Is there a really sunny and warm place in the U.S. this month? Temperatures have been in the 50s this week, and now on Wednesday morning we have about half a foot of snow and temperatures in the teens. Can spring really be that far away?

Thank you to Jerome and Nancy Kohlberg for our annual Not A Holiday Party for the Vineyard Gazette staff, which was held at the Harbor View on Sunday evening. Jane Slater and I ventured down from the western tip of Upis Land. We were welcomed by Jane Seagrave and Julia Wells and delighted to be together in one large room while listening to Jeremy Berlin on the piano. We were even more delighted to wish Peter Simon a very happy birthday as we all serenaded him. Dinner was delicious. It was a pleasure to meet new staff and to certainly reminisce about those who have retired and moved on. Congratulations to all who have been nominated for the upcoming NENPA awards next week.

Have you checked the new webcam view from atop the Martha’s Vineyard Museum site of the U.S. Marine Hospital in Tisbury? Thank you to Denys Wortman for his foresight and to Jack Flynn for his professionalism in installing the webcam for many to enjoy.

Chilmark Chocolates reopens on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Start planning your Valentine’s Day list.

The lighthouse committee will have a raffle for 100 gallons of propane and 100 gallons of heating oil, generously donated by Vineyard Propane. Chances can be purchased today and tomorrow at down-Island Cronig’s. Chances are $5 each or five chances for $20. The winning name will be drawn this weekend.

The Martha’s Vineyard Cub Scout Pinewood Derby and Chili Contest will be held at the Chilmark Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 11 to 2 p.m. Perhaps you would like to be one of the judges for the derby?

Friends of Aquinnah Public Library will sponsor an open house on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 1 to 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served. On Tuesday evening there will be a potluck to discuss the book and movie of Forks over Knives. Foods may be warmed at the town hall. Beverages will be provided. Thursday, Feb. 6 will be dinner and a movie for the kids.

The Martha’s Vineyard Youth Task Force will sponsor a sophomore parent dinner on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School culinary dining room from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The evening is for parents of sophomores to join in the conversation about transitions your child may be experiencing. You can talk with other parents and YTF staff about the changes as well.

Mark your calendars for Cats, the musical to be performed by the students at the MVRHS Performing Arts Center on Feb. 13 to 16. Times to be announced.

Condolences to Liz Berardi and her family on the loss of her son Carter Berardi. Many of us will remember Carter for his work at the Plane View. Liz and Carter were frequent guests at the home of Captain Rick Lee at his Dogfish Bar home.

Condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Arnold Geiger who passed away on Jan. 17 at his Chilmark home. The Geiger family spent summers in Aquinnah for more than 30 years before their move to Chilmark. They were also from Pleasantville, N.Y., where he had his dental practice and where we had resided once upon a time. We always shared our connections, as so many of us on the Vineyard have a Pleasantville connection. Dr. Geiger spent his final year in the comfort of his own home with his son Billy and daughter in law Donna.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Jerome Gross who passed peacefully away at his home in Waban on Monday, surrounded by the love and care of his family. Mr. Gross was survived by his wife Betty and their children Jill, Neil and Adam and grandchildren. He spent his career at Massachusetts General Hospital. He was 96 years old and would still go into his office, having just retired a few years ago. The Gross family has enjoyed their Aquinnah summers for the past half a century and have been very generous and kind to many in our community. A memorial service will be planned for this summer in Aquinnah.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Angela Waldron, Dan Smith, Ana Sargent, and Andrew Fischer on Feb. 1. Emmett Carroll will celebrate a major milestone on Feb. 2 and shares the day with Betty Joslow, Mark Shea and Adam Gebb. Jeff Day and Laurie Thompson share the day on Feb. 4. Blair Hill will party on Feb. 5. Spencer Booker parties on Feb. 6 and shares the day with Hellie Neumann.