KATHIE CASE

508-627-5349

(kathleencase@comcast.net)

Spring is here, I think. There were girls walking around town on Wednesday with tank tops, shorts and sandals. The water was beautiful to look at, and everyone was smiling. It was a good day and I hope we have many more. It also has been reported that the pinkletinks are out!

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this week. Big balloons go out to Ava Thors, who celebrated her day March 11; Emily McKeon, March 13; Nils Aldeborgh and Brenda DeOliveira, who celebrated their day March 15; and to Christopher Cartier, who celebrates his day today, March 16.

The Island is slowly coming awake after a quiet winter. The landscapers are starting to uncover gardens; shrubs and trees are being planted; and the scraping will begin soon on fences and house trims.

There are a few people in town but the stores have not quite opened up yet. The Wharf will reopen its doors after winter renovations just in time for St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, March 17. We at the nursery are starting to get things together, moving plants out to the front houses to harden to go outside.

The Federated Church on South Summer street will be holding a “Putt Putt” at the Parish House Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Family and friends are invited to play 18 holes. Refreshments will include hot dogs, popcorn and more. The cost is $5 each or $15 per family. This is a fund-raiser for the mission work by the Martha’s Vineyard Ecumenical Youth Group.

The American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days are coming! Volunteers will be delivering pre-paid flowers on Tuesday, March 20. Bouquets will also be for sale that afternoon at the Edgartown Stop & Shop and Tony’s Market in Oak Bluffs, and at Vineyard Haven Cronig’s and the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on Wednesday morning, March 21. The cost is $10 per bunch; all money collected will be used to fund research to search for a cure, and to help provide support for individuals who are battling this illness.

If anyone passed by the Dairy Queen on Wednesday you would have seen the line out the doors and around the parking lot. The schools let out at noon time due to faculty development, so there was a steady stream of students arriving at the DQ for its first day of the season. Ralph went by at 7 p.m. and the line was still out the door. Everyone was trying to make up for the winter by getting their cakes, buster bars or their favorite sundaes. Here is to a great summer, Erika and Tony.

The annual celebrity pasta dinner to benefit the Haiti Peace Quilt program will be held Saturday, March 24 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Federated Church Parish House on South Water street. The fee is $8 for adults, $5 for children and $25 for families.

Spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, salad, cake, coffee, tea, juice will be served. Many surprises are in order.

The luck of the Irish is upon us, so happy St. Patrick’s Day. If you drink too much green beer please give your keys to someone who has not.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.