Only family scalloping will be allowed in Aquinnah this season, per the advice of the Aquinnah shellfish. Research into the pond’s beds showed an abundance of seed, but not a significant amount of adult scallops for commercial fisherman to harvest.

If an area is discovered to have and abundance of marketable scallops, the shellfish committee will meet again to discuss opening up the pond for commercial fishing.

The boys’ hockey teams are sponsoring a Stuff-A-Bus drive throughout the weekend, with proceeds going to benefit the Island Food Pantry. Bring canned goods to the Martha’s Vineyard Arena today from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to midnight (with a break for the teams’ games against Bourne), and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The boys’ varsity team will take on Bourne on Saturday at 6 p.m.; the JV squad will play at 5 p.m. The girls’ squad takes on North Quincy in a 1 p.m. home game.

Bring your friends, family, camera and shopping lists. You might want to bring your appetite, too, to take advantage of the free food, cider and eggnog being offered up at participating stores.

This afternoon and evening Main Street, Vineyard Haven will transform into a winter wonderland for the Tisbury Business Association’s third annual Friends & Family event. Festivities begin at 3 p.m. and include sleigh rides, story times, gingerbread decorating, a performance by the Minnesingers, several appearances by Santa and, of course, shopping sales.

Martha’s Vineyard Hospital will celebrate its annual Trees of Lights ceremony at 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoon in the hospital lobby.

An Island tradition since 1995, this year’s ceremony will differ slightly from the past. Multiple trees, each donated by an individual in honor or in memory of a loved one, will be lit around the hospital campus. World War II veteran Fred B. (Ted) Morgan Jr. will light the trees. Mr. Morgan is a World War II veteran, former Edgartown selectman and former Martha’s Vineyard Hospital administrator.

Bring your gifts that need to be wrapped and enjoy some cider and snacks.

Martha’s Vineyard Community Services is hosting a parent gathering on Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on the community services campus. Parents are invited to take a minute out of their busy schedule, while still accomplishing work that must be done. The get-together will be held in MVCS Board Room Building B (the middle building). Large tables, wrapping paper and table will be provided.

Each year the nonprofit Red Stocking Fund collects gifts of food, clothing and toys for underprivileged Island children. This year, they are expected to serve more than 400 children. But time is running out, and the volunteers say more items are needed.

Organizers say they are looking for donations of hats, gloves and mittens for older kids ages 12-15 and toys for kids under 10, including action figures, Legos, balls, arts and crafts supplies.

Morning Glory Farm has offered to donate approximately 8,000 pounds of potatoes and 2 and a half bushels of Hubbard squash and pumpkins to Island Grown Gleaning. Volunteers are needed to collect and distribute the food to schools, elders and those in need.

The gleaning will take place over several days. Monday, Dec. 12 at 11 a.m. volunteers will pick up squash and pumpkins. On Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. volunteers will collect potatoes (no digging is required).

The Bunch of Grapes Bookstore has teamed up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Martha’s Vineyard to help out this holiday season. Little Brothers and Sisters in the mentoring program are invited to visit Bunch of Grapes and create a wish list of up to six books. Community members may then view the wish lists and choose a book to give to a little. Bunch of Grapes is offering a 20 per cent discount on these gifts.

This opportunity is available until Dec. 31, 2011.

Main street between Summer street and Water street will be closed to traffic for a portion of Saturday to accommodate the annual Christmas in Edgartown parade.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. Main street will remain closed until 1 p.m.

Forty-one floats are scheduled to participate in the Main street parade.

If you’ve managed to capture on film the perfect misty morning ferry crossing, prize-winning pies at the Ag Fair or other iconic Island impression, now is the time to submit your entry for this year’s photo contest sponsored by Martha’s Vineyard Magazine.