I remember the quaint days before cell phones existed. Our reporters would eagerly wait, taking copious notes, through the Watergate hearings. When a break was called the reporters rushed to a bank of telephones outside the hearing room and excitedly called their editors to report the unfolding story. Unlike last night, during our town meetings, when I received texts from all our town meetings during the procedure which immediately kept me up to date on the voting going on in each town. You’ve got to love New Englanders participation in the process. I believe we are all going into a second night of this tried and true event. I do know the offer of day care in some of our towns added mightily to the process. Stay tuned.

The Flat Point Farm fundraiser at the Ag Hall last Saturday night was a great success. Neighbors helping neighbors. Good food, great friends, music, music, music. We would not have it any other way.

Speaking of farming, or gardening, I have a few suggestions on companion planting that should help with insect infestation. Rosemary keeps fleas and ticks away. Basil deters mosquitos and house flies. And catnip deters mosquitoes if the neighborhood cats don’t get it first.

In the world if poetry, my neighbor Jill Jupen was pronounced poet laureate of Martha’s Vineyard for the next two years. Our man in charge of all things poetic, Arnie Riesnan, has been on a fun trip through South America but should be home soon. I am expecting a trove of new poetry from him highlighting his adventures.

This is the last weekend to catch a Wicked Good Musical Revue at the Vineyard Playhouse. This group works so hard and so well together to present you with beautiful music. Friday and Saturday nights. Please support your local theatre.

Events next week during spring break will keep you and the kids entertained. Mike Sawyer of Barn, Bowl and Bistro is offering free bowling for kids, including the bowling shoes, from April 15 to April 21. The P.A. club rallies with another fish fry on Thursday, April 18, at 5 p.m. Come meet your neighbors and quite possibly our local Coast Guard service members. Coasties can often be found at a table with my esteemed colleague, Aquinnah columnist June Manning, who is their den mother. A shoutout to the hard-working men and women who work the kitchen and wield the serving spoons. Entrance fee is a mere $15.

Play ball! Fenway had opening day Tuesday. The Sox lost to the Blue Jays. How great to see the Green Monster again. The World Series winners were feted with a ceremony first, and the Patriots were honored too. Edelman, Gilmore and the beloved Gronk threw the opening pitch. Boston sports. The best. And the marathon is on its way.

Local artist and sculptor Barney Zeitz has moved his owl to its new home in Fall River at the Narrows Center for the Arts to support the Cornerstone Sculpture project. As with all of Barney’s work, it is perfect. Stop in and see it at government center next time you are off-Island.

The Greenhouse of Martha’s Vineyard, formerly COMSAG, on New York avenue in Oak Bluffs, will be open this Sunday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. All are welcome to see what the staff has been growing.

This is National Library week. I was delighted to see that in the Netherlands, if you show your ticket taker the book you are reading you don’t need to purchase a ticket. Steamship Authority, here is an opportunity to get back in our good graces.

Get well wishes go out to Ross Swiriduk and Jackie Belleville. Both are on the road to recovery.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Dr. Muriel Gerhard on April 7. A writer, mother, mathematician, counselor, and friend to all, Muriel has lived every minute of her 94 years to the fullest. April 13 belongs to Barbara Kunzelman. And on April 14 Rita McKenna Kean takes the cake. Many happy returns.