RED STOCKING VOLUNTEER

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

We at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services are concerned about the impact of recent events in our community. Clearly the economic downturn is affecting most, if not all of us. Although Community Service does not provide financial support, we recognize that having a place and person to go to when there are concerns can be helpful. We are available to provide an ear as well as links to other services that people may find they need but don’t know how to access.

This is the time of year I miss going to church . Christmas and church always seem to go together. I was a lapsed Methodist when I retired to the Vineyard. Up until then I had had what I thought were good reasons not to go to church. I worked many Sundays and spent lots of weekends away from home. Church was low on my list of priorities. Besides, when I was young I went, you could say, religiously. I sang in the choir and taught Sunday school right through college. Then I got a life. A busy one. There wasn’t room for a lot of things.

WORTH A LIFETIME

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Better late than never.

This is just a thank you letter to all of the people who sent me well wishes, cards, flowers, and notes when I lost my sister, Eloise Downing-Allen, five years ago. I think of her every single day and still miss her dearly. Few people can appreciate what it is like to lose a sister who is also your best friend and advisor for over 70 years. Her passing devastated me, so I keep her picture by my side to this day.

Flying Santa

From Gazette editions of December, 1958: