It may not be on the calendar until May 18, but prom-posals are already sweeping across the Island among high school juniors. Yes, that’s the term used when referring to a proposal for a prospective prom date. They can be as simple as asking via note/text/phone call or a face to face request, or as over the top as hiring a sky writer.

Solon Oliver, a junior at MVRHS, was a visionary. With a little bit of help he sailed across Murphy’s Pond and caught the eye of Sasha Lakis with PROM? on the sail. She said yes!

Don’t forget, Tuesdays are pizza night at the Chilmark Church. Cheese and pepperoni are the choices put forth on the table along with a mix of salads and cookies shared by the occasionally ambitious attendee. If you know you will join the faithfuls, give Julie Flanders a call at 508-645-3723. The light in the sky gives the kids an opportunity to kick a ball around or play a game of tag, so if you’re thinking ahead put those feet in sneakers.

Sarah Doyle and daughter Ava Stearns have spent the better part of the winter in Wellington, Fla. for the Winter Equestrian Festival held at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Ava has had a spectacular show season heading out of her career as a junior rider. The moment may be a tad bittersweet for her parents but the excitement will continue as Ava looks forward to entering Auburn University in the fall.

The League of Women Voters is sponsoring a forum for candidates for local office in Chilmark on Saturday, April 6 at 3 p.m. in the Chilmark Library. Candidates and community members are invited to attend this casual Q&A event.

Also happening on Saturday is the potluck fundraiser for our friends at Flat Point Farm. The Ag Hall will surely be the place to be on April 6 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The requested ticket price is $25 per person, all of which will be donated to the Fischer family. Bring a dish, your dancing shoes and your words of encouragement and support.

Welcome to the world Wyld James Ever Ruel. Born on March 28, this happy little lad weighed in at a perfect 8 lbs. 14 oz. and has made his way back home where he will be loved and admired by parents Nettie and Colin, big brother Razmus, grandparents Barbara (Morgan) and John Armstrong, great grandmother Roberta Morgan, cousins Asa and Lenora Ruel and many, many more.

Also born on March 28 was Adelaide Lorraine Smith. She is welcomed home by her parents Meghan and Adam and big sister Ellie. Adam is currently stationed with the USCG in Menemsha, but from what I hear he will make his way across the Sound to the Cutter Sanibel out of Woods Hole this summer.

Arianna Feldberg celebrated Gotcha Day with her horse Tonka. Tonka, a rescue, lives a fun and adventurous life at the Keith’s barn along with his other horse friends. He thoroughly enjoys visits from his dear dog friend and brother from another mother, Gunnar.

A quick congratulatory shout out goes to Chas Hollinger and Kelly Slonaker on their recent engagement. These two are best friends and I think their news is just fabulous.

Did you realize there is actually something called the Dictionary of American Regional English? I did not until today when I Googled the word “pinkletink.” I was curious to know what other names these tiny tree frogs go by.

What I didn’t realize is that the pseudacris crucifers — also known as spring peepers, tinkletoes, peepers, pinkwinks, tree frogs, etc. — are apparently only called “pinkletinks” in a few places, one of which is Martha’s Vineyard. But, the point of my story really doesn’t have anything to do with names or dictionaries. Instead, it’s that the pinkletinks at Beetlebung Farm were emitting a thunderous symphony last night. If you happen to drive by (my trip took place around 9 p.m.) be sure to slow down and listen. The little nocturnal creatures chorus can be heard at various points around the Island and it’s a sure sign that spring is attempting to stay.

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net