 Though it’s hard to believe we’re ushering in a new decade, Martha’s Vineyard is ready and waiting for you to celebrate with us! From New Year’s Eve themed parties to New Year’s Day brunches there’s no shortage of happenings to ring in 2020. Here’s a round-up of just some of the things in store for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Eve Day on Martha’s Vineyard.  New Year’s Eve, Tuesday December 31
 Alchemy Dinner Menu
New Year’s Day, Wednesday January 1
All details subject to change, contact the restaurant for additional details and reservations.  One of the things that makes Martha’s Vineyard such a special place is its people. The sense of community on Martha’s Vineyard is palpable and omnipresent, friends and neighbors come together in good times and bad and every day there is tireless work being done on all fronts to preserve and protect our Island home and its inhabitants. Whether you’re a local, a part-time resident or an occasional visitor if you’ve been moved or inspired by the efforts of one of our local organizations and you’re in the giving spirit we know they’d love your support. We’ve rounded up some of our local organizations that are doing great things and that are accepting donations to support their efforts. If you have the gift of time please inquire about volunteer opportunities too! The Red Stocking Fund of Martha’s Vineyard The Red Stocking Fund is a completely volunteer run, non-profit organization that provides food and clothing for families in need for the holidays. Additionally, the Red Stocking Fund provides food when possible through the winters on Martha's Vineyard. The organization depends totally upon donations of toys for kids, newborn to 14 years old. This time of year you can find toy collection boxes at various locations around Martha’s Vineyard and the organization accepts monetary donations as well. Throughout the year various local events also support the Red Stocking Fund, including the Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Festival and the Martha’s Vineyard Chili Festival. Contact 508-776-6050 for more information about how to help.  Island Food Pantry The Island Food Pantry strives to cultivate a healthy, hunger-free community on Martha’s Vineyard. While many people think of Martha’s Vineyard as an affluent community, there are still many families that struggle to meet their basic needs. Anyone who is not financially able to obtain the food they need may use the Island Food Pantry. Together with their many volunteers, partners, and supporters, the Island Food Pantry helps sustain Martha’s Vineyard residents in times of need by providing a dependable source of wholesome food, with the mission that no one should go hungry on Martha’s Vineyard. The Island Food Pantry believes that businesses, nonprofit organizations, churches, schools, residents, seasonal residents, and visitors all have a role to play in reducing food insecurity on Martha’s Vineyard.  Sandy Paws Rescue Sandy Paws Rescue Inc. is a 501(c)3 non profit organization dedicated to the well-being of family pets in need. Sandy Paws provides pet adoption as well as assistance to families in financial distress and helps to connect pet owners with spay and neuter services. Sandy Paws is a 100% volunteer-only operation, committed to seeing its dogs placed in wonderful forever homes. The organization exists solely on donations as the adoption fees alone do not cover the amount spent on vetting and transporting rescues away from high-kill shelters. In addition to monetary donations, Sandy Paws is often looking for volunteer to help transport animals, write grants, conduct home visits, provide reference checks, foster animals and provide administrative services.  Camp Jabberwocky From the end of June to the end of August, volunteer-led Camp Jabberwocky offers children and adults with a wide range of disabilities the chance to enjoy summer in a small family-like community – living together and enjoying jam-packed days filled with adventurous activities and experiences that are safe, empowering, exciting and fun. Campers stay between one and four weeks during which time they enjoy activities and classes on campus and out-and-about in the community of Martha’s Vineyard. According to Camp Jabberwocky no one has ever been turned away for an inability to pay – and it costs the camp in excess of $1,450 per week to provide programming for one camper. Because Jabberwocky is committed to asking campers to pay only what they can afford, it is always seeking donations to offset the cost of programming for its campers.  Island Housing Trust
