-founded company in Boston, created this blend of rum, Vermont maple syrup and cream sourced from Wisconsin. It’s great in a winter cocktail or over ice cream.

MV Wine & Spirits 17A Airport Road, Edgartown mvwinestore.com

6. Cocktail Kits and Gift Baskets

Starting at $57

Rosewater Spirits’ cocktail kits offer everything a home bartender needs to make their favorite drink, including a recipe. The Dirty Martini Kit a bottle of Grey Goose Vodka, a jar of colossal olives and Filthy brand olive brine. The Manhattan Kit includes bourbon, vermouth, bitters and a jar of cherries.

Rosewater Spirits 65 Main street, Edgartown rosewatermv.com

Laura Holmes Haddad

Around the Table

1. French Press

$99.95

For coffee aficionados, the Clara French Press by Fellow is designed for both good looks and performance. With excellent insulation and a microfine mesh filter, this sleek press will keep them caffeinated well into the new year.

Lennox & Harvey

53B Main street, Vineyard Haven lennoxandharvey.com

3. Seafood Tool Set

$52

For cracking a giant crab or lobster claw, opening an oyster or skewering a lobster tail for the grill, this lovely Jean Dubost 4-Piece Seafood Tool Set, made in France, is a great gift for anyone who loves shellfish.

Coastal Supply Co.

65 Main street, Vineyard Haven coastalsupplymv.com

4. Clambulance Kit

$44

Now, getting down to serious shucking business: the Clambulance Emergency Raw Bar Kit (by local business Clambulance) has it all, including the shucking gloves and the cocktail sauce. Give this to your favorite shucker – with a few dozen oysters!

The Green Room

71 Main street, Vineyard Haven greenroommv.com

5. Lobster Enamelware Platter

$49.99

2. Lebanese Coffee Cups

$3 each, 6 for $15

Espresso and strong-coffee lovers will love a set of traditional porcelain Lebanese Coffee Cups from Catboat Coffee Co. in Vineyard Haven. These versatile little vessels are infinitely practical yet pretty enough to display on kitchen shelves. While you’re at Catboat, pick up a bottle of Lebanese Olive Oil ($28) or a jar of Lebanese Spices, such as Aleppo pepper or Za’atar ($13 each.)

Catboat Coffee Co.

79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven catboatcoffee.com

At LeRoux at Home and Alley’s General Store, you can check out the variety of plates, bowls, platters and mugs in the iconic Golden Rabbit Lobster Enamelware collection. All the pieces would be welcome in a Vineyard summer home, but if you’re honing in on one gift this holiday, the 12” x 16” oval platter is a good way to launch a friend’s collection.

LeRoux at Home

62 Main street, Vineyard Haven lerouxkitchen.com

6. Recipe Towel

$22

A new addition to Cut Paper Island’s cheerful line of flour sack kitchen towels, this Linguine and Clams Recipe Towel features vivid illustrations and directions for the perfect post-clamming pasta dish. These 100 percent cotton towels are a generous 27” x 27”. Robin Nagle’s towels and other home designs are available at select Island retailers and through the Cut Paper Island website. cutpaperisland.com

Laura Holmes Haddad

Comfort and Joy

1. Handknit Alpaca Beanie

$28

Handmade in La Paz, Bolivia, for fairtrade wages, these 100 Percent Alpaca Beanie-style Hats are each one of a kind. Lined with soft fleece for extra warmth, the diamond-pattern hats are available in black and white.

Island Alpaca

1 Head of the Pond Road, Oak Bluffs islandalpaca.com

3. Decorative Miniature

Christmas

Trees

$13 to $63

For lovers of miniature holiday — for the mantle or the tabletop — Island shops are offering a range of Festive Small Trees

wood, glass and more. Donaroma’s has a wide selection including colorful felt trees in four colors ($24) and sparkling silver iridescent trees ($62.50). Rainy Day has several options, too, including these whimsical white felt trees ($12.95).

Donaroma’s

270 Upper Main street, Edgartown donaromas.com

Rainy Day

66 Main street, Vineyard Haven rainydaymv.com

4. Pillar Candles

Boxed pair $42 (small), $52 (large)

2. Hebron Glass Tumblers

$36 for one, $64 for a pair

Olive Branch Fair Trade moved to Main street in Vineyard Haven in August, and the new store is enchanting; you could check off a lot of gift shopping here. Why not start with a pair of Hebron Glass Seaglass Tumblers? Each piece is handmade, unique and measures four inches high.

Olive Branch Fair Trade

43A Main street, Vineyard Haven olivebranchfairtrade.org

Island Bee Company’s honey is always a welcome gift, but Island Bee also makes a variety of beautiful candles. For a host or hostess, a boxed pair of 100 Percent Beeswax Pillar Candles is a lovely gift. But you could slip a pair of taper candles ($16 for 2) or spiral candles (3 for $21) into anyone’s stocking too.

