Spring is less than 40 days away. At this point it is just as wise to await the spring thaw and never mind trying to chip away at the ice or shovel anymore snow. The temperatures have dropped considerably to well below freezing most of the week, another storm was due on Thursday afternoon, and today being Friday the 13th – who knows what weather will occur. Stay home, stay warm, and just enjoy the comforts of your home.

Saturday is Valentine’s Day at the Aquinnah Public Library. How Do I Love Thee? Let’s count the ways! There will be poetry reading, vintage card making, and chocolate tasting from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday is all-day coffee, tea, or cocoa as well. On Thursday evening, Feb. 19, there will be a documentary film for adults at 5 p.m. As of now, yet to be determined. For details, please call the library at 508-645-2414.

Sense of Wonder Creations Art students of Pam Benjamin will be at the linden tree on Main street in Tisbury from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 14. A unique opportunity to place your homemade hearts on the tree with your heartfelt hopes, dreams, and prayers for your family, friends, the world or anyone you know in need. All ages are welcome to participate. There will be assistance with waterproofing your message.

Jack Schimmelman, a former theatre director in Manhattan and now executive producer and director of an original music theatre piece, 1854, based on the abolitionist movement on the Vineyard is working with many on-Island to bring his opera to fruition. His work was first sponsored by the NAACP of Martha’s Vineyard, has been sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the United States Slave Song Project which was founded by artistic director Jim Thomas. Jack has had assistance from Dr. Lorna Andrade and Elaine Cawley Weintraub as well. Beulah Vanderhoop, a Gay Head Wampanoag, is a major protagonist. It is anticipated that one of her descendants will fulfill her role. Jesse Wiener, son of Jerry Wiener and Carolyn Feltz of Aquinnah, who grew up in Gay Head and is Harvard educated, will be the principal composer. Jack is in need of assistance with getting his project off the ground with future sponsorship and donors. Tax deductible donations may be sent to the United States Slave Song Project (a 501c3) “1854” and sent to Jack Schimmelman, Apt. J57, 55 Village Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 or submit a donation through Paypal at 1854opera@gmail.com.

Condolences to the family and friends of Alice Charlton who passed away on Feb. 4 after a long illness. Her spouse Lawrence John Charlton passed away five days later at a Hospice in Georgia. Alice was a former co-worker at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital many years ago and Larry was often there working on the electrical system. They are the maternal grandparents of eight-year-old Robert E. Manning.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mary Ann Fischer who passed away on Monday at Falmouth Hospital. Mary was a schoolmate of ours, the quiet ones who rode the bus from Gay Head to MVRHS. She was a wonderful, compassionate caregiver for members of our family. Mary will be missed for her never-ending adventures.

Get well wishes to Marjorie Vanderhoop Galbraith who has been undergoing rehabilitation near her home in Chestnut Hill, under the care and guidance of her daughter Polly Galbraith.

Get well wishes to Nancy Gardella, fellow Vineyard Gazette columnist and Westchester, N.Y., nearby neighbor, who is recuperating from surgery, which was performed at White Plains Hospital. She is being cared for by her mother Nonna and by her friend Teri. It is anticipated that Nancy will be up and running again very soon.

Get well wishes to Joan Kistner who has been ill at her home in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and needs a great deal of encouragement at this time. We miss her Aquinnah visits. Get strong, Joanie.

Get well wishes to Evan Lavigne who is undergoing medical treatment in Boston. Evan was formerly stationed at United States Coast Guard Station Menemsha, having fulfilled his duty and recently discharged.

Joan Gentry Patadal returned home over the week after spending a few days at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. She is now in the care of her sister Barbara Gentry and her daily entourage of caregivers.

Nice to see Doug Plummer out and about over the weekend while here to enjoy the weather with his wife Kathleen and their one-year-old son Marshall.

Mrs. Katherine Baptiste Stewart, our former Gay Head School music teacher and Community Baptist Church organist for more than 20 years, will be celebrating a major milestone at her home tomorrow afternoon between noon and 2 p.m.

Donald Widdiss has returned after a brief visit to Tucson, Ariz., to see his two-year-old daughter Moryn and her mother Amanda Holmes.

Happy Valentine’s Day, do not forget to stop by Chilmark Chocolates!

Happy birthday wishes this week to Jane Slater, fellow Vineyard Gazette columnist, as she celebrates her special day on Feb. 15, which is also a day of celebration for my youngest granddaughter Kayla Manning, my dear friend Karen Child, Fred Thifault and Trina Kingsbury. Douglas Fortes will party on Feb. 16 as will Ed Conroy and Brenda Johnson. Linda Hobbs parties on the 19th. Wendy deGeofroy will observe her special day on Feb. 20 and shares the day with Cedric Belain.

Send your Aquinnah news to: junemanning152@gmail.com.