The Island Housing Trust is a non-profit organization that supports a diverse and vital community on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard by creating and sustaining permanently affordable housing solutions, both rental and ownership. Over the past decade, the Island Housing Trust has provided hope and opportunity to hundreds of low- and moderate- income Island families seeking a dignified solution to their affordable housing needs. Together with its supporters, they work towards a stronger, more resilient and sustainable future for our Island community. Over the past ten years Island Housing Trust has sold and rented 102 homes and apartments to low- and moderate- income families throughout Martha’s Vineyard. The goal is to create 100 new safe, stable, permanently affordable year-round homes by the end of 2020, which could solve nearly half of our Island-wide housing needs within the next five years. For a full list of organizations you can help support this holiday and throughout the year visit https://firststopmv.org/ an Island-wide guide for local social service resources, programs, activities and opportunities.  We are just a little over a week away from Christmas Day and you might be one of two people:
Enchanted Chocolates Once just a holiday item Enchanted Chocolates' special peppermint chocolate treat has returned – but the good news is, it’s now here to stay year-round! The perennially popular 70% cacao chocolate is blended with food grade peppermint essential oil, then sprinkled with crushed candy canes. It’s no wonder it’s one of Emmy’s favorites and now available all year!  Martha’s Vineyard Sea Salt Martha’s Vineyard Sea Salt is produced by husband and wife team Heidi Feldman and Curtis Friedman, a tech consultant-turned entrepreneur, farmer and carpenter who share a commitment to local, sustainable food production and a deep love of Martha’s Vineyard. Order online here.  Stefanie Wolf Designs This is Stefanie Wolf Designs’ Stack Bracelet in Ocean with magnetic closure. This brand-new bracelet design is what happens when Stephanie takes her colorful glass beads and turns them on their side. These boldly colored bracelets are such fun! Closing with a click of a magnet, you'll never fumble to put on yours. Bending gently to fit your wrist, these bracelets fit somewhere between a supple beaded strand and a fixed-shape bangle. The clasp is an unusually strong magnet encased in a wrapping of sterling silver. People can find Stephanie at her store, upstairs at 12 N Water St., open daily 10 am-5 pm as well as online at https://stefaniewolf.com  Althea Prints For the artsy one in your life, get a gift designed by Althea, where all the original designs are created with hand-carved linoleum blocks. Prints, sweatshirts, shirts, and so much more in-store and online.  Blue Wave Body Co. Bluewave Cosmetics was created out of this spirit: Gwyneth makes every product herself, uses fresh, natural ingredients and oversees every aspect of the product, from concept to shelf. All products satisfy a specific need or desire - whether for something comforting, or innovative, or for something that just smells delicious. And everything she makes works – every ingredient is extensively researched; recipes are tested and retested and new items are constantly added to the collection. Order online by 12/19!  Chappy Wood Company The trees from which these beautiful gifts are made have been selected from all corners of the Island. Each item is then milled and produced entirely on Chappaquiddick Island, just off Edgartown. The milling, drying and finishing process is intentionally slow, starting with a whole tree as the raw material. Over the course of a few months, that tree is milled, cored, dried, sanded and finished to produce a truly local wood product. All products are finished with food/allergy safe walnut oil and are intended to be used and shared daily. Order online here.  Rachael Cassiani Art
Want a piece of art that reminds you of the Island? Look no further than Rachael Cassiani’s work! The title of this piece is, "Chilmark Sunset" (12"x12") and is available through The Field Gallery. It’s the perfect reminder of those gorgeous Chilmark sunsets. Contact The Field Gallery to purchase her work.  