JUNE D. MANNING

508-645-2574

(lthslnks@gis.net)

The weekend was rather blustery to say the least. A strong northeast wind prevailed from Saturday night through to Monday, leaving half a foot of snow in most places around Aquinnah. The temperature has remained well below freezing and driveways are thick ice. Many of our neighbors returned from their warmer clime vacations this week and we will all proclaim Spring is on the way!

After several tries, the Aquinnah special town meeting had more than the required quorum to complete the business that has been on hold for nearly half a year. Perhaps the article that excited everyone to venture out on a frosty night was that of the discussion of a performing arts structure and programs at Aquinnah Circle. Jim Glavin presented his proposal to the voters and a pamphlet prepared by Jim Glavin and Ted Cammann was available for review. In the end, it was passed by 40 to 15, to allow the use of Aquinnah Circle for such a venue. Speaking of frosty night, another article that passed without question was for the purchase of a new furnace for the town hall.

Thank you to the Aquinnah, Chilmark and West Tisbury firefighters for their heroic efforts on Friday, Feb. 20 when they were called to a working brush fire near Philbin Beach. The night was cold and windy and the firefighters were able to put out the fire before any structures were touched. One fireman, Charles Thomas, was taken to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and subsequently transferred to Boston. He arrived home this week and is recuperating nicely.

Get well wishes to Lucas K. Belain, son of Randhi and Tiffany, who returned home from Children’s Hospital in Boston this past week.

Noah James Manning returned home on Tuesday evening after spending the week in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., with his grandparents Bill and Joan Kistner and visiting with his aunts, uncles and cousins. He was accompanied by his parents Paul and Theresa.

Congratulations to Ryan Maher, former Aquinnah and Chilmark police officer, who graduated from the Worcester Police Academy on Feb. 25. His graduation ceremony was attended by Aquinnah police chief Randhi P. Belain and Sgt. Paul G. Manning. Theresa and Noah also attended while on their way to New York.

Wendy Weldon will have a retrospective of her paintings on exhibit at the Chilmark Public Library through April 4. There will be an artist’s reception on Saturday, March 7, from 3 to 5 p.m.

Habitat for Humanity will host an Empty House Tour on Saturday, March 7, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Captain Mellon Home at 105 Main street, at the corner of Pease’s Point Way, in Edgartown. The Captain Mellon home is an 18th century home owned by the whaling captain and his family. Admission will be an item for the Island Food Pantry. The public will be able to see the “before” state, prior to the Vineyard’s top interior decorators and landscapers performing a home makeover.

A flea market for the benefit of the Island Food Pantry will be held at Pyewacket’s at 135 Beach Road in Tisbury next Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Antique dealers, crafters and artisans are all welcome. Karen Coffey and her husband, Dan, have offered to assist during these difficult times by offering their space. The tax deductible fee is $25 per day, with all vendor fees donated directly to the Island Food Pantry. Shoppers who bring a staple food donation will receive an Island bumper sticker. For information call 508-696-7766 or 774-563-0326.

Vineyard Gazette, March 10, 1921: “Very recently, those in Boston who are interested in the religious welfare of Gay Head came down to look over the field to see what could be done. At the time it was elected to rent what was a few years ago the Post Office and L.F. Jeffers grocery store, for a town hall until better times should come, so that the long considered town hall problem was settled to everyone’s satisfaction, and there is now a meeting place other than the Church and schoolhouse.”

Belated happy birthday wishes this week to Heather Ferreira who celebrated on March 2. Kathie Case, Penny Huff and Jan Wightman all shared the day on March 3. Happy birthday wishes this week to Michael Johnson as he parties today. Linda McCarthy will party on March 11 and shares the day with Tiffany Smalley. My most favorite James V. Taylor will celebrate on March 12. Jaron Chaplin will also party on the 12th. Kane Joseph Araujo will be 13 on March 12. Nina P. Butler will celebrate on March 13, and, oh, how I remember that day 20 years ago.

Jade and Maya Araujo will be seven years old on March 13 and will party at their new home in Juneau, Alaska. Lisa Bibko Vanderhoop will celebrate on March 13.