Island Bee Company islandbeecompanymv.com

5. Quahog Jewelry

Prices vary

Claudia 51 Main street, Edgartown 34 Main street, Vineyard Haven @claudiajewelrymv 3

If you’re looking for a very special Island gift — one that will definitely spark joy — stop by Claudia in Vineyard Haven or Edgartown to look at a range of Custom Quahog Bracelets and Necklaces made by artisans both onIsland and off.

Jeanna Shepard

Comfort and Joy

6. Leather Eyeglass Case

$34

You probably have a person on your list who could use some (stylish) help with keeping track of their glasses. Why not a brightly colored Leather Eyeglass Case with a frame design from Stefanie Wolf? They’re easy to spot and they have a zipper closure and a bonus zip pocket on the back.

Stefanie Wolf Designs

37 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs stefaniewolf.com

8. YETI Coolers and Chillers

$40 to $158

For the outdoorsy YETI lovers on your list (we all know and love one), The Green Room in Vineyard Haven has you covered. The YETI Martha’s Vineyard Beverage Bucket ($158, in navy and white) is durable enough for any outdoor adventure yet pretty enough for a picnic. The YETI Wine Chiller ($78) will keep any bottle cool in the summer heat.

For that someone you know who tends to drop their phone, surprise them with the YETI Sidekick Dry 3L Waterproof Gear Case ($50, in pink or black). And for the culinary outdoorsman in the crowd, grab the food-safe YETI Loadout 5 Gallon Bucket ($40) for brining a turkey or carrying the day’s catch.

10. Kaleidoscope

$8.99

Everyone needs a retro toy in their stocking — why not a classic tin Kaleidoscope? Kaleidoscopes (from the Greek “beautiful form to see”) were invented in 1816 and have been entertaining kids and adults since then. This one is made by North Andover, Mass., toy company Schylling.

Alley’s General Store 1045 State Road, West Tisbury vineyardtrust.org

7. Felt Chair Pad

6 7

The Green Room 71Main street, Vineyard Haven greenroommv.com

$40

From Rinpo, the store in Vineyard Haven that celebrates Himalayan heritage with both traditional and modern Tibetan crafts, comes a colorful handmade Felt Chair Pad that is as comfortable as it is cheery. This would be a great gift for the work-athome friend or family member. Felted coasters and trivets are also available.

Rinpo

54 Main street, Vineyard Haven rinpogoods.com

9. Plant Misters

$11 to $38

8 9

For that person (or persons) in your life who has a green thumb, taking care of indoor plants is just as important as caring for the garden. A pretty Plant Mister would be a welcome gift. Not only will it give just the right amount of water, but it can be displayed on a shelf when not in use. Middletown Nursery has a range of misters in four colors.

Middletown Nursery 680 State Road, West Tisbury middletownnurserymv.com

Happy Holidays from Amity Island!

1. Silver Shark Pendant

$125 to $195

New this year from Island jeweler CB Stark, this oxidized sterling silver pendant (3/4-inch diameter, chain sold separately) would make a great keepsake for anyone who enjoyed celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jaws this year. CB Stark is also offering a sterling silver great white shark’s tooth pendant and a sterling silver Bruce Jaws 50th Anniversary charm.

CB Stark 53A Main Street, Vineyard Haven cbstark.com

2. Jaws Playing Cards and Puzzle

$9.99 (Cards)

$34.99 (Puzzle)

4. Jaws Vineyard Vines

Sticker

Pack

$10, set of 6

Stocking stuffer alert! Here’s a set of six limited edition Vineyard Vines (in collaboration with Universal City Studios, LLC) Jaws stickers for every film buff on your list. Available online. Vineyard Vines also has commemorative limited edition Jaws T-shirts online, but many sizes are sold out.

Vineyard Vines

27 N. Water Street, Edgartown vineyardvines.com

It might be hard to concentrate on your hand when you’re holding these cards. But at least you know the other players are in the same boat! Tackle the puzzle (not pictured) on a winter night when no one plans to take a moonlight swim.

The Lazy Frog

32 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs lazyfrogmv.com

3. Jaws Needlepoint Kit

$68

Nantucket and Edgartown shop Erica Wilson Needlework has some fun needlepoint kits celebrating Jaws. The key chain (18 mesh, 9.2” x 1.5”) has been particularly popular this year and would make a great holiday gift for the crafter in the family.

