In honor of Mother Earth why not lace up your shoes, slip on a pair of gloves and perhaps a little sunblock on those cheeks and take to the beaches for a little clean up. The Vineyard Conservation Society is sponsoring its annual Islandwide Earth Day clean up event on Saturday April 20 from 10 a.m. to noon with a zero-waste-bring-your-own place-setting celebration at the Sailing Camp to follow.

In Chilmark, Lucy Vincent and Menemsha are the sponsored beaches along with Lobsterville and Philbin in Aquinnah. Lobsterville is the patron beach of the derby committee so if you swing by there you’ll be able to talk fishing with the likes of David Nash, Bob Lane and more.

Through a wind-driven downpour, thunder and lightening my daughter Bradley traveled to take her volunteer spot in medical tent A at the 123rd running of the Boston Marathon. She was a tad soggy and was on her feet for 13 hours in wet shoes, but she greeted runners in need of medical attention with a sense of pride and professionalism. She’s in the home stretch of her EMT training which allowed her to assist with pulse oximetry and glucose readings along with the typical dishing out of IV tubing and bandaids. Yes, this mom is pretty proud of her. The Boston Marathon is a remarkable event that brings people together with a true sense of strength and patriotism.

My heart goes out to those who called Angie Waldron family and friend. She was a kind-hearted and beautifully spirited woman who will be dearly missed by many.

Bonnie George shouts out a save-the-date reminder for the Women’s Symposium being held at the CCC on April 27 from 9 a.m. to noon. The topic of discussion at this speaker/small group event is wildlife. Bonnie also reminds us that the event is free but donations are appreciated to help cover expenses.

Sixty-seven Chilmark School students and staff ventured to Falmouth last Thursday for their annual bowling adventure. It’s a wonderful tradition that kids seems to talk about for years and years. Bowling, a trip to the park for a picnic and some play with your friends is, from my perspective, a highly sought-after adventure. According to Oscar and Jean Flanders, all had a fabulous time. Jean shared that classmate Amaya Hyde who, from what I understand, had never been candlepin bowling before, was far and away the high scorer of their group. Lathrop Keene reports that there were numerous spares rolled in his group and Grazina Biskis got a round of applause for her noteworthy strike. K/1 teacher Robin Smith shared at morning circle that both the staff at the bowling alley and aboard the SSA marveled at how well behaved the children were.

Bella Thorpe traveled to the Midwest over April vacation and had the opportunity to meet South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg who recently announced he has entered the 2020 race for President. She also had the opportunity to take in the Windy City and do a little college exploration.

Reports are Marie Mercer is doing well after a little surgery this past week. Send love and well wishes her way.

If you haven’t seen it already, the MVFF put together a short video starring the Dunkl siblings Heidi, Frank and Peter. You can find it in vimeo at https://vimeo.com/329432261. They are wonderful people whose visits always produce both fascinating and insightful conversation. I feel lucky to call them friends.