Japanese Bento: Christine Sargologos Winter means cozying up over hearty meals and here on Martha’s Vineyard there are still dozens of restaurant ready and waiting to cook you your next best meal. This time of year brings beloved seasonal dishes, popular and affordable dining deals, and unique foodie opportunities you won’t find during the summer months. Whether you’re a local looking for a new haunt this winter or a visitor making the rounds, we’ve compiled some of this season’s most delicious happenings. Lunch at the Outermost Inn in Aquinnah Quite possibly the most exciting news in the dining world on Martha’s Vineyard is the addition of lunch at the Outermost Inn in Aquinnah. Known for its spectacular sunsets and world class cuisine, this coveted up-Island restaurant is offering lunch through January 6. If you make it anywhere on this list make sure it’s here. Typically this seasonal restaurant serves dinner and shutters in the fall, but this year they’ve extended their season to offer lunch - and people are raving about it. Served Thursday through Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm and switched out to brunch on Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm, we have our fingers crossed that they'll keep it going even longer. Get there as soon as you can to savor things like short ribs and fried chicken.  Raclette at Bettini: Christine Sargologos Decadent Dinner Deals at the Harbor View Hotel If you haven’t visited the new Harbor View Hotel you’re missing out. The recently renovated historic hotel is home to Bettini Restaurant where you'll find acclaimed chef Patrice Martineau (formerly of Daniel Boulud’s “Daniel” restaurant among other notable eateries) serving up some true culinary art. On Tuesdays satisfy your sushi craving with Bettini’s Bento Box Dinner Special. The Bento Box contents varies weekly and includes Miso Soup and a Japanese Fluffy Cheesecake with Green Tea, Yuzu Ice Cream all for $25 per person. For a taste of France, visit Bettini on Thursdays for Raclette Night. Raclette, (a word derived from the French verb racler, meaning, "to scrape") is a traditional meal comprising of Alpine cheeses melted on the wheel and then scraped onto accompaniments, such as potato, vegetables, and meats. The Raclette dinner includes Creme Brûlée for dessert at $25 per person. To say that is a great deal is a serious understatement!  Chef Amy's Food Truck Chef Amy’s Food Truck is Open for Business Martha’s Vineyard boasts only a handful of food trucks and Chef Amy’s is the new kid on the block. The best part? Chef Amy stays put at her location on Beach Road in Vineyard Haven for all to enjoy this season. Her island inspired menu features favorites like jerk chicken, “bad ass” ribs, butter chicken, chicken gyro, plus fried plantains and other “side kicks.” She also offers fresh, cold pressed juices and a dedicated kids menu. Oak Bluffs Cardboard Box Now Open Year Round One of Oak Bluffs’ beloved spots, the Cardboard Box, (from executive chef/owner Ben DeForest of the Red Cat Kitchen and most recently the Oyster Bar 02557) announced it will now be open year round. That means we get a full 12 months of fun, food and revelry on Circuit Avenue!  Happy Hours make for happy times Now’s the time of year to score cheap (and even free!) food on Martha’s Vineyard. Town Bar & Grill in Edgartown serves free passed apps, like their signature Captain’s Pigs in a Blanket, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-6pm and from 8-10pm for Town Social Hour. If Italian is more your thing, swing by La Soffitta in Vineyard Haven and enjoy half-priced appetizers from 4-6pm on Mondays and Thursdays. Then there’s the beloved waterfront watering hole Lookout Tavern in Oak Bluffs where you can take advantage of their ½ price raw bar and appetizer specials Monday through Friday, until they close for the season on December 31. Shellfish lovers can rejoice knowing they can score local oysters for only $1- and that’s cheaper than we usually pay at the fish markets! Enjoy local oysters at Beach Road in Vineyard Haven for $1 Wednesday to Saturdays at the bar only from 5-6pm. The Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company will also offering $1 local oysters from 4-6pm daily starting in January. Weekly Dining Specials Fear not, you can find something delicious and affordable every night of the week no matter your preference or budget. Our local restaurants keep things interesting and accessible for locals and visitors alike. One thing is for certain, you won’t leave hungry when savoring these great deals and discounts!  Pigs in a Blanket from Town: Town Bar & Grill Monday
Wednesday
 Tacos at Little House: Marnely Murray Thursday
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Sunday
