April rain pools at the edges of roadways, muddies paths and makes things a bit more complicated. There is, however, a bright side. It brings green grass, colorful flowers, spring lambs, nesting osprey, worms for the robins and, generally, it leaves joy in its wake.

I occasionally write notes to myself. Usually it’s a single word or a short phrase, typically a little reminder about a book I’d like to read, a song I’d like to hear again, a movie I’d like to watch or a person I’d like to catch up with. The other day I wrote down Lewenberg when, lo and behold, Liz Lewenberg pulled up to the pumps and I had the opportunity to exclaim that I was, in fact, going to reach out to her later that same day. Last year, after 30 years of their osprey pole lying in wait eagerly anticipating nesting birds, it finally happened. I was curious if there had been any signs of activity again this year. Yes indeed, the osprey pole on Osprey Lane is home to a pair of nesting birds tending to eggs.

After her acceptance to Brown University, Isi Hornbuckle, granddaughter of Judie Jardin, traveled from her Leonardtown, Md. home to Providence, R.I. to spend some time on College Hill experiencing Brown through the eyes of current students. After she whipped out her calculator, attended classes and generally soaked up all the nerdiness she could at the place where “learning transcends the classroom and becomes part of daily conversation” Isi traveled with her folks, Jackie and Bo to the Island to catch up with family and friends. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to hug all three of them in person.

West Tisbury School seventh graders are in the thick of things writing articles, taking photos and selling ads for their newspaper School’s Out. School’s Out is the main fundraising effort for their eighth grade student exchange trip to England. Can you believe this remarkable tradition has been happening for well over 30 years? If you are interested in placing an add, all proceeds go to offsetting the costs associated with their trip. Please reach out to a current seventh grader which includes Axel Abrams, Kestutis Biskis, Peter and William Miller, Sam Zack, Laina Benoit and Yossi Monahan. You can always give the folks at the West Tisbury School a shout, too.

I would like to extend my condolences to the family of Lucette Silva who died last week at the age of 93. Lucette and her family had strong ties to the lands which made up Tea Lane Farm which is now adorned by beautiful flowers grown and nurtured by Krishana Collins.

After walking countless miles since the day she took her first steps, Barbara Murphy wore out her knee and opted for a new one. With Dr. Halsey at the helm of her journey Barbara received a new knee. Reports are in and they are good. She’s happily healing at home and each day is stepping closer to being out and about in town. Heal fast Barbara.

The Ephraim Mayhew Jr./Lucinda Poole Mosher Vincent/Vincent house nestled in at what we all call Lucy Vincent Corner has been filled with laughter and the pitter patter of Lucy’s great-great nieces Natalie and Vivian Persons. The six year olds traveled from their home in up-state New York with their parents Katie and Nick and grandfather Bill Vincent. Beach walks, crafts and a brunch at the Dunes were highlights of their visit. I shouldn’t fail to mention brunch was attended by the Easter bunny as well.

Congratulations to BM2 Josh Boytek who put in the hours at the helm and earned his Heavy Weather Coxswain certification. Mark your calendars, May 18 will be here in no time and that’s the day the USCG Station Menemsha will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. as a kick off event to National Safe Boating Week. Time to start checking your flares, CO2 life jackets and fire extinguishers because boating season is nearly upon us.

As a matter of fact, Earth Day was the day Scott McDowell and Jonathan Boyd chose to splash their vessels Lauren C and Mary Sea at Niemiec Marine, Popes Island, New Bedford. They were nestled high and dry for the winter but April 22 seemed the perfect day to race back to the barn, so to speak, and slide into their charter slips eagerly anticipating warmer waters and fish. Andy Goldman chose April 23 to navigate Heritage back for the summer. He, too, is eagerly awaiting the arrival of fish for the dinner table.

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.