The Ides of March have come and gone, leaving us with freezing temperatures once again, a few minutes of snow flurries nearly every day, and awaiting the arrival of spring.

Please join the Aquinnah Community Emergency Response Team and the American Red Cross for training for people willing to volunteer in our town shelters in case of an emergency. All training will be offered via Zoom. Training dates and times are: Saturday, March 27 and Tuesday, March 30. For more information, contact Gabriella Camilleri: at508-645-2304/townclerk@aquinnah-ma.gov.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Aiko Hydeman who passed away peacefully at her Aquinnah home. She was the widow of Albert Hydeman and has resided in Aquinnah since their marriage in February 1966 at the Hong Kong Hilton. She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Rishio Watanabe of Tokyo. Mrs. Hydeman was an artist and enjoyed sharing her art across the Vineyard. In Aquinnah, we thanked her for the Aquinnah Public Library sign that she created several years ago.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Ronald Putnam who passed away on March 15. He was a former builder and resident of Aquinnah. I have fond memories of Ron and Ellie and the Martha’s Vineyard Lions Club and all the festivities surrounding that.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of William Shanok who passed away on March 15. He was the widower of Dr. Susan Shanok who was the very first “Galley Girl” at the Menemsha Galley. Bill enjoyed his long stays at their Chilmark home and will be missed greatly especially in Menemsha.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Valerie Norton Murphy who passed away in Pennsylvania on March 15. Val was a co-worker at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and a friend for decades.

Happy anniversary wishes to Bert and Linda Fischer on March 20.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Patricia Kelley, Lori Pollan, Ellen Reynolds, Annette Anthony, Renee Metell, Dan Sauer, Paul Galbraith, Dwight Kaeka, Aretha Taylor, Ned Casey, Cindy Doyle, Kristie Mayhew, Naanauwe Vanderhoop, Eloise Moreis-Boales, Hal Child, Rya Baird, Karen VanBrakle, Gary Foster, Liz Berardi, Jim Benoit, Mike Marshall, John Nelson, Polly Simpkins, Emma Mayhew, Stephanie Mashek, Jessica Oliver, Mason Jeffers, Lynne Silva, Anita Keegan and, last but not least, my nursery mates Faith West Williams, Rita Harrington, Peter Vincent and Doug Asselin.