JOHN S. ALLEY

508-693-2950

(alleys@vineyard.net)

Well, spring arrives tomorrow and not a moment too soon for many of us. It is also about time to locate, in the barn, the outdoor barbecue that was carefully put away last fall, and while you’re at it give Jim Gaffney a phone call so he can schedule an appointment to tune up your lawn mower. We sure did have a wicked three-day northeaster with over three inches of rain. We lost power Saturday night as a tree blew down on Old County Road. Wind gusts were clocked at 70 mph. It did not stop raining until Monday and the governor declared the commonwealth a disaster area. We were fortunate not to live in the areas of the state that recorded over 10 inches of rain and a lot of flooding!

Joan Jenkinson, animal control officer, reports that the annual rabies clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 3, at the Public Safety Building. Please bring your dogs on leashes and cats in carriers. Bring in your pets’ current rabies vaccine information so the veterinarians can differentiate between a one-year and three-year vaccine to be administered. Michelle Jasny and Constance Breese will be on hand from 10 to 11 a.m. and My Pet’s Vet until noontime. Joan will be on hand to issue dog licenses for you West Tisbury residents who have forgotten to license your dog for 2010. It’s that time again. Don’t forget. Licenses are not only state mandated, but it will help Joan to get your dog back to you safely in case of loss or emergency. Please call her at 508-645-9450 for details.

Warren and Marilyn Hollinshead, of Pond View Farm Road, returned home on Thursday after their annual vacation on Punta Gorda island. Warren reports that they had a wonderful time.

Old friend Tom Osmers passed away Friday night. He had a long and courageous battle with cancer. Our condolences to his family and friends.

Marilyn and Herman Buck, of Stormville, N.Y., are here visiting their daughter Kristin and her husband, Brian Smith, at their State Road home. They are proud grandparents, as their daughter gave birth to a baby girl last Friday. Her name is Alice Anne and reports are that she is beautiful. Congratulations!

Kathy Tackabury reports that the second grade students over at the school are holding a giant indoor yard sale and bake sale in the auditorium on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This fund-raising effort benefits all of the children of the second grade at the school. The money raised is put in an account to help families defray the high costs of future educational trips and experiences for our kids. She promises it will be a fun time.

Micheline Sonia, of Great Plains Road, reports that along with the arrival of spring tomorrow the second annual cake walk, sponsored by the third grade class, will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Agricultural Hall. She says bring a cake and get a free walk. There will be games, prizes and food.

Debbie Magnuson, of State Road, wants everyone to remember to buy daffodils for the American Cancer Society next Thursday in town in front of Fella’s Deli near the post office from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Every donation helps people all across New England and is greatly appreciated.

Colleen Morris, over at the library, reports that tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. they will host the Spindrift Marionettes presentation of The Butter Thief. It is free for ages five and up. Also their will be some jazz music this afternoon at 4 p.m. with the JC Trio, tomorrow the health and wellness series continues with Joanne Scott; her topic will be container compost and eco friendly yards for spring. And on Tuesday Nicole Barlett with VNA continues the program her subject is shingles and she begins at noon.

Lynn Ditchfield reports that on Wednesday, Adult Community Education over at the regional high school will offer How to be an Effective Manager, Supervisor, Mentor, Coach and Employee with YMCA executive director Jill Robie and on Thursday, Dance of the Middle East workshop with Jamie O’Gorman and Korean Sushi with Jeisook Thayer. You can reach Lynn at 508-693-1033, extension 240.

Deborah Medders reports that the League of Women Voters of Martha’s Vineyard will be hosting a forum for candidates on the ballot on Wednesday, March 31, at 7 p.m. at the Howes House. This could prove to be difficult as no offices are contested.

“On March 24, 1945 Mr. and Mrs. Horace Athearn, of Crow Hollow, received word from their youngest son, Cpl. Clifton H., telling them of his safe arrival in France. The Athearns have two other sons in the service, Lieut. Elmer W. of the Engineers’ aviation battalion who is stationed somewhere in the South Pacific and Sgt. Leonard B. Athearn of the Air Transport Command and he is stationed in India.”

Happy birthday to: Patrick Jenkinson, Shelly Brown and Joanne Roddy today, Linda Hughes, Maria Moody, Arthur Eakin, Nora Winsryg-Karasik and Annie Finnerty tomorrow; Heather Rynd, Jack Howland, Julie Robinson, Karen Lowe and Karen Lowe on Sunday; Beth McElhiney, Christopher Cohen and Christina Shropshire on Monday; Paul Jackson, Renee Metell, Dwight Kaeka and Lori Vanderlaske on Tuesday; Sophie Brush, David Stanwood, Hal Child, Fatina Berichi, Ed Pierce, Babette Benoit, Agustus BenDavid and Carla Hutker on Wednesday; Gabriel Coogan, Alexander Nagi and Trudy Russell on Thursday. Belated birthday greetings to Sarah Anne Nelson.

Well, that is of the social news for this edition. If you have any news you would like to share please call or e-mail me. Have a great week, and a hearty welcome to spring!