It is actually feeling like spring around the Vineyard. The daffodils are in abundance even along the byways, trees are budding, lawns are greening, and temperatures were in the 50s most of the week. We did have thick fog for a day or two and a few April showers, but nothing to deter the return of our avian friends. The sun on Wednesday was ever so inviting that one would decide on outdoor activities for the day. College acceptance letters have arrived and now the decisions must be made. The shops are preparing to open at the Cliffs. A tour bus was at the Cliffs this week already.

The Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living will host the film Away From Her on Sunday, April 13, at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society center in the Tisbury Market Place. Thank you to Richard Paradise for providing the venue for the film as a fundraiser for the MVC4L supportive day program. Piano music will be performed by Michael Haydn, hors d’oeuvres catered by Quitsa Cuisine, mini-desserts by the Black Dog Bakery and the Scottish Bakehouse. Wine will be available. The doors open at 3:15 p.m., and the film begins at 4 p.m. with a question and answer session to follow with Karen Achille, Leslie Clapp, Eileen Murphy and Mary Holmes. Tickets are $25 per person, $20 for film society members. For reservations, please call Leslie Clapp at 508-939-9440.

Martha’s Vineyard Community Services is providing Electronic Disposal Day on Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the campus next door to the YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard. Dispose of your unwanted appliances, computers and televisions while donating to Community Services. Disposal fees are $2 to $30, with a discount for a carload of your electronic devices.

Enjoy the raw bar at the third annual Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group Extravaganza and Chowder Contest on Saturday, April 12, at 6 p.m. at the Chilmark Community Center. There will be a raw bar at $1 per bivalve. An eclectic silent auction, and music by Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish will fill out the night. Tickets are $25 per person and may be purchased at Martha’s Closet in the Tisbury Market Place or online at mvshellfishgroup.org. The proceeds fund the purchase of seed for the Vineyard ponds and the abundance of a healthy shellfish growth.

There will be a Good Friday worship service at Community Baptist Church at 7 p.m. on April 18, led by the Rev. Ellen Tatreau. The Easter sunrise service will be at 6 a.m. on April 20.

Marjorie Spitz will be honored this evening at the Aquinnah town hall with a potluck gathering at 5:30 p.m. Margie retired in February after serving as the Aquinnah town accountant for the past three decades. A summer resident from infancy, she has been a part of our community forever. Please join us in wishing her well in her retirement.

Condolences to the family of Jacqueline Clapp who passed away recently after spending the last few years with her daughter Leslie Clapp and the 
Bagnall family.

Lenny, Mallory and Nina Butler flew to the Dominican Republic where they were met by daughter Jeffie, her husband Kevin Sheehan and grandchildren Maeve and Orin Sheehan of Aspen, Colo. They were joined by Kevin’s mother, Mary Ellen Sheehan of East Longmeadow. They had nine days of being baked in the sun, swimming, reading, and just enjoying the wonderful time together. They had coffee one morning with Camille Rose. Now, back to reality and the busy season ahead.

Skyler Cameron, son of Ben Cameron and Ona Ignacio, was the lead actor in Peter Pan over the weekend, performed by the students and staff of the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School. Violet MacPhail, daughter of Shaun MacPhail and Alexandra Taylor, also performed as one of the children in Never Never Land, as did little Pickle Eville, daughter of Bill Eville and the Rev. Cathlin Baker. Great production.

Get well wishes to Betty Rawlins who is recuperating at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital following her orthopedic surgery.

Happy 53rd anniversary wishes to John and Gabi Vanderhoop on April 14.

Happy 40th anniversary wishes to Captain Hugh Taylor and Jeanne on April 15.

Happy 5th anniversary wishes to Durwood and Jamie Sue Vanderhoop on April 17.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Barbara Wallen on April 12, as she shares the day with Eddie Cisek and Kathy Mercier. Lucas Kenneth Belain will be nine years old on April 13, and shares the day with Erick Angelo Moore who will be four, Jill Woollacott, Don Sexton, Prudy Whiting, and Riley Cameron who will be 12. Samuel Vanderhoop Lee and Lexie Roth party on April 14. Daniel Keegan and Oliver Hughes party on April 15. Peyton Briscoe Jeffers will be 10 on April 16. Lenny Baker also parties on the April 16. Greg Martino parties on April 17. Peter Ives, Mary Caitlin Shea, Josie Iadicicco, Sam White, Curtis Chandler and Maya Glavin all celebrate on April 18.