Well, the weekend was pretty much a washout. We received nearly two inches of rain and a little thunder and lightning for good measure. Sunday morning was beautiful and many people took that opportunity to cut their lawn, go to the landfill, or both. It was reported that Eleanor Stanwood was busy feeding oranges to the orioles that had descended upon her place. The SSA schedule changes on Tuesday, May 16 with the addition of a few more trips.

Anna Alley, of State Road, hosted a surprise birthday party for Phyllis Meras Sunday evening. Present were Bob and Ann Ganz, Mary Jane Pease and Charles and Susan Block. Mary Jane baked her a cake for the occasion.

Don and Marcia Klepper Smith, of Old County Road, report that they spent some time in Florida this winter with their granddaughter, Brynn, who turned four on May 4.

Malcolm Hall was in town attending to some real estate business last week.

Olivia Larsen, over at the library, reports on some of next week’s activities. Saturday at 3 p.m. they host a rock concert for kids featuring Jellybone Rivers and the Maniacs of the Heart. On Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m., photographer Lynn Christoffers will offer free portraits to all grandmothers, mothers, and families in honor of Mother’s Day. Lynn will take the photos in the library’s children’s room. Also on Sunday at 2 p.m., author Nancy Safford with present her new book, A Magdalene Awakens: Hidden Temple Secrets. On Monday from 6 to 8 p.m., there will be an art reception featuring the work of Richard Limber. His art will be on display through the month of May.

The origin of Mother’s Day can be traced back to Roman times. Closer to home, in 1912 West Virginia became the first state to officially recognize Mother’s Day, and 103 years ago President Woodrow Wilson signed it into national observance, declaring the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. It is her day so take her to lunch, cook her dinner and do all the chores she has been asking you to do.

Ewell Hopkins reports that Saturday the MV Democratic Council will meet at the Howes House from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

A history note from May 10, 1975: Tom Thatcher, of State Road, owns a proper bird feeder, visited by proper birds, but the feathered friend that consumes the most food never goes near it. It is a seagull that has been buzzing his house looking for handouts for the past five years. It always sits on the chimney because, Tom believes, it likes to keep its tail warm. He prefers table scraps and is totally uninterested in bird food. If the scraps are not forthcoming it squawks loudly from a nearby roof until fed. Tom has named the bird Charles Henry 3rd. He feels that the numeral adds a certain dignity to the name.

Happy birthday to: Daniel Benedetto, Brenda Galligan, Beverly Mazza, and Liza Williamson Friday; Rufus Peebles, Martha Hubbell, Edmund Cottle 3rd, and Janice Paul Saturday; Brendon O’Neill, Susan Hopkins, Kitty Murphy, Bill Eville, and Jason Napior on Sunday; Kristin Hall, Julie Meiling, Bruce Smith, and Everett Whiting on Monday; Muriel Bye, Robert Kimberly, James Osmundsen and James Taylor on Tuesday; Mary Sage Napolitan, Donna Goldfein, Lee Philabosian and Eric Bates on Wednesday; and Moria Perzanowski, Allyson Reed, Ronnie Silva and David Gorenberg on Thursday.

A happy 35th wedding anniversary to David and Eleanor Stanwood Friday and Deb and Ron Kokernak on Sunday.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Well that is all of the social news for this week’s edition. If you have any news please call or e-mail me. A trivia note: on Monday in 1942 gasoline rationing was imposed by the federal government on motorists using their cars for a non-essential tasks. They were limited to purchasing just three gallons a week.

Send West Tisbury news to alleys@vineyard.net.