Well, we have had a tough January this year, at times mild and spring-like and then bitterly cold. We have had about as much rain as snow for the month. The days are getting longer and seed catalogs have filled the mail. Daylight saving time will begin on March 8.

Tara Whiting-Wells, Town Clerk, reports that the annual town meeting will be held on April 8 and the town elections on April 10. The polls will be open from noon till 8 p.m. over at the public safety building. The last day to turn in nomination papers to her is Thursday, Feb. 20. The warrant for the annual meeting is expected to be completed before the end of next week.

Cynthia Riggs extends an open invitation to everyone to attend the 32nd annual Groundhog Day party at the Cleaveland House on Edgartown Road from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. She realizes it is also Superbowl Sunday, but since that’s not until 6:30 p.m. you can come early and leave in time to watch the game. Her parties are much anticipated, very interesting and a lot of fun. Please bring your favorite hors d’oeuvre to share with your friends, though it is not a requirement to attend. There is ample off-road parking in the field that is also home to her boat with a separate entrance off of New Lane. Her party is also viewed by many as the kickoff event of the local political season. For information call her at 508-693-9352.

Peggy Stone reports that the park board will hold a family skate at the MV Ice Arena on Sunday, Feb. 9 from noon till 1 p.m. Bring a snack to share and admission is free.

Sofia Anthony reports that the Congregational Church has consented to host the Neighborhood Convention on Feb. 4 at 11 a.m.

Elexis Wildanger reports that the second annual foster parent recruitment event for Martha’s Vineyard is set for February 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p,m. For more information please contact social worker Chris Russo at 508-760-0275 or Elexis. RSVP to her at 508-326-1155.

Olivia Gately over at the library reports that tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. you are invited to What Makes West Tisbury Tick, an informal discussion and dialogue about what town government is all about. The discussion will include town administrator Jen Rand, town clerk Tara Whiting-Wells and others, who will talk about local politics and how to get involved. Free child care will be provided for this event. Please contact the library in advance to sign up for child care: 508-693-3366. Also from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., join them for a reception featuring the library’s February artist, Alexis Russillo.

On Wednesday at 4:30 p,m,, Dr. Kay Sunakawa of Martha’s Vineyard Wellness Studio will discuss how stress affects the way we function. Learn how you can unwind from years of tension and live a more healthy and peaceful life.

Happy birthday to: Susan Dickler, John Hough, Melissa Lawry, Scott McArthur and Margaret D’Angelo today, Janice Haynes, Beth Donnelly, Maria Westby, Leah Smith, Tammy Jardin, and Rosemary Hoeft tomorrow, James Irwin, Gayle Mone, and Kathleen Murray on Sunday, Janet Belain, Sally Listro, Jeanne Ogden and Christina Wiley on Monday, Jose Chives, Rita Reynolds and Karen Overtoom on Tuesday, Lillian DiMartino, Tom Dresser, Fran Paciello and Michelle Jasney on Wednesday, Spencer Booker Ivory Littlefield and Maggie Bresnahan on Thursday.

Well, that is all of the social news for this week’s edition. If you have any news please call or e-mail me. Sunday is the Super Bowl game. Have a great week.