JUNE D. MANNING

508-645-2574

(lthslnks@gis.net)

The Martha’s Vineyard Youth Task Force will have a Chat and Chowder evening at the West Tisbury School on March 31 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for the benefit of the West Tisbury School and Charter School parents and caregivers of sixth through eighth grade students. It’s called Connecting with Your Teen: Simple Strategies, and it’s an evening of free dinner, door prizes and great conversation. For further information, please call Theresa Manning or Jamie Vanderhoop at 508-696-5304.

The Aquinnah board of selectmen is encouraging residents to participate in the third annual Lights Out initiative on Saturday, March 27 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Turn off everything you can safely turn off.

Wendy Weldon and James Langlois will have an opening reception at the Chilmark Public Library on April 3 from 3 to 5 p.m. Wendy will have a selection of her paintings while James will have a selection of his drawings. Their art will be on display at the library through April 29.

Get well wishes to Gladys Widdiss, who was admitted to the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital this week and anticipates being discharged by the weekend.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of John M. Gibson, who passed away in Florida on Sunday following a motorcycle accident in February. John’s services will be held on Saturday with a gathering at the Portuguese American Club following his graveside service. Donations in John’s memory made be made to the Martha’s Vineyard Ice Arena, where he had been a coach, referee and mentor and of which his late father, James H. Gibson, had been a part of since its inception.

Condolences to the families of Harriet Almstead, Leonora Bettencourt, Margaret O’Neill and Peter Regan, who have all touched our lives in their own way over the decades and were multi-generational family friends.

Albert and Linda Fischer returned home this week following their two-week vacation in Florida, where Bert enjoyed the fishing and Linda kept her toes in the sand.

Belated happy birthday wishes this week to Gary Foster on Thursday, as well as Renee Metell, Karen VanBrakle, Emma Mayhew and Ellen Reynolds.

Celebrating their birthdays this week will be Rosalie Bassett, Mike Marshall, Anita Keegan and Mason Jeffers — all partying today. Sue Mitchell, Brenda Smith, Jeffie Butler and Lynne Silva party on March 27. Michael Hebert will celebrate his special day on March 28. Jannette Vanderhoop and Edward Fantasia share the day on March 29. Aquinnah police chief Randhi P. Belain, James Glavin, Heidi Vanderhoop, Dan Maltais and Justin Vanderhoop all share the day on March 30.

A very special birthday wish to Michael Dolby, who will be observing a major milestone on March 31.

Durkee Day will be celebrated on March 31 around the Vineyard Gazette office as Steve Durkee parties. Edwin D. Vanderhoop will party on March 31 as will Patt Burgess.

April 1 will not be a day of fooling for those celebrating which includes Betty S. Rose, Linda Fischer, Peggy Moore Yoars, Robin Rebello Meader and Alison Barrett. Audrey Jeffers Mayhew and Levi Moreis will party on April 2.