The weekend weather was more like winter than spring, rain all day Saturday with snow showers and strong wind forcing the cancellation of most all SSA boats. Some folks have already begun planting peas in their gardens and cleaning up the garage to locate the lawn mower that will be delivered to Jim’s Power Equipment in Vineyard Haven for a spring tune up was put on hold. People are also beginning the task of cleaning up the yard after the long winter, throwing away the Christmas tree out back that is beginning to turn rust color, raking the lawn and flower beds. My wife reports that crocuses and daffodils are in bloom in the back yard.

Anna Alley, of State Road, went up to visit and help out with the grandchildren, Robbie, Henry, Edward and Mark, last weekend. I tagged along for an overnight visit with everyone. Saw their new home that has been mostly framed in, played ball with Robbie as it was 52 degrees with bright sun Thursday afternoon in Taunton. Anna returned home Monday evening.

Linda Alley, of New Lane, reports that her brother Jamie is directing a play, Promises, Promises, based on the movie The Apartment, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and the following two weekends. It is a musical based on a book by Neil Simon, with music and lyrics by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. The play will be held at the Foot Light Club in Jamaica Plain, the oldest community operated theater in America. She says Jamie is so proud and thrilled with his hard work.

Next week will be busy with the annual town meeting and election. The town meeting warrant contains 39 articles this year and the meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday night at the school gym. The election will be held on Thursday from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the Public Safety Building. There will be two contests. Kent Healy will oppose Richard Knabel for the board of selectmen and Elaine Barnett, Robert Hauck and Wendy Nierenberg seek two open seats on the library board of trustees. There will be two ballot questions asking if you approve of eliminating moped rentals and establishing a regional housing bank. The town clerk reports that absentee ballots are available until Wednesday at noon.

Olivia Larsen, over at the library, reports that Saturday at 2 p.m. the Byways Committee presents A Brief History of West Tisbury. Learn what the town looked like in 1892. This presentation includes a panel discussion with Ann Bassett in conversation with Linda Coombs, Wampanoag historian; David Foster, historian and author, and me. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. for a viewing of historical maps.

On Sunday at 3:30 p.m., the library hosts their monthly second Sunday jazz concert. This month’s concert features Jeremy Berlin on piano, Eric Johnson on upright bass, and Tauras Biskis on drums. Next Saturday at 10 a.m., they will host their annual spring egg hunt, rain or shine. Gather outside the front entrance to the library at 10 a.m. sharp and bring your own basket. After the hunt, there will be crafts in the children’s and young adult rooms.

On April 12, 1945 President Franklin D. Roosevelt died at his retreat in Warm Springs, Ga. That night the Grange held a special meeting at the Agricultural Hall and then held a short but impressive memorial service for the President, who had been a Granger for 31 years. He was a seventh degree member and possessor of a Silver Star certificate denoting 25 years of continuous membership. The service was conducted by Miss Elizabeth Manter, assisted by two assistant stewards, Lillian Magnuson and Mrs. Warren Armitage. A picture of the late President was draped with the Grange memorial ribbon. An original poem written by Emma Mayhew Whiting was read by the Master Maud Call. George Magnuson sang Lead, Kindly Light and the service concluded with the Lord’s Prayer.

Happy Birthday to: Craig Saunders and Neil Withers Friday; Joe Amaral, Sally Anderson, Robin Brown, Rosalee McCullough, and Joyce Farmer Saturday; Marilyn Fish, Julie Hitchings, and Robin Fitzpatrick on Sunday; John (My Way) Alamo, Kaitlyn Kurth, and Heidi Pachico on Monday; Lindsey Lee, Sally Sherwood, Donna Michalski, Scott Dibiasco, Hallie Britt, and Kristen Buck on Tuesday; Carmen Wilson, M.E. Horowitz, John Hoff, and Max Jasny on Wednesday; and Prudy Whiting, Lynne Eppel, Rex Jarrell, and Deborah Eggers on Thursday.

Well that is all of the social news for this week’s edition. If you have any news please call or e-mail me. See you at town meeting and the polls. Have a great week.

Send West Tisbury news to alleys@vineyard.net.