 During the holiday season, more and more friends and family have started gifting the gift of an experience. As you’ll discover, people love to be on the receiving end of these experience gifts! Make this type of gift giving even more welcome by giving an experience that takes place on Martha’s Vineyard – after all, who doesn’t want a gift that brings them closer to the Island? These Vineyard experiences are varied, so there’s something for everyone on your holiday list. From the foodie to the art lover and the adventure seeker, we hope you create new and fun experiences with friends and family this holiday season and in the new year to come! Membership to the Martha’s Vineyard Museum The gift of a membership to Martha’s Vineyard Museum is such a great gift for anyone - whether they live on Island or not. All membership levels include:
 Grey Barn Bread Program Winter 2020 For the bread lover in your life who lives on Martha’s Vineyard the Grey Barn & Farm offers the perfect gift. The twelve weeks of wonderful, certified organic bread made for you right at the farm brings the following: “Each week you [or the person you gift this to] will receive two breads. Enjoy one of our core sourdough loaves in rotation (Whole Wheat Boule, White Batard, Japanese Milk Bread or our Herb and Polenta Bread); and take home and indulge yourself in one additional artisanal loaf. May include Seasonal Brioche, Seasonal Levain, and other bakery creations that include our farm's local and certified organic products.” A Grey Barn swag bag is included so that you [or the recipient] have something in which to take your lovingly made bread home, protected from the elements. Membership to The Trustees Share your love and support of land conservation and the outdoors: your friend or loved one will enjoy the many benefits of a gift of Membership to The Trustees. The family membership ($70, fully tax deductible) includes:
 ResortMan Martha’s Vineyard Luxury Transportation Services’ All Island Tour A four-hour Island tour with ResortMan is the perfect way to share the Island with your loved ones! This tour exclusively features the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, where visitors will be introduced to Martha’s Vineyard’s 100 square miles and 6 unique towns through its history and special points of interest. Enjoy the best of the Island in luxury and comfort. ResortMan has a variety of tours, including custom tours so make sure to contact them for specific details and to book!  Sponsor an Alpaca For the alpaca lover in your life, one of the best gifts comes straight from Island Alpaca! Participation in the program will help keep the alpacas healthy, happy and well fed! Of course, Island Alpaca hopes you can meet the alpacas in person and select the one you’ll want to call your own and sponsor. Or, view their characteristics on the Island Alpaca website sales pages. Since each alpaca has its very own unique personality, why not choose the one that best suits the person you are gifting it to? Such a fun gift idea! Farm.Field.Sea. For the food lover in your life, an experience with Farm.Field.Sea. is a must. Whether you choose tickets to an oyster farm tour & sunset sail or passes to the Martha’s Vineyard Oyster Festival, this organization is known for its brilliantly curated experiences that focus on the farm-to-table and sea-to-table movement. Island Spirit Full Day Kayak Tour For the friend or family member who loves being on the water, a Full Day Kayak Tour is the perfect gift idea. Lunch picnic, and snacks provided - a true sea kayaking experience to remote locations! Departure points based on wind and tides. Full Day locations include Aquinnah loop around the cliffs; Edgartown to the Chappaquiddick ‘Gut’; one-way Tashmoo to Menemsha drift or East and West Chop day in the rip! For the adventurous, this is the perfect gift for summer 2020!  Art Class at Featherstone Center for the Arts For the creative spirit in your life, a class at Featherstone Center for the Arts is a great idea! Featherstone has all types of classes, not limited to jewelry, art therapy, literary arts, music, painting, mixed media, printmaking, stained glass, technology, as well as art nights. View all available classes here.  Vineyard Trust Membership and/or Tickets for Taste of the Vineyard If you’re gifting to someone over the age of 21, a membership to the Vineyard Trust AND tickets to Taste of the Vineyard would be a dream come true! As a bonus, your gift of a Friends Circle membership provides vital support for Vineyard Trust’s ongoing preservation work across the Island. For more than 40 years, the Trust has acquired, preserved and managed 20 endangered historical landmarks across Martha’s Vineyard, restoring living institutions to their rightful place in Island life. In addition to the knowledge that you are helping to keep Martha’s Vineyard authentic, you will receive the following tangible benefits:
Happy Holidays and Happy Gifting to You All!
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