The ground froze during that time creating lakes of frozen water. Mill and Seth’s ponds froze over and the ice was thick enough for skating. Milder temperatures and rain most of Sunday did melt most of the snow on lawns and walkways. The weather bureau reports that last month was been the fifth coldest on record. The days are getting noticeably longer and spring is not far away! The line at the up-Island gas station was long most of Sunday with people taking advantage of the special price of fuel.

Anna Alley went up to East Taunton last Thursday. With her were two of our grandsons, Robert and Eddie, who had come down for a quick visit. She went up to Providence, R.I. to have lunch with fellow Camp Aloha ladies Nori Duncan and Eliza Childs. She went back to the grandchildren’s house and returned home Monday night.

Town clerk Tara Whiting reports that the annual town meeting will be held April 10 and town elections on April 12. The last day to turn in nomination papers is Feb. 22. The warrant for the annual meeting is expected to be completed in the next 10 days.

Lois Crane of the Vineyard Transit Authority reports that annual bus passes have been available since early January. You can obtain yours at the VTA office building in the airport business park from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seniors can call the Up-Island Counsel on Aging at the Howes House at 508-693-2896 or stop in during normal business hours. The Islandwide transit system carried nearly a million passengers last year.

Old friend Bob Day died last Sunday in Sarasota, Fla. He and his wife Barbara moved down there early this fall. They were both active in politics in the town. Our sincere condolences to Barbara and all of his family.

Phyllis Meras returned home last Wednesday from a business trip down to New York city.

At the Howes House on Monday at 2 p.m. hospital director of pharmacy Dave Caron will discuss the right way to use antibiotics. Topics will include the difference between viral and bacterial infections, side effects of antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance. Free to the public. Light refreshments. Reservations recommended at 508-693-2896.

Olivia Larsen over at the library reports some upcoming activities. Friday from 3 to 5 p.m., come to a reception to celebrate Dylan Spencer Kenney’s photography exhibit My Island Veterans. Dylan’s exhibit will be on display in the community room throughout February. Refreshments will be served and live music provided by the band Porchlight.

On Sunday at 3:30 p.m., the library will host a book talk with Spencer Thurlow and Eric Hyett in honor of their new book Sonic Peace, a book of poetry by Kiriu Minashita. They translated the text from Japanese to English, and will discuss the translation process and read from the book. On Thursday at 10:30 a.m., the library will host preschool story time with special guest Peter Rabbit. The storybook character will share songs, stories and hugs.

Bobbie Lima reports she just returned from sunny Arizona where she attended a training titled Utilizing and Experiential Model for Treating Childhood Trauma and PTSD at The Meadows with author Tian Dayton. Even though Bobbie returned to snow she said it was nice to come home.

History note: On Feb. 10, 1948 at the annual town meeting voters accepted gift from Donald R. Campbell of Old County Road, of the Mill Pond and the land under it. Records show that because of its central location and water power it not only attracted farmers with their grain to grind, but it became the site of the only textile mill on the Island. Here the celebrated satinet cloth was woven. It had also been a favorite spot for skaters for several generations, who cut figure eights near the light of bonfires kindled on danger spots where the big brook empties into the pond. The acceptance contained a condition: the town must remove weeds, repair the damn and raise the water level in the pond. After debate a letter was read from Rev. Thompson, Master of the Grange, urging acceptance and pledging their full cooperation and assistance in the clean-up.

Happy birthday to: Jim Irwin, Gayle Mone and Tammy Jardin Friday; Janet Belain, Jeanne Ogden, Sally Listro and Brianna Holt Saturday; cousin Rita Reynolds, Fran Paciello, Tom Dresser and Jose Chaves on Sunday; Sarah Reekie, Emily Rodegast, Michelle Jasny and Joe Hegarty on Monday; Maggie Bresnahan, Spencer Booker, Ken Campbell, Jean Morton Fisher, Dianne McDonough and Ross Adams on Tuesday; Richard Olsen, Linda Marshall, Kathleen Tilton-Clancy and Louise Sweet on Wednesday; and Beth Carr, Elaine Barnett, Kate Warner and Ruth Parmett on Thursday. Belated birthday wishes to Leah Smith.

Well that is all of the social news for this week’s edition. If you have any news please call or e-mail me. The Super Bowl is Sunday. Go Pats! Have a great week.

Send West Tisbury news to alleys@vineyard.net.