Erica Wilson Needlework 21 Kelly Street, Edgartown ericawilson.com

5. Commemorative Magazine

$17.95

Any Jaws fan would appreciate this commemorative magazine published by the Vineyard Gazette Media Group. Packed with rarely seen photos, firsthand accounts from Islanders involved in the film, a detailed map of filming locations and more, this special edition brings the iconic movie’s history to life.

vineyardgazettestore.com

6. and 7. Shark Tree Ornament and Finger Puppet

$14.99 and $2.99

This felt wool shark ornament is, dare we say, almost cute? Nah. But it would make a nice addition to a Vineyardthemed holiday tree. And it’s certainly cuter than this “baby” shark finger puppet, which could nevertheless find a home in some little Jaws fan’s stocking.

Alley’s General Store 1045 State Road, West Tisbury vineyardtrust.org

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Holiday Pop-Ups and Fairs

FALL FESTIVAL AT FELIX NECK

November 28

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary 100 Felix Neck Drive, Edgartown

WORLD MARKET HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOP

November 8 to December 24 (closed on Thanksgiving)

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Capawock Theatre

43 Main Street, Vineyard Haven

HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW

November 12 to December 17 (closed on Thanksgiving) noon to 4 p.m.

Featherstone Center for the Arts

30 Featherstone Lane, Oak Bluffs

VINEYARD ARTISANS THANKSGIVING FESTIVAL

November 28 and 29

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society Hall

35 Panhandle Road, West Tisbury

HOLIDAY OAK BLUFFS OPEN MARKET

November 28 and 29

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Strand Theatre

11 Oak Bluffs Avenue, Oak Bluffs

FESTIVAL OF THE WREATHS

December 4

5 to 7 p.m.

The Federated Church of Martha’s Vineyard 45 S. Summer Street, Edgartown

HANDMADE FROM THE HEART

December 13

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dr. Daniel Fisher House 99 Main Street, Edgartown

32nd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN EDGARTOWN ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL

December 13 and 14

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Edgartown School 30 Edgartown — West Tisbury Road, Edgartown CHRISTMAS FAIRE

December 13

9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

First Congregational Church of West Tisbury 1054 State Road, West Tisbury silent auction online at wtcongregationalchurch.org

EDGARTOWN VILLAGE HOLIDAY MARKET

December 13

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Edgartown Village Green

VINEYARD ARTISANS HOLIDAY FAIR

December 20 and 21 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dr. Daniel Fisher House 99 Main Street, Edgartown

COOK THE VIN EYAR D

hosts

The Great Vineyard Cookie Sale

DECEMBER 7 ≤ NOON TO 3 PM GRANGE HALL IN WEST TISBURY.

Calling all cookie lovers...

to a fun-filled afternoon featuring cookie gift packaging demonstrations, cookie decorating tips, and a hot cocoa bar filled with treats and toppings!

∂ Cookies will be for “sale” through donations that will benefit Martha’s Vineyard Community Services.

Hosted by Susie Middleton, The Great Vineyard Cookie Sale celebrates Julia Blanter’s annual Great Martha’s Vineyard Bake Off while supporting Martha’s Vineyard Community Services.

All attendees have a chance to taste and take home cookies.

This event is FREE, Please register to attend.

‘TIS THE SEASON

BY SUSIE MIDDLETON • ILLUSTRATIONS BY CHRIS BURRELL

600 WREATHS

HANDMADE. Last year, The Federated Church of Martha’s Vineyard made 76 wreaths for their Festival of Wreaths. The First Congregational Church of West Tisbury makes about 70 wreaths and swags and 30 table-top arrangements for their Holiday Faire every year. And Donaroma’s estimates they make anywhere from 400 to 500 wreaths annually.

25 PROWLERS

OWL GROUPIES. When Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary hosts its Full Moon Owl Prowls, a maximum of 25 owl lovers can join the prowl, led by Sydney Pigott, education coordinator at Felix Neck. During the quiet walk in the woods, prowlers listen for the trill of the screech owl, the member of the genus Megascops they are most likely to see.

450 TREES

EVERGREEN. The Tisbury Fire Department sold 450 Christmas trees last year thanks to the Legion Pumper crew. In a decadesold tradition, volunteer firefighters drive to the same farm in Vermont every year (in a truck borrowed from John Keene Excavation), eat Thanksgiving dinner with the tree farmers, and haul the trees back to the Island the next day.

16 DAYS

FREEZE FRAME. Last January and February saw a 16-day spell of frigid weather, when the temperatures fell low enough to freeze the ponds and entice skaters to lace up their skates, pick up a hockey stick and head to shallow ponds such as Duarte’s Pond and Parsonage Pond. The low temperature on January 25 was seven degrees!

FAIR

PLAY 120

Artists exhibiting at Featherstone’s Holiday Gift Show.

Artists participating in the Vineyard Artisans Thanksgiving Festival. 24

Vendors with a booth at last year’s Aquinnah Artisans Holiday Fair.

Local vendors at last year’s Union Street market, part of Tisbury’s ’Tis the Season weekend.

Island

Weather Demands Island Wisdom — Especially When Santa’s Landing on the Roof! Three Generations of Roofing Excellence.

