March will undoubtedly have to go out like a lamb as it certainly came in like a lion. More signs of spring are evident every day around Aquinnah. The song birds are singing, osprey have returned to their nests at Lobsterville and at the Outermost Inn, daffodils are nearly in bloom, crocuses are blossoming, and seasonal residents are opening their homes for the season.

Easter Sunday Sunrise Service at Community Baptist Church of Gay Head will be held at 6 a.m. with worship service performed by Reverend Leo Christian.

The Aquinnah Public Library will hod its egg hunt onSaturday March 31 at 11 a.m.

Join Martha’s Vineyard Community Services Veterans Outreach Program for the fourth annual egg hunt to celebrate Island veterans and their families on Saturday, March 31. The event includes an egg hunt, arts and crafts and healthy snacks and will start promptly at 10 a.m. at the campus at 111 Edgartown Road next door to the YMCA.

The next Meditations of Peace event will be held at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital Chapel on Saturday, April 7 at 4 p.m. The event is sponsored by the interfaith community of Martha’s Vineyard and includes local artists, musicians and clergy. For questions call 508-696-1839.

Faith Smalley, her friend Jason Kimball, and her brother Zac Smalley, recently returned from a trip to California. They traveled to Castro Valley, Calif. The trip was planned to surprise their sister Tiffany Smalley for her 29th birthday, and they had coordinated it all with Amira Madison so Tiffany had no idea they would be arriving. They managed to surprise Tiffany after her day of work. They celebrated her birthday by having a special dinner at the restaurant where her boyfriend is a head chef.

Captain Buddy Vanderhoop and his wife Lisa Bibko-Vanderhoop have just returned from Ireland where they attended the wedding of her nephew Michael and his bride Lauren. They had a fantastic time in Belfast, and also spent time with Danny Larsen’s son Aaron as he lives in Belfast. The wedding of course was the highlight of the week, although Michael and Lisa were able to celebrate their birthday’s together (both being born on March 13), then two days later it was Lauren’s birthday, then the wedding a day later. It was such a great time.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Robert J. Francis, Sr. who passed away on March 21. A long time friend of our Rose family members. We all shared many special moments together over the decades.

Across the channel at USCG Station Menemsha, the word of the week was recognition. The week started with crew of the MLB 47236 being awarded the Commandant’s Letter of Commendation, presented by BMCM Robert Riemer. The crew of the 47236 assisted the disabled 72-foot F/V Sea Star on Dec. 13, 2017. The crew launched after receiving notification that the F/V was disabled and adrift 25 nautical miles south of Martha’s Vineyard. During the transit to the F/V, the crew of 47236 encountered seas cresting to 18 feet with 40-knot winds and temperature of minus six degrees Fahrenheit. After the three-hour transit to the stricken F/V, the crew of 47236 took the F/V into stern tow and began the five-hour transit back to New Bedford in storm force winds and 15-foot seas. Bravo Zulu. The crew included BM2 Adam Smith (Heavy Weather Coxswain), SN Gabriel Villano, BM2 Joshua Boytek and MK3 Joshua Hughes (Engineer). The crew spent a total of ten hours at sea on this search and rescue mission.

BMCM Robert Riemer then presented a certificate to BM2 Joshua Boytek upon completion of the coxswain qualification process earning his certification on the 47-foot motor lifeboat and the 29-foot response boat. The process to become a coxswain at Station Menemsha requires a great deal of technical ability and dedication.

BMCM Robert Riemer then recognized MK3 Adam Struyk upon his departure from Station Menemsha on March 23. MK3 Struyk received orders to attend Aviation Survival Technician school in Elizabeth City, N.C. MK3 Struyk was awarded the Commandant’s Letter of Commendation for his outstanding service while at Station Menemsha. Best of luck to you and your family MK3 Struyk !

Happy Easter.

Happy 52nd anniversary wishes to John and Kathy Born on April 5.

Belated Happy Birthday wishes to Tauras Biskis on March 27 and Linda Dickson Unczur on March 28. Happy Birthday wishes this week to Audrey Jeffers-Mayhew on April 2 who shares the day with Levi Vanderhoop; Amy Vanderhoop will celebrate on April 2; April 4 will be a day of celebration for Rose Styron, Chris Murphy, Bonnie Chalifoux, Mary Wolfson, Amira Madison, Gary Paraboschi, Shelby Ives and Donna Marie Rose Klier; Nadaizja Aiguier-Bolling will party on April 6; Jennie Greene, Dona Mazza and Taza Vercruysse all party on April 7.

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