JOHN S. ALLEY
508-693-2950
Well, the weather last weekend was positively delightful and springlike. The temperatures climbed into the high 50s on both days. Golfers were out practicing their swing in the Agricultural Hall field, tops were down on convertibles, T-shirts were the order of the day and folks began cleaning up the mess in their yard resulting from the long winter. People are eagerly awaiting the arrival of day light saving time on Sunday. Acting chief Dan Rossi reports that the pole with a whip antenna up near the Panhandle Road is not a cell phone tower. It is a repeater installed by NSTAR, connected to Plymouth, to help them keep the electrical grid online.
The snowdrops are in full bloom at the Betty Knox bungalow, Frank Wight’s front yard and over at Phyllis Meras’ house on Music street as well as in many other yards around town. Lynne White reports five open crocuses at her house. Robins were out in force in the warm weather. Jane Konicki out in Webster reports she has yellow pansies in full bloom in her garden. Simi Horwitz has been preparing her window boxes for spring in New York city. She has a variety of spring flowers growing in her apartment. Everyone is looking forward to the first day of spring on March 20.
Town clerk Tara Whiting wants to remind you that we are fast approaching the annual town meeting (April 13) and elections (April 15). The elections will be held at the Public Safety Building, a.k.a. the fire station, located opposite Conroy’s Apothecary. The polls will be open from noon until 8 p.m. She reports that there are no contests on the ballot as Erik Hammarlund has submitted papers to withdraw from the selectman’s race. Also, last day to register to vote in the annual town meeting and election is Friday, March 26. She also reports that you might want to check with her soon to see if you still remain on the voting list as many people were removed this year.
Nicole Alley and her husband, Arsen Hambardozian, visited with her parents last weekend. Arsen is a septic inspector and had several jobs to do in Vineyard Haven. He is planning to return this weekend to do some more inspection work.
Gloria and Roger Sylva, of Old County Road, returned home on Sunday after an extended school vacation trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C., Orlando and Punta Gorda, Fla. Gloria reports that they had a wonderful time, but the weather was a bit on the cool and rainy side.
Debbie Magnuson, of State Road, and Dorothy Bangs want everyone to remember to purchase daffodils to support the American Cancer Society on March 25 in town. She will be in front of Fella’s Deli at 11 a.m. till 3:30 p.m. Every donation is greatly appreciated.
Martha Moore, of Middle Point, returned home last week after a trip down to New York city to visit her son, Alden. She also took in the sights and sounds of the city. She reports having a wonderful time.
Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury will be performed at the Katharine Cornell Theatre today, tomorrow and Sunday and again next weekend. It is an amusing one-act musical about a jilted bride. It’s the second of two one-act plays staged by the Island Theatre Workshop these two weekends. It is directed by Lee Fierro; Linda Berg is the musical director and Kevin Ryan, the production manager. Members of the cast from this town are: Susie Bowman, Betsy Gately, Joe Gervais, Binnie Ravitch and of course Martha. The Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinees are at 3 p.m.
Sam Alley came home yesterday to spend his spring break from Framingham State College with his parents. He plans to check out summer job opportunities while he is here as he will be graduating this year.
Dan Pace and his wife, Elaine, of Pond Road, have been enjoying Sanibel Island, Fla. They have met many other Islanders enjoying the warmer climes as well, albeit not as warm as in former years. Michele LeBlanc of Skiff’s Lane is enjoying Sarasota. They had dinner a few days ago with their neighbors, Debbie Phillips and Rob Berkeley, who have a condo in Naples. As Elaine was walking out of Corkscrew Audubon Sanctuary a few days ago, she heard her name; it was none other than Laura Lee, former president of the garden club. In a few days they will join Julie and John Banks of Edgartown for lunch. And next week they’ll enjoy a day with Dave and Vivian Stein.
Tomorrow marks the 10th anniversary of The Broadside, a newspaper that provides information of interest to all townspeople. Bob and Marjory Potts, of Elias Lane are editor and publisher. They will mark the occasion by sipping chardonnay with their close friends in the newsroom after the day’s work.
Colleen Morris, over at the library, reports that they will be making shamrocks for tomorrow’s crafts activity and on Sunday at 3 p.m. the library will hold the first annual Vineyard Limerick Challenge. Back in 1924 Nantucket issued a challenge for limericks based on its tricky name. She has issued this challenge for limericks based on Vineyard locales. If you need suggestions or inspiration visit their Web site at westtisburylibrary.org or stop by the library and pick up an entry form. Entries will be judged by some incorruptible card-carrying denizen, providing she can find someone. It’s free and green refreshments will be served. For more information, call 508-693-3366.
The annual health fair over at the hospital will be held tomorrow from 8 a.m. to noon. They will be hosting health screenings, lectures and demonstrations. Their goal is to increase awareness about health issues, promote healthy lifestyles and highlight the broad array of health services and comprehensive medical programs available on Island. MVY Radio and Plum TV will be on hand. For details, call 508-693-4645.
Micheline Sonia, of Great Plains Road, reports that on March 20, the second annual cake walk, sponsored by the third grade class, will be held at the Agricultural Hall. She says bring a cake and get a free walk. There will be lots of games, prizes, food and much more.
Happy birthday to: Virginia Blakesley, Ann Hall, Dave Fitzpatrick, Janet Sylvia and Christopher Post today; Wendy Marzbanian and Benjamin Post tomorrow; Edmund Cottle, Peter Fisher, Dr. Jay Segel and Tamara Hersh on Sunday; Todd McGee, Geraldine Roddy and John Lorenzet on Monday; Maureen Hitchings, Patricia Sheehan and Bill Wilcox on Tuesday; Bob Douglas, Patricia McCarthy, Jake Merrill, Sam Hurd and Chuck Schmidt on Wednesday; and Patrick Jenkinson, Shelly Brown, Isla Jane Solon and Joanne Roddy on Thursday. Belated birthday wishes to Leslei Monast.
Well, that is all of the social news for this edition. Please call or e-mail me with your news. I trust you will not forget to wear something green on Wednesday. After the traditional dinner of corned beef, cabbage and soda bread be sure and watch the 1944 Oscar award winning film Going My Way with Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald. To close this week’s column, an old Irish blessing: “May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you’re dead.” Happy St. Patrick’s Day everybody.
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