From cedar shakes to copper accents, Associate Roofing brings superior craftsmanship to the rooftops of Martha’s Vineyard. Trusted by builders and homeowners alike, our work is built not only to endure, but to endure beautifully. Proudly serving Martha’s Vineyard year round for more than 40 years.

“Associate Roofing is trusted by Islanders who know the value of a roof done right the first time.” ~Owner, Mike Lynch

< visit our website for $1,000 savings.

Owner Mike Lynch and General Manager Paul Lynch

Photo by Gil Jacobs

Interior Design by Rentschler & Co. Interiors, Photos by Lara Fort’e

ROLLING WITH ROTARY and The MV Rotary Club

The Rotary Club of Martha’s Vineyard has been an Island fixture since 1991 and has become a valuable part of our community. Here is what we do and how it works:

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

Rotary is a worldwide organization with over 1.2 million members and more than 46,000 clubs in almost every country. Traveling members are encouraged to visit other clubs across the U.S. and other countries, promoting fellowship and exchanging ideas.

ROTARY FOUNDATION

The Rotary Foundation provides grants to support local and international programs. It has made available over $850 million for annual community service projects. The Rotary Foundation's Ambassadorial Scholarships program is the world’s largest privately funded international scholarship program.

ROTARY ORGANIZATION

Newly elected presidents and staff at every level come from every country. This year, the new president is Mario Cesar Martins de Camargo of São Paulo, Brazil.

MV ROTARY Club

Rotary Club of Martha’s Vineyard is very much part of this dynamic. A group of 35 men and women, known as our founders, started the club in 1991 and it has grown to over 50 active members. The benefits of Rotary include fellowship, being part of action groups to help our community, and being part of a worldwide organization with the same goals.

The Interact Club

This is a Rotary Club-sponsored and organized by a group of students between 12 and 18 years old. At our high school, more than 35 students are now working together to promote community service and volunteerism among students. Grace Carleton and Eva Giordano are the co-chairs of the high school Interact Club.

The Student Exchange

One of Rotary’s greatest opportunities is an exchange program for students from grade school to college. Last year the club sent two students to study abroad, Sasha Lee Garrick went to

South Korea, and Walter Prescott went to Brazil.

The Rotary Youth Leadership Program

Known as RYLA, this program takes high school students for a weekend excursion and puts them through an intense program, teaching them how to become more confident and to set an example for others by their actions. This year, the club sent Isla Fairstein and Maria Ricardo, an exchange student from Columbia. Jonah Mafcher attended as a group leader.

The Board is the heart of the club. Board members serve by attending monthly meetings, setting the agenda for the club, seeing that finances are managed, and fulfilling administrative duties.

Meetings

Our meetings promote fellowship and keep members informed of the club's various projects, as well as forming a connection with the community. Club meetings are held on Wednesdays at noon and last for one hour. There is no longer a requirement for attendance.

Charitable Work

Rotary International came up with the idea of an “International Day Of Service” last year. The Martha’s Vineyard club chose to help out another charity event, the annual MS bike ride in May.

Fundraising

Fundraising is essential to the club’s performance. The club hosts two major fundraisers every year, as well as smaller events. All the funds raised go toward a charitable purpose. The club's expenses, such as meeting place rentals and operating costs, are paid by membership dues.

Run The Chop

This event is sponsored by Murdick’s Fudge each July 4th. Past president, Mike McCourt, is the company’s manager. This year the race had close to 700 entries. The Rotary Club shares one-third of the funds raised and provides volunteers to help

with registration and other pre-race duties. They also fill in as crossing guides to ensure the runners safely run the course around West Chop.

Golf Tournament at the Vineyard Golf Club

This is a major fundraiser for the Rotary Club and is cosponsored by MV Community Services.

The Scholarship Awards

This committee was started by the Bardwell family, in honor of Diana Bardwell. Her family makes an annual donation that is matched by the Rotary Club. This year the Diana Bardwell award recipient was Calahan D’Arcy, who will attend Harvard. The Commitment to Service Award was given to Lily Haynes, co-president of the Interact Club, who will attend Simmons University, and Malika Khelalfa, who will attend American University. A special first-time Automotive Award was given to Theodore Pacheco, who will attend New England Tech.

The Speaker Program

Weekly speakers are vital to our meetings, giving our members the opportunity to learn more about the Vineyard, and to stay up to date on various organizations.

Membership Is Strong

The club has introduced a new category called “Corporate Membership,” which allows a company or organization to become part of Rotary, with three people from the company or organization to hold membership.

Outreach

This year we are reaching out to our Brazilian Community, inviting them to be part of the Rotary Club. There are Rotary Clubs all over Brazil, and now with a Brazilian Rotary International President, this should happen.

Thinking about joining the Rotary Club? This

is a good time of year to give it a try!