On track for spring now, I can’t wait to spring ahead. For the off season, our days have been absolutely crammed with surprises from the weather to the Oscars. I fell asleep through the whole show. I missed the snafu. It was rebroadcast so many times the next day I don’t feel like I missed a thing. As far as the entertainment you may indulge in over the next few days, here is a partial list of what is available to us on-Island.

Big doings and changes at our Vineyard Haven Public Library. The former two story days for children have been changed. Starting in March, the Tuesday story group will be called Tales for Tots and begins at 10:30 a.m. in the program room. This is for ages three and up. Performance presented by our children’s librarian, Libby Mueller, who has been on staff since October. On Wednesdays, bring your wee ones, birth to age three, for their own special presentation, also at 10:30 am. While you are there take a look at Art in the Stacks, also on the lower level. This month’s featured artist is Lynn Hoeft. Lynn has lived here since 1971. She is a renowned water colorist and also famous for her colored pencil drawings. Her work is on display during regular library hours. You will be inspired, then you will probably want to sign up for her watercolor or calligraphy classes at Featherstone. When you have a sitter for the tots, be in the program room at 7 p.m. next Tuesday, March 7. An Oscar-nominated R-rated movie, Manchester by the Sea, is scheduled. Refreshments served, of course.

Our library director, Amy Ryan, has also made a schedule change in our favor. The Mini Book Sale on the third Saturday of every month, also in the program room, will have expanded hours. I always did feel rushed having only two hours to get through the wonderful variety. The sale will now begin at 11 a.m. and last until 3 p.m. Funds raised benefit the library’s programs for children.

The Neighborhood Convention moves along with its monthly presentations. All are welcome on Tuesday, March 7 at 11 a.m. at the Federated Church in Edgartown. Ann Smith and Nancy Blank will be discussing Featherstone for the Arts and for Fun. Bring a sack lunch. When it was suggested to Winston Churchill to cut the budget for the arts in England to save money during the war he famously said, “Then what are we fighting for?” New administration, take note.

I am giving you this news now so you are sure to mark it for Saturday, March 11. Under the magical musical direction of Phil Dietterich, a 3 p.m. concert will be held at the Edgartown library. It is the Scottish Society Songsters presenting My Heart’s in the Highlands. This collection of Robert Burns poems set to music always enchants. In addition, our own Island poet Steve Ewing has written a new Scotland Song set to music by Dorian Lopes. I hope you are wearing your kilt for this, Steve!

We say goodbye and thank you to Bob Priore, who passed at home last Sunday with his loving wife and pets by his side. Our condolences to Maribeth, who was his great love and anchor always, and especially for the past four years during their journey together. Bob always had a smile, was always dignified, and has no doubt contributed a great deal to cancer research by the many tests and trials he willingly underwent so we could learn more about this illness. I know Maribeth and Bob were forever grateful to Mass General Hospital, which helped care for Bob the past years.

Cancer is the leading cause of death on the Island. I urge you to participate in our annual Daffodil Days on Friday, March 17, when lovely bunches of this happy flower will be available for $10 at Cronig’s Vineyard Haven, Reliable Market in Oak Bluffs, Stop & Shop in Edgartown, and at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital at 11 a.m.. For years the contact who kept me informed of Daffodil Days was our town’s Dorothy Bangs. I am thinking of Bob Priore, I am thinking of Dorothy Bangs, I am thinking of the effervescent Leslie J. Stark, who led my Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group for so many years. I am thinking of our dear neighbor Ashley Byrd, who just finished her 12th treatment in Texas and has been declared cancer-free. I am thinking of myself. Buy daffodils, all the money is used only for Islanders, their expenses with transportation, the disease, getting back and forth to Boston, you get it. I want to see a wall of yellow blooms on every store counter and business desk on March 17.

For years, March 8 has been International Women’s Day. We are so energized by our successful march Jan. 21, and so concerned about our future and the future of the children and the planet that you should expect to see a great deal of activity on Wednesday. It has now been declared Women’s Strike Day, and sisters, you know what to do. Nevertheless she persisted!

Anniversary bouquets go out to Jeff and Susan Petre on March 3.

Belated birthday bouquets go out to one of the most devoted Patriots fans forever, Kayleigh Lowe, who celebrated her 22nd birthday on March 1. I am also late with wishing my good friend Leide DePaula a happy day on March 2.

On Friday, March 3 the birthday wagon pulls along Aaron LaPiana. March 4 is a party for Alison Ferreira, Sean George, Justin Eli, and Michael Baptiste. March 5 belongs to Glen Andrews, Marguerite Hegarty, and Wendy Andrews. March 6 is claimed by David and Doug Seward and Michael Preston. March 7 shines on Jacob Murphy, Dick Cayer, Jesse John Seward, and Louis Giordano. International Women’s Day, March 8 is championed by international woman Holly Petre. And on March 9 Bill Stokes, Ashley Shine, and Naomi Paulson take the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.