JOHN S. ALLEY

508-693-2950

(alleys@vineyard.net)

Well, the month of March came in with some rain, wind and a touch of snow. It was cold earlier this week, but as we approach spring in just 11 days we are sure to get even milder temperatures and warmer sun. The daylight is getting longer each day. By Sunday, sunset will happen around 6:30 p.m. as we moved our clocks ahead one hour.

Phyllis Meras, of Music street, returns home today after a business trip to New York city. Simi Horwitz, who lives in the city, reports that she has unpacked her shorts and is preparing for a stroll in Central Park Sunday afternoon.

Sig Van Raan reports that it has been a hectic winter for them as they have spent a lot of time in New York city overseeing the renovation of their new apartment in Manhattan. His wife, Susan, had hip surgery recently and has made an excellent recovery and is walking normally after only five weeks. They are also busy planning the wedding ceremony of Susan’s daughter, Willie, which will occur later in the spring. His daughter, Sofia, has returned from an extended time in Barcelona, Spain and is presently in San Francisco visiting an old friend and on a camping trip with her brother, Jackson, who is on Spring break from college in California.

Malcolm Hall, of Pond Road and Oklahoma City, reports that David McCullough has been busy in Oklahoma City participating in a forum at the University of Oklahoma entitled Teach-In on America’s Founding. Former Oklahoma US Senator David Boren is the president of the university and a close friend of Mr. McCullough; both went to Yale. Malcolm was in the same class as David Boren at the Oklahoma College of Law. Malcolm says that Rosalee McCullough and his wife, Judy, had a wonderful time and that Mr. McCullough was splendid as usual.

A vacation round-up from information made available to me: Richard Andre, his wife, Ina, and son, Nicholas, skied in Colorado. Tina Miller her husband, Steve Gallagher, and their children, Theo and Henry, went up to Palm Beach, Fla. and had a swell time. Bob and Jill Lane also spent the week in Florida. John and Valorie Becker vacationed in the Bahamas.

Tara Whiting, town clerk, reports that although there will not be any contested offices at this year’s annual election, there will be four ballot questions

1. Should the town seek an exemption from Prop 2 1/2 to pay for bonds to finance the renovation and restoration of the library, and related borrowing costs?

2: Should the board of selectmen be authorized to grant licenses for the sale of wines and malt beverages to be drunk on the premises to restaurants with seating capacity for at least 50 people, to be consumed with meals only? And should the selectmen have the power to issue so-called one-day licenses to serve wine and beer at events?

3: Should a roundabout be built at the blinker intersection in Oak Bluffs.

4: Should the town seek an exemption from Prop 2 1/2 to pay for the the cost reconstructing town roads?

The West Tisbury parks and recreation department will be sponsoring the annual family skate on Sunday, March 18 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the ice arena. Admission is free. The community is asked to bring a snack or dessert to share. Drinks will be provided.

Zephrus Restaurant in Vineyard Haven reopened for dinner last night. Chef Benjamin deForest is offering nightly specials and a tasting menu. Zephrus returned to its seven-day schedule after closing down for a few days to do some spring cleaning.

On March 3, 1948 The Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society announced it would sponsor a three day fair that year. A two-day fair had become the rule in years prior to the war. The Agricultural Society also resurrected another custom of a bygone era — an open night, on the mid-summer evening of August 26. Previous records for attendance were smashed at 1947 fair, which was one of the most successful ever held and included a vast variety of exhibits, including the traditional horse and cattle show.

Happy birthday to: Alma Benson, Donald DeSorcy and Shannon Rynd-Ray today; Jane Konicki, Sue Merrill and Max Currier tomorrow; Whit Griswold, Alix Small, Eileen Maley, Sheriff Mike McCormick and Carol Brush on Sunday; Blair Emin and Hannah Edwards on Monday; Janet Sylvia and Virginia Blakesley on Tuesday; Elizabeth Kent, Kim Baker and Wendy Marzbanian on Wednesday; Tammy Hersh, Dr. Jay Segel and Peter Fischer on Thursday. Belated birthday wishes to Leslei Monast, Liza Lawson, Jeanne Barron and Oreo cookies.

Remember that Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday morning, so set your clocks ahead at bedtime Saturday so you won’t be late for church Sunday morning!

Well, that is all of the social news for this edition. If you have any news please call or e-mail me. Have a great week.